Former Kentucky coach Eddie Sutton to un-retire

ESPN reports that retired Oklahoma State University coach Eddie Sutton will coach San Francisco for the rest of the season.

Eddie Sutton is going to get another shot at his 800th victory.

The former Oklahoma State coach will come out of retirement to coach San Francisco for the remainder of the season in an attempt to win his 800th game.

Sutton's return was first reported by CBS Sports.com.

Sutton's 798 wins at Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Kentucky and Creighton are the fifth-highest total for any men's NCAA Division I basketball coach. When his victories at Tulsa Central High School and the College of Southern Idaho are included, he won exactly 1,000 games before retiring from coaching in May.

Sutton pleaded no contest to misdemeanor aggravated drunken driving and two other charges following a February 2006 car accident that prematurely ended his time on the sidelines.

Current Dons coach Jessie Evans will announce his resignation as coach later Wednesday, The Associated Press is reporting.

San Francisco has lost five of its last six games in addition to the NCAA suspension of one of its international players.

Today in Jewish history

Per AISH:
16 Tevet
In 1863, General Ulysses S. Grant was instructed to revoke Order No. 11, which had called for the expulsion of all Jews from Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi. During the Civil War, smugglers were illegally selling southern cotton to the northern textile factories. Grant, commander of U.S. Army forces, believed that Jews were primarily behind this illegal cotton trade, and he decided to expel all Jews from southern territory. Grant wrote: "No Jews are to be permitted to travel on the railroad southward from any point... The [region] must be purged of them." Based on Grant's orders, Jews were expelled from their homes, including 20 families from the town of Paducah alone. Some Jews were denied rail transportation and had to flee northward on foot. Those who did not cooperate were thrown into prison. Jewish community leaders immediately arranged a meeting at the White House with President Lincoln, who cancelled the expulsion order. Grant, who would later become U.S. president, never offered any explanation or apology.

No Place Else To Go Day

Yep, that's the life for us Jews during this time of year. Chinese and movies...seems like the only thing open today.

Go see Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story! It's frickin' hilarious! I saw it yesterday and absolutely loved it so I'm sure you will, too. For those that say that it crossed the line, it did not. Surely, you have seen the Airplane and Naked Gun movies, right?

Late Night Shows resume January 2nd or 7th

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno - January 2

"This has been a very difficult six weeks for everybody affected by the writers strike. I was, like most people, hoping for a quick resolution when this began. I remained positive during the talks and while they were still at the table discussing a solution "The Tonight Show" remained dark in support of our writing staff. Now that the talks have broken down and there are no further negotiations scheduled I feel it's my responsibility to get my 100 non-writing staff, which were laid off, back to work. We fully support our writers and I think they understand my decision."

"The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" is from Big Dog Productions in association with Universal Media Studios. Debbie Vickers is the executive producer.

Late Night with Conan O'Brien - January 2

"For the past seven weeks of the writers' strike, I have been and continue to be an ardent supporter of the WGA and their cause. My career in television started as a WGA member and my subsequent career as a performer has only been possible because of the creativity and integrity of my writing staff. Since the strike began, I have stayed off the air in support of the striking writers while, at the same time, doing everything I could to take care of the 80 non-writing staff members on Late Night.

Unfortunately, now with the New Year upon us, I am left with a difficult decision. Either go back to work and keep my staff employed or stay dark and allow 80 people, many of whom have worked for me for fourteen years, to lose their jobs. If my show were entirely scripted I would have no choice. But the truth is that shows like mine are hybrids, with both written and non-written content. An unwritten version of Late Night, though not desirable, is possible - and no one has to be fired.

So, it is only after a great deal of thought that I have decided to go back on the air on January 2nd. I will make clear, on the program, my support for the writers and I'll do the best version of Late Night I can under the circumstances. Of course, my show will not be as good. In fact, in moments it may very well be terrible. My sincerest hope is that all of my writers are back soon, working under a contract that provides them everything they deserve."

The Late Show with David Letterman - Meeting with writers to discuss an agreement
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson - Produced by Dave's company, Worldwide Pants
Jimmy Kimmel Live - January 2

"Though it makes me sick to do so without my writers, there are more than a hundred people whose financial well-being depends on our show. It is time to go back to work."

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - January 7

We would like to return to work with our writers," Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert said in a joint statement. "If we cannot, we would like to express our ambivalence, but without our writers we are unable to express something as nuanced as ambivalence."

The Colbert Report - January 7
Last Call with Carson Daly - Carson Daly is a no-good schmuck who came back early and crossed the picket lines.

Umm...Britney's a bad influence

I said it before it was even cool to say it. Britney Spears is a bad influence.

Jamie-Lynn Spears Is Pregnant at Age 16.

This is absurd to think that the Spears family makes the Simpsons look better. By Simpsons, I mean Jessica and Ashlee.

Umm...

Apparently, I'm a "political idiot."

I may be on record in support of Sen. Clinton. However, in all honesty, I want to see someone like Michael Bloomberg running for president.

I-66?

Is it worth it? No, it's not worth it.

What's the point in building in INTERSTATE if it doesn't connect TWO OR MORE STATES.

It's hogwash just like the unjustified plan to remove I-64 in the Ville.

A waste of taxpayer and federal money.

Hal Rogers, please resign.

Run for the Roses no more

Dan Fogelberg, who wrote the Kentucky Derby anthem, has died of cancer at the age of 56. May he rest in peace. As a tribute to the singer, here are the lyrics.

Run for the Roses
Born in the valley, raised in the trees
Of western Kengucky on wobbly knees
With mama beside you to help you along
You'll soon be a-growin' up strong

The long lazy mornings in pastures of grain
The sun on your withers, the wind in your mane
Could never prepare you for what lies ahead:
It's the run for the roses so red

And it's the run for the roses as fast as you can
Your fate is delivered, your moemnt's at hand
It's the chance of a lifetime in a lifetime of chance
And it's high time you joined in the dance

From sire to sire it's born in the blood
The fire of a mare, the strength of a stud
It's breeding and training and something unknown
That drives and carries you home

And it's the run for the roses as fast as you can
Your fate is delivered, your moment's at hand
It's the chance of a lifetime in a lifetime of chance
And it's high time you joined in the dance
And it's high time you joined in the dance

UK fans, take note...

From the Herald-Leader:

Tom Leach and Jeff Piecoro will call Kentucky's game against Florida State in the Music City Bowl.

That leaves UK needing a play-by-play announcer to work with Mike Pratt in the UK-Florida International basketball game.

Among the options being considered are the voice of the Cincinnati Reds, Marty Brennaman, former UK play-by-play man Ralph Hacker and Neil Price, who calls UK women's games.

When UK played Clemson in the Music City Bowl last year, the school moved a scheduled basketball game against Eastern Kentucky. But Florida International had too far to come and plans already made to accommodate a switch.

So UK will play Florida International at a noon tipoff and Florida State on a 4 p.m. kickoff.

You'd think Leach would face a quandary of which game to call if UK played a high-profile basketball opponent. Actually, he had pondered that scenario earlier this season. If Kentucky had played in the SEC football championship game, it would have conflicted with the basketball game against North Carolina.

Leach had decided to work the football game. "You finish what you start," he said.

Expect any game on the Big Blue Radio network to have a short post game show followed by the pre-game show for the next game.

The Names in the Mitchell Report

Connected by use or possession:
Chad Allen
Mike Bell
Gary Bennett
Larry Bigbie
Ricky Bones
Kevin Brown
Ken Caminiti
Mark Carreon
Jason Christiansen
Howie Clark
Roger Clemens
Paxton Crawford
Jack Cust
Brendan Donnelly
Chris Donnels
Lenny Dykstra
Matt Franco
Ryan Franklin
Eric Gagne
Jason Grimsley
Jerry Hairston
Phil Hiatt
Matt Herges
Glenallen Hill
Todd Hundley
Ryan Jorgensen
Wally Joyner
Mike Judd
David Justice
Chuck Knoblauch
Tim Laker
Mike Lansing
Paul Lo Duca
Exavier “Nook” Logan
Josias Manzanillo
Cody McKay
Kent Mercker
Bart Miadich
Hal Morris
Daniel Naulty
Denny Neagle
Rafael Palmeiro
Jim Parque
Luis Perez
Andy Pettitte
Adam Piatt
Todd Pratt
Stephen Randolph
Adam Riggs
Brian Roberts
F.P. Santangelo
David Segui
Mike Stanton
Ricky Stone
Miguel Tejada
Derrick Turnbow
Mo Vaughn
Ron Villone
Fernando Vina
Rondell White
Jeff Williams
Todd Williams
Kevin Young
Gregg Zaun

Internet allegations:
Rick Ankiel
David Bell
Paul Byrd
Jose Canseco
Jay Gibbons
Troy Glaus
Jose Guillen
Darren Holmes
Gary Matthews Jr.
John Rocker
Scott Schoeneweis
Ismael Valdez
Matt Williams
Steve Woodard

BALCO:
Marvin Benard
Barry Bonds
Bobby Estalella
Jason Giambi
Jeremy Giambi
Benito Santiago
Gary Sheffield
Randy Velarde

Why I'm for Andrew Horne

I should note that from a PR perspective, Col. Horne picked the worst possible day to announce his candidacy since there's a chance that it will be buried in the news due to the ongoing Bobby Petrino debacle and today's release of the George Mitchell Report to the Commissioner of Baseball of an Independent Investigation into the Illegal Use of Steroids and Other Performance Enhancing Substances by Players in Major League Baseball.

Andrew Horne represents a change for the Democratic Party. You can read my interview with him from this past September right here.

DS: You're a military veteran so how do you feel the Iraq situation needs to be handled. With our armed forces stretched so thin, what should happen in the event that America does something about Iran?
AH: There are no good answers in regard to Iraq only a list of bad ones. However, we must get beyond partisanship and think first of our children's future. Whatever we do we must have as solid a consensus as possible. The recommendations of the Iraq Study Group are a good place to start the debate, but the ultimate long term goal must be to remove all of our troops from Iraq. Because of the way we entered Iraq and have handled it since, any residual U.S. presence will be seen as an occupation by most Iraqis and the majority of the Arab world. In that vein, it will appear coerced if we were "asked" by the Iraqi government to keep troops in Iraq while we still had thousands of combat troops there. There should be no discussions concerning permanent bases in Iraq.

Concerning your question about Iran, in every matter concerning relations between nations the use of military force should only be a last resort. We must pursue every diplomatic and economic option. In the case of Iran we quite frankly have very few military options. We do not have the manpower to fight another ground war and the effect of air power alone is very limited - just look at "shock and awe." Under these circumstances we must avoid a shooting war at all costs because our choices are either a small interdiction to address the support to the Iraqi Shi'ia Militias, which is akin to stirring-up a hornet's nest, or an attempt at a knock out blow. Neither option would do much for our standing in the world and would not be in our long term National Security interests.

Horne may be considered a long shot by some but he is the candidate, in my opinion, that can knock Mitch McConnell off his throne.

Nobody has forgotten how South Dakota Republicans brought in Bill Frist to take out Tom Daschle. Mitch, I've got some news for you. We will OUST you by all means necessary. Lest, you forget this quote that you made:

Nobody is happy about losing lives, but remember, these are not draftees; these are full-time professional soldiers."

Breaking News: Andrew Horne announces Senate candidacy

The following press release was just issued by Andrew Horne:
Louisville, KY – Lt. Colonel Andrew Horne (Ret.) launched his campaign today to take back the U. S. Senate seat for the people of Kentucky, now held by Mitch McConnell. Horne, while a Marine and Reservist, served tours of duty in Desert Storm and recently in Iraq. Horne outlined his decision to run and what he plans to focus on as Senator in a video released on the internet this morning.

You can watch the video at www.AndrewHorne.org. The full text of it is available on the site, as well.

“I’m running for U.S. Senate because it's time for a change and because Senator Mitch McConnell is more than part of the problem. He is THE problem. It is time for Kentuckians to take our government and country back. We should not be told to take a backseat to the wealthy and powerful. It's time to tackle the challenges facing our country instead of passing them off to our kids. It's time for leaders who'll take the right stand,” Horne says in the video.

“Mitch McConnell, the Republican Leader, symbolizes everything wrong with Washington. He bows to big business, practices the worst kind of politics, and doesn’t take a stand when faced with tough issues. Simply put: Mitch McConnell carries George Bush’s water on Iraq; I carried a rifle in Iraq” he added.

Horne noted that under the Bush-McConnell regime, Washington politicians have:
-failed to fix our health care crisis;
-sent our jobs to China and Mexico;
-failed to lead on immigration reform;
-ran up a nine trillion dollar debt for our children, and
-led our country into an ill-conceived and mismanaged war in Iraq.

Horne also noted yesterday that the Bush-McConnell obstructionism has continued to hinder progress, pointing to the latest example, the President’s veto of S-Chip fully supported by McConnell.

In the coming weeks and months, Horne will lay out his proposals to benefit the people of the commonwealth.

Groucho Marx Old-School Quote of the Day

"I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book."
--Groucho Marx

Guest Post: Steve Beshear's Inaugural Address

The following is presented to you by...wait, this isn't a television show...the following was delivered this afternoon by Kentucky's 61st Governor Steven Lynn Beshear

Once more, our Commonwealth is at a crossroads. The course we set out upon today will help to determine whether or not we pass on to our children and grandchildren a Kentucky that’s better and more prosperous, and more promising than the one we live in today.

We can choose the path of least resistance; the status quo.

Or, we can choose the path of progress. This path will involve new thinking and new ideas. It will require cooperation and patience. And it will demand courage.

The status quo is unacceptable to me. There’s too much to do. We need to act.

We often look to the past to find clues to the future. Our challenge as Kentuckians is to hold fast to the values that embody Kentucky’s past, and learn from them as we create our own future.

Kentucky was America’s first frontier. The first state west of the Appalachians.

Our ancestors succeeded by creating opportunities, working hard, building communities, and putting their faith in God and in each other. That is the legacy they left to us.

We need to get back to those values so that we can be proud of the legacy we leave to our own children.

However, in many ways, the Kentucky of today has stood still while others have moved forward.

When it comes to economic and educational opportunities, Kentucky has fallen behind.

When it comes to investing in our people, we’ve too often fallen short.

When it comes to hope for the future, we’ve become resigned to watching helplessly as many of our children move to other states where better opportunities beckon them.

But it doesn’t have to stay that way. If we address the challenges that face us, and take bold steps to meet them, I believe that we can make Kentucky America’s Next Frontier.

A frontier of imaginative solutions.

A frontier for new technology and new industries.

A frontier that protects the environment, while creating opportunities.

A frontier that attracts entrepreneurs, tourists, retirees.

A frontier that keeps our own graduates right here at home.

My administration will be about our shared future. We have a responsibility to work together and I have a responsibility to lead. I take that responsibility seriously because our prosperity is at stake.

I ask everyone in this great commonwealth of ours — Democrat, Republican and independent, white, black and brown, from Pikeville to Paducah, from our bustling cities to our small towns, to our farms both large and small — to join hands with me in meeting this challenge.

We have just come through the time-honored American rite of a hard-fought campaign; as a result, it is easy to see what divides us. Instead, what I want to see, and what I do see today, is what unites us.

As Kentuckians, and as Americans, we share the same basic values.

We’re passionate about our freedom, we celebrate our differences, we cherish our faith, and we love our families.

Our history is filled with examples of overcoming division. During the Civil War, our Commonwealth was split between those siding with the Confederacy and those favoring the Union.

The years following the war were hard, but our ancestors came together to build the foundation for a modern Kentucky. Eventually, they worked through their differences for the sake of the future.

It’s time to focus again on what unites us. Only then will we achieve truly great things.

Abraham Lincoln, whose 200th birthday we will begin to celebrate 2 months from now, said in his first presidential inaugural address:

“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break, our bonds of affection.”

Lincoln’s plea for unity in 1861 is no less relevant today. While we have made extraordinary progress as a people since that time, we still must work to overcome our differences and not allow them to impede our progress.

Sixty years earlier, in his 1801 inaugural address, Thomas Jefferson said: “Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.”

Now, some may disagree with me on opinions, but let’s agree on principles and goals.

We can accomplish much over the next four years, but only if we work together for the common good.

Only if we’re open about the challenges we face and honest about the solutions.

Only if we’re open to new ideas and new ways of thinking.

Only if we put the interests of all Kentuckians ahead of the interests of political parties, individuals and special interests.

The great Kentucky Senator Henry Clay once said:

“Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees. And both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people.”

Let us remember those wise words as we begin the difficult and exciting task of creating a new Kentucky for the 21st Century.

A Kentucky where the youngest among us have expanded learning opportunities that will serve a lifetime;

A Kentucky where the oldest among us are not forced to choose between food and medicine;

A Kentucky where citizens trust that their leaders are doing the people’s business, not their own;

And a Kentucky where it doesn’t matter if an idea is a Democratic idea or a Republican idea, as long as it’s a good idea.

My administration will be looking for good ideas to help Kentucky innovate and become a leader among the states.

I expect to earn your trust, not to simply be given it. I expect my administration to be accountable — and it starts at the top, with me.

That’s why one of my first official acts as governor will be to require all my top appointees to take extensive training in laws relating to ethics and the merit system, and to pledge to follow them.

In addition, one of my first proposals to the legislature will be a package of new ethics laws to govern us — increasing penalties for violating the ethics code, strengthening protections for whistleblowers, and changing the way appointments to the Ethics Commission itself are made.

We need to get our own house in order before we can be trusted to do the people’s business. I look forward to working with legislators of both parties to pass tough new ethics and accountability standards we can all be proud of.

We’ve seen too often what happens when the people don’t trust their government. Enacting new ethics standards will help to regain some of that trust.

So will governing effectively, efficiently and with humility. This, I pledge to you.

And that starts with being honest about the serious challenges we face as I take office today.

The current state of the economy means that we will need to be jealous guardians of the public’s money. We will need to make difficult choices and set clear priorities. We will need to show the courage to cut back where we can now in order to invest in what we must in the future.

My priorities are ones we all share: investing more in the education of our people to better prepare them to compete in the global economy; creating more opportunities by attracting better paying jobs throughout Kentucky, in industries that promise long-term growth not just for today’s workers but also for tomorrow’s; and making health care more affordable for all our people so that every family can provide their children the care they deserve, and so that no senior need go without the medications they need.

We must address these challenges if we are to preserve and protect our quality of life and build the future that we all hope for. …

A future where our children don’t need to move away to find good-paying jobs with benefits.

A future where new ideas will create new opportunities and new industries.

A future where Kentucky is competing not just with our neighbors, but with the world.

I see Kentucky as one big family. We may have our disagreements, but we share the same values and we want what’s best for our children and our grandchildren. And we want to keep our families together.

Wouldn’t it be something if we could build a Kentucky that our children would not want to leave and that would attract many others because of the opportunity we would offer them here?

The Bible states, in Jeremiah, chapter 31, verse 17:

“So there is hope for your future,” declares the LORD. “Your children will return to their own land.”

That, my friends, would be something!

This inauguration is a new beginning. Now is the time to put aside our preconceived notions and our ideologies.

Instead, let us strive to work with those who differ with us and forge new alliances. Let us consider new ideas and revisit old ones. Let us demand excellence and honesty. And let us listen. For if we listen, we will never forget why we’re here or who we’re here to serve.

I will never forget that I serve the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Thank you. G-d bless you.

Now let’s get to work!

Jews prefer Clinton and Giuliani for President

A recent American Jewish Committee poll shows that Jewish voters overwhelmingly prefer Senator Hillary Clinton and former New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani for President during next year's 2008 elections.

U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Rudy Giuliani come in first and second in approval ratings in a poll of American Jews.

Clinton, the front-runner among Democrats, scored 53 percent in this year’s American Jewish Committee poll. Giuliani, the former New York mayor and a front-runner among Republicans, received a 41 percent favorable rating.

Giuliani was ahead -- albeit within the margin of error of 3 percentage points -- of two other Democratic front-runners, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, who tied at 38 percent.

Such a staunch showing for a Republican is unusual in a community that trends strongly Democratic.

Respondents broke down into 58 percent Democrat, 26 percent independent and 15 percent Republican, diverging from the third-third-third breakdown that is the norm in general population polls. The phone survey of 1,000 Jewish Americans was conducted Nov. 6-25.

Ami Eden examines some of the survey's findings.

Crit Luallen: Not a Senate candidate

Crit Luallen has released a statement saying that she will not be a candidate for the US Senate in 2008.

"While I have been honored that so many respected state and national leaders have encouraged me to consider running for the United States Senate in 2008, I have no plans to enter the race. I have just been re-elected as State Auditor and look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Kentucky in that capacity. The polls show that Mitch McConnell is certainly vulnerable and Kentuckians are ready for a change. I am confident that Democrats will field a strong candidate next year."

That leaves us with the strong possibility of a Horne-Stumbo matchup.

Exclusive Interview with Steve Hofstetter

Danielle Solzman: Steve, thanks for joining the Kentucky Democrat today. How are things going with you?
Steve Hofstetter: It's going well. I just shoveled snow for the first time since I was a kid. It's not as much fun when there's no hot chocolate waiting for you afterwards, but I still felt all nostalgic.

DS: When did you decide that you wanted to be a comedian and why did you make such a decision?
SH: Six months after I was a comedian. At first I just did it because it was fun and a way to pay rent. But laughter is a drug, and I realized I was pretty good at it. During a show at MIT, the openers were eating it, and I was waiting to go on. I actually wanted to go on even though the crowd sucked. There's an old sports cliché, “winners want the ball.” That was the first time in my life I ever wanted the ball.

DS: Jewish parents often brag about their children being lawyers or doctors, how often do you hear parents bragging about their children being a comedian?
SH: Jewish parents, all the time. Because we have Seinfeld and Jackie Mason. We also have a billion others, but those are the two my parents’ friends have heard of.

DS: You wrote a book, National Lampoon Balls! An In Your Face Look at sports , this past year. Given the title, when you inscribe it to someone, do you sometimes feel sick in your stomach?
SH: Not at all - I try to have a sense of humor about all things. If I didn't think “enjoy my Balls!” was funny, I wouldn't have written the book.

DS: How did you get the idea to write that book?
SH: I've been a sports fan for my whole life. And to me, there's nothing funnier than how seriously people take sports. There's never been a sports book that valued humor over information. It's usually a bit funny, but mainly sports. This is a bit sports, but mainly funny.

DS: What’s the day in the life of a touring comedian like?
SH: It’s different for all of us. For me and my guys (Denis Donohue and Phil Mazo), I usually wake up around 9 or 10, and check my email and write til they get up at 12 or 1. They go running while I check my email (we all have different types of laziness), then we all go eat. We drive 4-5 hours to the next gig, and en route we listen to Sirius, play Guitar Hero, and check our email. We do the gig, and either party after or go back to the hotel and watch Family Guy. And then we do it again the next day.

DS: At an average show, how many people come up after the show ends and tell you that you’re a friend of theirs on sites like MySpace and Facebook?
SH: Usually 5-10. Most realize that I won't recognize them. Occasionally, someone is offended that I don't remember them. “Come on, you don't recognize me? I'm the person that emailed you once two years ago, you know, with the picture of the cat instead of my face.”

DS: Do you think that social networking sites are helpful to aspiring comedians when it comes to building a name for themselves amongst the fans?
SH: Certainly, they're democratic. I'm rising because people are telling their friends to check out my stuff. The internet is about what people think is funny, not what TV execs think is funny.

DS: With all the “friends” that you have, when do you think you will be appearing on the late night shows…if they ever get back into production again?
SH: I am in the final stages for two of them, so if they go back to production, I’d guess I’ll be on at least one of em in 2008. But it's such a crap shoot that it's hard to say.

DS: You graduated from Columbia University, right? What did you do there to further your comedic career?
SH: Yup. While there, I joined a fraternity, not because I thought i should but because it was 30 of the funniest guys I'd ever met. They influenced me more than most things to develop a sense of humor. And I had to be quick - we were vicious.

DS: You’re a Mets fan, correct?
SH: Yup.

DS: What the heck happened to them this season?
SH: Rickey freaking Henderson.

DS: After Endy Chavez stole a home run from Scott Rolen, did you think that the 2006 NLCS series was over?
SH: No, I'm not silly enough to think that its over until 3 out in the bottom of the ninth. Or after if it’s an extra inning game. I also didn’t see it live - I had a gig that night and had to get score updates on my phone. Denis left after his set to watch - the bastard.

DS: What do you tell people when they ask you for advice on starting a career in comedy?
SH: Shut up and do it. There's no “I'm thinking about it.” It doesn't hurt to try it. And the stage is not for every body. If you're a great writer but can't think on your feet, you won't be a good comic. If you can think on your feet but can't write, you won't be a good comic. Comics are a combination actor, writer, and improver, and if you aren't all three, just be what you are. Also, you will not be famous tomorrow. For every laugh you get, there’s a thousand other guys getting bigger laughs than you. Check your ego at the door, prepare for 5-10 years of struggle, and get up on stage already.

DS: Why do you think Jews are so successful in comedy?
SH: Humor is honored in the Jewish tradition, all the way back to the Rabbi Baal Shem Tov. Rabbis usually insert jokes into sermons - certainly way more often than priests.

DS: Jon Stewart or Bill O’Reilly?
SH: Definitely Jon Stewart. Unless the question is “Which one would you like to get skull fucked by fire ants.” Then definitely Bill O'Reilly."

DS: Jack Benny or Groucho Marx?
SH: Groucho. Jack Benny was funny for his time, but Groucho's stuff endures.

DS: Thanks for joining the Kentucky Democrat. Have a happy Chanukah. Is there anything you would like to plug before leaving?
 SH:  I have a new CD coming out in the next few weeks, recorded live in Louisville. We just mastered it and we're sending it off today. Stay tuned. And Happy Hanukkah back atcha.

Back to Nashville! Kentucky Wildcats to face Florida State in Music City Bowl

It's official! The University of Kentucky Wildcats have accepted a bid to play Florida State in this year's Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl presented by Bridgestone.

The University of Kentucky football team will be spending its New Year’s Eve bowling in Nashville.

The Wildcats are headed to the Music City Bowl for the second consecutive season and will face Florida State on Monday, December 31 at 4 p.m. at LP Field.

UK finished the regular season at 7-5. Kentucky beat Clemson 28-20 in last year’s Music City Bowl.

Florida State is coached by the legendary Bobby Bowden, who is the winningest coach in Division I-A football. Bowden’s 20 bowl wins are two shy of the bowl record, and he led the Seminoles to its 25th consecutive bowl last season.

Bowden has won two national championships at FSU (1993 and 1999) and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame last December.

The Seminoles also finished the regular season at 7-5. They were 4-4 in Atlantic Coast Conference league play.

Tickets are now on sale at all Ticketmaster outlets and at ticketmaster.com. Fans can also call the Music City Bowl office at 615-743-3130 for more information or to purchase packages.