GET READY FOR GAMEDAY
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kentucky kernel February 14, 2014 | kykernel.com
A UK FAN DANCES WITH WILDCAT DURING ESPN COLLEGE GAMEDAY ON FEB. 23, 2013. STAFF FILE PHOTO
ESPN rolls into Rupp Arena on Saturdy as UK clashes with No. 3 Florida >> PAGE 4
Top love movies since 2000 timeout features
5. Before Sunset (2004) The middle installment of Richard Linklater’s threepart “Before” series is his best. In “Before Sunset,” Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) are nine years older and seemingly wiser since the first KYLE ARENSDORF time their paths crossed in Vienna, Austria. This film Kernel is very analytical in nacolumnist ture, as the two debate love, life and happiness in the series’ traditional format — before they must part again. 4. Lars and the Real Girl (2007) In his most underrated performance, Ryan Gosling plays the socially awkward shut-in Lars Lindstrom, who finds solace in his love for Bianca, a silicon sex doll he’s ordered. Now stay with me: This unlikely romantic narrative is not so much a story about the relationship of a man and his doll, but how the relationship affects his community and those around him. Lars loves Bianca and the community loves Lars. Therefore, the community
loves Bianca.
3. Lost in Translation (2003) Many people tell me that they don’t understand “Lost in Translation” because they don’t see any spike in narrative. The film, like its star Bob Harris (Bill Murray), simply exists. But that’s the beauty of it. Bob and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) relate to each other in their collective loneliness. The intrigue and empathy come from the realness of Bob and Charlotte’s characters as they operate within their refreshingly platonic relationship. Sofia Coppola wrote and directed this Tokyo romance that conspiracy theorists claim is a lens into her own dysfunctional marriage with director Spike Jonze. 2. Her (2013) “Her” navigates through a Los Angeles set about 20 years in the future. This coming-ofage tale illustrates the relationship between Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) and his new operating system named Samantha (Scarlett Johansson). Theodore has just gone through a divorce and is taking it pretty hard when Samantha enters his life. She begins to see what he sees, feel what he feels, and seeks
kernel. we do it daily. 2 | weekend timeout | 02.14.14
to learn everything she can about the world through these experiences. Theodore loves her drive and begins to thrive and bloom as a result. This out-of-the-box approach to a romantic narrative could have come off as a parody very easily, but in the careful hands of Spike Jonze, it became one of the best and most emotional films you’ll ever see.
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) “Eternal Sunshine” is another film that belongs in the “out of the box” category. Written by Charlie Kaufman (who won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay), this film takes you on a beautifully choreographed journey through the minds of its two stars, Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet). To reveal anything about this film’s plot would rob you of a unique movie-watching experience. Kaufman’s genius shines through, as he forces you to question his storyline even when you think you understand it. Even if you can’t understand all of the intricacies of the storyline on a single viewing, the message will still ring true — Love persists only in the memories that we keep of each other. Email karensdorf@kykernel.com.
Liggins’ charges dropped Felony charges have been dropped on former UK basketball player DeAndre Liggins, according to a report by KWTV News 9 in Oklahoma City. According to the Lexington HeraldLeader, Liggins was arrested Aug. 31 after he allegedly attacked his girlfriend in front of their 2-year-old son. Liggins faced charges of kidnapping, domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and domestic abuse in the presence of a minor, according to the Herald-Leader. Liggins was drafted in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. He played 17 games for the Magic during the 2011-12 season and 39 games for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012-13. He was then waived by the Thunder after his arrest. At UK, Liggins played three seasons from 2008 to 2011. During the Cats’ 2010-11 season, Liggins averaged 8.6 points, four rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. STAFF REPORT
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7DAYS UT
The best looks for the holiday ANYSSA ROBERTS
Kernel columnist
No date night is livelier or more memorable than one on Valentine’s Day. From drinks at the bar to dinner at your favorite Italian restaurant, I’ve got your date night outfits covered. Ladies first, of course. I chose four simple outfits to give women a sense of comfort, class and confidence on their big night out. Bar Date Ladies, this jaw-dropping outfit is simple and sexy. Try this red and white color combination or experiment with your favorite color sets. Concert Date This outfit is sleek and edgy in all black. Try a dark, monochromatic look for your concert date, and add dimension by playing with the textures of each piece. Romantic Dinner This elegant dress and heel combo makes the perfect outfit for a romantic dinner. The versatility of the color
palette invites creativity when you’re choosing accessories. Dinner and a Movie This date is about comfort while looking your best, and it doesn’t get more comfortable than a jersey dress with knee-high boots. Finally, the fellas. I chose four looks that will keep her eyes on you the entire night. Bar Date This outfit contains pieces most men have in their closets. With a few color changes, it is the perfect outfit for a drink at the bar. Concert Date This look is casual but eye catching. The sneakers and bomber jacket take the look from a typical T-shirt and jeans combo to another level of style. Romantic Dinner A slim suit and tie would look excellent on this date, but this simple variation of a formal suit and tie outfit is equally sleek and more comfortable. Dinner and a Movie This classic date deserves a soft and sincere look. A warm cardigan paired with leather boots will keep her eyes on you instead of the movie screen.
kentucky kernel Friday
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The four women’s outfits show a variety of styles, from a simple look for a night out to a long dress for a nice dinner.
15 Sunday
16 Monday
17 The men’s looks compliment each other well, ranging from a casual cardigan to a slim suit and tie.
opinions
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18 Wednesday
19 Thursday
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The Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra presents “Love.” 7:30-9 p.m. $20-70. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. finearts.uky.edu/singletarty-center. Wind Symphony Concert. 3 and 7:30 p.m. Free. Singletary Center for the Arts, 405 Rose St. finearts.uky.edu/singletary-center.
“Disney Junior Live.” 1 p.m., 4 and 6:30 p.m. $40.05 and up. Rupp Arena, 430 W. Vine St. rupparena.com. “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” A dialogue about how media and racism impact relationships, 5:30-8 p.m. Free. Student Center, 404 S. Limestone St.
Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screening. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Student Center, 404 S. Limestone St. ukhealthcare.uky.edu/uhs. “No Fire Zone” Film Screening. 7-9 p.m. Memorial Hall, 610 S. Limestone St. uksab.org.
Late Night Film Series presents “Thor: The Dark World.” 10 p.m. Free. Student Center Worsham Theater, 404 S. Limestone St. uky.edu/studentcenter/lnfs. 02.14.14 | weekend timeout | 3
UK RUNNING LOW ON TIME No. 3 Florida a chance to take big step NICK GRAY ngray@kykernel.com
UK’s most difficult conference opponent is coming to Rupp Arena, and head coach John Calipari cannot stop talking about the poor effort from his underclassmen. It’s been a saying for Calipari since he’s been at UK – the Cats will look like a “November basketball team” in November. His team will play like a team that has not gelled early on because the players have not been together as a team. Calipari’s end-point is that the team must grow into a cohesive unit by March. With four weeks left until Selection Sunday, the UK head coach’s frustration of his current team’s progression was clear in his post-game comments on Wednesday night after UK dispatched Auburn University, 64-56. “Come on. It’s time. It’s time. Enough. I can’t say it anymore. I’ve said it a thousand ways,” Calipari said about his team’s progres-
sion. Calipari’s frustration stems, he said, not from the poor shooting that has plagued the Cats in the past two games but from the way his freshmen react to missing shots. UK’s starting backcourt (freshmen Aaron Harrison, Andrew Harrison and James Young) has combined for 15-for-54 shooting in the last two games, both against teams near the bottom of the SEC defensive statistics. “At some point, if you want to be special, you have got to tie your emotions to our defense, our team defense and to your teammates and none of it tied to how you’re playing,” Calipari said he told his players on Wednesday. Auburn and Mississippi State University each shot under 40 percent against UK, but each of those teams cannot compare to the Cats’ next opponent – No. 3 University of Florida. Florida will bring experience and maturity – namely, four senior starters – to Rupp Arena. The Gators will also bring a plethora of defenses, from full-court pressure and a half-court man-to-man defense to a 2-3 zone.
UK has seen zone throughout the past week and the results have been mixed. Maturity is one thing UK can pick up over time. The problem: Time is the only thing Calipari and the Cats have lacked from the start. “I want them to do stuff that probably it’s not fair to ask of all freshmen,” Calipari said. “Normally it takes you two to three years to get (emotionally attached as a team). We’re on steroids. We got to do it in eight months.” “We’re asking to do the impossible.”
TYLER SPANYER tspanyer@kykernel.com
UK head coach Matthew Mitchell joined the crowd in welcoming Insell back to Memorial Coliseum. “(Insell) is a good friend of mine,” UK head coach Matthew Mitchell said. “I clapped with (the crowd), because he deserves it.” Personal fouls were the side story Thursday night. A total of 54 fouls were called in the game. All but one player played picked up a personal foul in the game. Mitchell said his team did a good job of responding to the game’s physicality. “We handled adversity better tonight,” Mitchell said. “More people played with some pep in their step tonight.” O’Neill caught fire in the secon d half, making all three of her 3-point attempts en route to scoring 19 of her team-high 27 points in the final 20 minutes. Stallworth recorded her second consecutive double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds in the win. “My teammates did a good job of finding me,” O’Neill said. The No. 18 Cats will next head to Knoxville, Tenn., where they will face off with No. 8 University of Tennessee in a pivotal SEC matchup.
College GameDay: version 2014 ESPN crew descends on Rupp for 3rd time in 5 years
GAME INFO Who: UK vs. University of Florida When: 9 p.m., Saturday Where: Rupp Arena Televised: ESPN
Hoops runs away from Ole Miss, 108-78
PHOTO BY EMILY WUETCHER | STAFF
DeNesha Stallworth shoots a layup against Ole Miss on Thursday. She tallied 19 poins and 11 rebounds. 4| weekend timeout | 02.14.14
In a game plagued by technical fouls UK Hoops was able to open the second half with a 15-3 run to pull away from the University of Mississippi for a 108-78 win. In the first half, the Cats took an early lead thanks to 3-pointers by senior forward DeNesha Stallworth and junior guard Jennifer O’Neill. The Cats extended their lead to as many as 14 in the first half. The Cats used a dominating run to start the second half, opening up a 20-point lead in just over three minutes of action. They used their transition game to extend the lead even further, finishing ahead by 30 points. The game marked the first time former UK assistant Matt Insell had returned to the Bluegrass after taking the head coaching job at Ole Miss last spring. Insell did, however, receive a technical foul midway through the first half. “I want to thank the Kentucky fans for the ovation they gave me before the game tonight,” Insell said. “It means a lot to me to come back and receive that kind of support. It was a real special moment for me.”
STAFF FILE PHOTO
UK head coach John Calipari and the ESPN College GameDay crew laugh at a clip of the Cats playing dodgeball in practice when the network visited Rupp Arena on Feb. 23, 2013. MATT OVERING movering@kykernel.com The Worldwide Leader in Sports is making another trip to Lexington, Ky. Set to broadcast in primetime at Rupp Arena for the third time in five years, ESPN coordinating producer Brett Austin said the College GameDay crew always looks forward to the visit. “Every place we go has its own story,” Austin said. “But Rupp Arena is one of the crown jewels of college basketball. To have the opportunity to do a show there, we’re chomping at the bit to do it.”
Chomping is exactly what UK fans will not want to see on Saturday. The Cats will play the University of Florida in what Austin considers the premier SEC game of the season. “For Florida at UK, this is the type of show we’ve been building for several weeks, several months,” Austin said. UK holds the attendance record at College GameDay when 22,144 fans showed up before UK played the University of Tennessee in 2010, according to UK Athletics. Austin predicted at least 15,000 to 20,000 fans to show up on Saturday. “The Big Blue Nation brings it every year,” Austin said. “We go to a lot of sites
where they’ll have up and down years. It seems like every year UK fans are passionate about their team.” That was shown last year, the only year that UK did not make the NCAA tournament under head coach John Calipari. UK hosted College GameDay when the University of Missouri came to Lexington on Feb. 23. The crowd that showed up for College GameDay was the highest of the season with 15,087 fans in attendance, according to UK Athletics. “It seems like every year the state of Kentucky is all about basketball,” Austin said. “Some SEC schools have football season and the ‘other’ season. That’s not the
same in Kentucky. Last year was a down year? We couldn’t tell.” Austin said that UK fans are great for television. “The atmosphere and intensity level at UK and inside Rupp Arena is incredible,” Austin said. “It doesn’t matter what kind of year UK is having, there are no down years at UK. The fans are totally engaged. For us doing a television show, there’s nothing better.” UK is a program that Austin says is “built for success.” “Any time we can get to Rupp Arena to do a show, we’re there,” Austin said. “We’re game.”
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UK blows out lowly Rebels Consistency from his players was something head coach Matthew Mitchell was looking for coming into UK Hoops’ matchup against the University of Mississippi. The Cats delivered it by shooting over 47 percent while holding the Rebels to 35 percent from the field in their 30-point victory. From the start of the game, UK had two goals to KEVIN achieve if it wanted to sucERPENBECK ceed against lowly Ole Miss: Play a full-court deKernel fense early and take better columnist shots. The Rebels struggled to get points for the entire game. The exceptions were junior guard Valencia McFarland, who had 21 points, and junior forward Tia Faleru, who scored 31. Despite their scoring outputs, McFarland and Faleru actually struggled against the Cats’ defensive pressure. After McFarland scored 15 in the first half, UK held her to six after the break. Meanwhile, Faleru scored almost half of her points from the free throw line while shooting just 8-for-23 from the field. The Cats came out determined to involve nearly every player on their roster in their offensive game plan. Junior point guard Jennifer O’Neill led the team with 27 points, going 5-for-7 from beyond the arc. Senior forward DeNesha Stallworth contributed as well, securing a double-double with 19 points and 11 boards. Overall, UK had four players score in double figures for the game, a stat that harps back to their 11-game win streak early on in the season. Mitchell said he noticed more of a pep in his players step tonight. “More players played well tonight,” Mitchell said. “Shooting the ball well helps you a whole lot. Instead of 2-for-16 from the three, we were 8-for-16. Then everybody gets fired up and gets a boost of confidence.” While the Cats played well from both sides of the court, it is important to remember that it was against the worst team in the SEC. Four more ranked teams remain on UK’s schedule. All are ranked higher than UK. If the Cats want to continue to hang in the top of the conference, they will have to sustain Thursday’s consistency. Getting the first two-game win streak since mid-January by defeating the No. 8 University of Tennessee on Sunday would be a start. 02.14.14 | weekend timeout | 5
timeout features Horoscope To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries ( March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Consider practical work issues. Don't waste time arguing with your partner. Focus on what you have in common and share love instead. Taurus ( April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — After this is next step is done, the rest will be easy. Don't forget a lesson learned the hard way. A new phase begins with today's Full Moon regarding your income. Gemini ( May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — One door closes and another opens. A Full Moon turning point arises regarding balancing social life, home and career. Your confidence rises too, as you work out the details. Cancer ( June 21-July 22) — Today is a 9 — Schedule quiet retreat or meditation time. A new phase begins with this Full Moon regarding finances. The best things in life are still free. Don't buy expensive gifts. Leo ( July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — The Full Moon brings a new phase in your self-image and confidence. Try a new style or haircut. Your magnetism draws others in. Stick with trusted techniques on an old job. . Virgo ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 7 — The Full Moon illuminates a new door in your priorities with a personal project.
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Mend and repair. Graduate to the next level. New facts erase old fears. Libra ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — A turning point develops regarding a contract, agreement or collaboration with today's Full Moon. Grow a partnership. Let somebody else challenge the status quo. Scorpio ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Step into a new endeavor. The Full Moon brings a turning point regarding career and status. Keep a low profile. Prepare a current budget. Sagittarius ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — A new opportunity arises with the Full Moon for travel or exploration. Include friends. You can be two places simultaneously, through fantasy or technology. Capricorn ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — A new opportunity for your family prosperity arises with the Full Moon. Share delicious flavors and handmade expressions of love. Aquarius ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — The Full Moon shines on a new phase in your partnership. You're gaining confidence... use it to acknowledge someone for who they are for you. It doesn't take grandiose gestures. Pisces ( Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — The Full Moon brings a new door for service and health routines. Take care of business, and refine your practices for efficiency.
MCT
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kernelclassifieds
Call 859.257.2871 to place an ad • Ads can be found at kykernel.com DEADLINE - 3 p.m. the day before publication
For Rent
1-9 Bedroom
1 Block from campus! 1BR and 2BR apartments! A/C and parking. Some with W/D hook-up. $430 and up. (859) 269-4129 or (859) 270-8724. 2, 3 and 4 BR/1.5-2.5 BA apartments for Fall 2014. Village at Richmond Woods. Hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, W/D, 2-car garage, patio. Pets allowed. Contact (859) 543-8931 or (859) 288-5601 or mprentals@netbusiness.com. 2-11BR HOUSES! By Campus! Huge rooms. Awesome yards/decks. Parking. All Appliances. Great service. $335-485/month. Jessie@KampusProperties.com. Call/Text (859) 333-1388. 3-6BR houses for rent. Walk to campus. Porches, parking, W/D, dishwasher. Very nice! Waller, State, University area. Choose early for best selection. Lease begins 8/1/2014. 539-5502. 5-6 BR houses, 1 block to UK! Preleasing for July/Aug. Walking distance to downtown, W/D, parking, some have 2 kitchens and 2 living rooms. Call (859)523-2363 or www.touchstonerentals.com. Great properties for rent, right next to campus. Call about our special rates! (859) 6193232. www.myuk4rent.com. New/nearly new 2-4BR homes. Only a few left. Very nice. Close to campus. From $349/person. www.lexingtonhomeconsultants.com. Contact James McKee at (859) 221-7082 or jwmckeebroker@msn.com. Pre-leasing for Fall 2014: 3 & 4 BR/2 BA. W/D, all appliances. Close to campus on Euclid. Off-street parking. Call (859) 619-3713. Wayne Michael is now pre-leasing 1-6BR houses for the Fall 2014 semester. http://www.waynemichaelproperties.com. (859) 513-1206.
1 Bedroom
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1BR/1BA apartment in Lansdowne. W/D, hardwood floors, offstreet parking. No pets, no smoking. Close to campus, quiet neighborhood. $600/month.Contact thicks74@yahoo.com or (859) 421-0731. 3BR/2BA newly refurbished condo, 1081 S. Broadway. $1,150. W/D, deck. All appliances furnished, private parking. No pets. Email jeri@jmmayes.com or call/text: (502) 6829473. Efficiency/1 BR, 1 block to UK! Preleasing for July/Aug. Walking distance to downtown. Starting at $385. Some include utilities, W/D, parking. Call (859) 523-2363 or www.touchstonerentals.com. UK/Chevy Chase. 1 BR, one person. $650/month. Bills paid. Hardwood, quiet area. Call (859) 539-3306.
2 Bedroom
2 BR, 1 block to UK! Preleasing for July/Aug. Walking distance to downtown. Starting at $395 per BR, W/D, parking. Call (859) 523-2363 or www.touchstonerentals.com. 2 BR/1 BA, 211 Waller Avenue. $950 per month, includes W/D, all utilities and WiFi. Call/text (859) 619-5454. Open House Saturday, Feb. 15. 12-3 p.m. 1441 N. Forbes Rd. 2 BR/1 BA apartments for rent. Completely renovated. W/D in every unit. Perfect layout for roommates!
3 Bedroom
3 BR for rent. W/D, dishwasher, walk to campus, off street parking. $1,125 per month. Call (859) 684-7549 or visit www.burtonproperty.net. 3 BR, 1 block to UK! Preleasing for July/Aug. Walking distance to downtown. Starting at $395 per BR, W/D, parking. Call (859) 523-2363 or www.touchstonerentals.com. 3 BR/3 BA house available. Walk to UK, lots of amenities. Spacious, modern, all electric construction. Call (859) 255-4188.
4 Bedroom
4 BR houses, 1 block to UK! Preleasing for July/Aug. Walking distance to downtown, W/D, parking. Call (859) 523-2363 or www.touchstonerentals.com. 4 BR/2 BA for rent. W/D, dishwasher, hardwood floors, off street parking. $1,600 per month. Five-minute walk to campus. Call (859) 684-7549. 4 BR/2.5 BA town homes for Fall 2014. Red Mile Square Townhomes. 2-car garage option, ceiling fans, W/D, deck or private patio. Walking distance to campus and restaurants. Contact (859) 543-8931 or (859) 288- 5601 or mprentals@netbusiness.com. 4 BR/4 BA house for rent, easy walk to UK. Private porch and enclosed patio, all electric. Call (859) 255-4188. 4BR/3 BA duplex half available August. Near campus on Crescent Ave. W/D, all appliances. Recently updated, new flooring. Parking. $1,400/month. Call Sarah (859) 559-2474. Campus-area properties, now leasing for Fall 2014. Contact Steve Finch at (859) 5199466, @UKCampusRentals or steve@lexingtonrentalhomes.net.
5 Bedroom
5 BR/3 BA house, with hot tub. Walk to UK, private porch and enclosed patio. All electric, utilities included. Call (859) 255-4188. 5BR/3BA duplex unit, 1551-B Heron Lane. Near campus, W/D, off-street parking, pets allowed. $1650. (859) 519-9466, @UKCampusRentals or steve@lexingtonrentalhomes.net.
Attention
BAHAMAS SPRING BREAK: $189 - 5 days. All prices include: Round-trip luxury party cruise. Accommodations on the island at your choice of 13 resorts. Appalachia Travel, 1-800-867-5018. www.BahamaSun.com.
Help Wanted
SUMMER DAY CAMP COUNSELOR POSITIONS AVAILABLE. Positions available in swimming, horseback, ropes, canoeing and arts and crafts. Apply at Camp Fair, Feb. 24 in UK Ballroom. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit www.pepperhillkidz.com.
Author needs secretary/nurse. Above minimum wage, permanent PT. Nursing skills important. Duties include dictation, computer work, some meal preparation, localarea errands. Good character references and English skills required. Respond to dukeventure1@aol.com. Lifeguards and pool managers needed. Professional Pool Management is hiring for clubs and waterparks in Lexington, Louisville, Richmond and Frankfort. $8– $15/hour. Email brad40965@aol.com for application. Local real-estate company seeks help turning vacant apartments and rental homes. Duties include basic home repairs, plumbing, changing electrical plates, switches, etc. Hourly wage $9-10/hour, depending on skills. Reliable transportation required. Flexible around classes, 15-20 hours per week. M/W/F availability. Potential for full-time over summer. Please email skills and class schedule to Sharon@AndersonCommunities.com. Researchers at the University of Kentucky are looking for individuals 21–45 years of age who have received a DUI in the last 2 years to participate in a study looking at behavioral and mental performance. Participants are compensated for their time and participation is completely confidential. For more information, call (859) 257-5794. Researchers at the University of Kentucky are conducting studies concerning the effects of alcohol and are looking for male & female social drinkers 21-35 years of age. Volunteers paid to participate. Call (859) 257- 5794.
Lost & Found
FOUND: Woman’s coat, jacket and two pairs of high heels. Left in the Designated Driver Van last weekend. Call Radar at (859) 3120175.
Professional Services
Moving service, 1-10 pieces. Great price on clean-up and debris removal. Sales, delivery of gravel, sand, mulch. Fully-insured, A+ BBB member. Call Brad (859) 229-4988.
The Kentucky Kernel is not responsible for information given to fraudulent parties. We encourage you not to participate in anything for which you have to pay an up-front fee or give out credit card or other personal information, and to report the company to us immediately.
02.14.14 | weekend timeout | 7
UK has leaders in 2014 timeout sports
When describing last season as a “failure of expectations” and “embarrassing,” junior centerfielder Austin Cousino accurately emulated what UK fans had said during the offseason: UK’s 2013 baseball season KEVIN was a failure. ERPENBECK After beginning the Kernel season as the No. 9 rated columnist team in the country, UK finished with a 30-25 record. What went wrong? Was it pitching? Not really, considering the overall earned run average only went up to 3.58 from 3.41 in 2012. Pitchers like thenjunior Corey Littrell and junior A.J. Reed continuously gave the team solid outings. Offense certainly played a part. The Cats batted an impressive .294 as a team in their 45-18 year in 2012. Contributions from Cousino and Reed helped the team have a “freshman pop,” according to Cousino. He won the SEC Freshman of the Year award with a staggering .319 average and Reed averaged .300 at the plate. The 2013 team regressed, however, as
Cousino had a sophomore slump with a batting average of .249 and Reed’s average shrank to .280, even with a team-leading 13 home runs. While the decrease in offensive numbers stand as fact, baseball games are not won solely at the plate. Was it the defense? If you ask Reed, it’s an aspect worth pointing out. “We didn’t have the best defense at times,” Reed said. The stat differential between the two seasons doesn’t exactly represent this dip in production that Reed spoke about (.003 fielding percentage difference and one less error committed in 2013). But the contrast defensively from 2012 to 2013 is unmistakable. Throws from the outfield were consistently missing the cutoff man, causing an extra base (and some runs) to be gained by the Cats’ opponents. This can actually be seen statistically with a decrease of 42 assists in 2013, a stat that incorporates the defensive help from the outfield. Cousino addressed the mentality of outfield defense being a main focal point during the offseason.
See full story at kykernel.com.