What with Calipari's Cats attempting to grow into success and play their way off the NCAA bubble and the unexpected explosion of interest in Stoops-era football including the most exciting and relevant NSD in decades, plus the media domination of the Super Bowl, it's entirely likely that you missed a couple of New York Times pieces that should be of interest to Kentuckians.

First it's the NCAA's perhaps number one critic, Joe Nocera. This time he takes aim on not just the bureaucrats in Indianapolis but also raises once again the academic scandal at UNC-Chapel Hill. His focus is former Tar Heel footballer Michael McAdoo (now a member of Baltimore Ravens but not on active roster) who sued the NCAA and UNC to regain his eligibility. McAdoo has some interesting comments on the much maligned African Studies program and its relationship to the UNC athletic department. All in all interesting reading and adds fuel to the now smoldering issue.

Second is a restaurant review with more than a touch of Kentucky lore. My son who resides in Manhattan first told me about The Big Apple's newest eatery and said that it had a Kentucky flair and flavor but he was lost at its name: Maysville. Why Maysville I wondered and couldn't determine why until I read the review—it's the birthplace of Rosemary Clooney who knew and sang about a few food things, or as the reviewer writes:

I worked up a real appetite imagining all those figs and dates and grapes and cakes, not to mention the apple, plum and apricot-a, too. An enchilada with a fish baccala always sounded like a strange but thrilling combination; this would be my chance to find out. And if that was a disappointment, I could rebound with mangoes, papayas — anything my heart desires.

Take the time to read: Maysville In Manhattan.. You'll build up an appetite and have a new feel for The Commonwealth. Oh and, yes, bourbon is covered quite well. I already have reservations for August.