Ok, so I’m back on Twitter. Had to change my name as when I deleted it I was done forever, and that being the case, so is the name. So now I’m @scotpollard31 This website will most likely be gone in a few months, so Twitter will be my sole outlet for mind droppings (as the late great George Carlin used to call them)

WOW! Rubbed elbows with wine collectors from all over the world this weekend at Napa auction 2010. There were a couple of lots I had my eye on, but within a few seconds they were WAAAAYYYY out of my price range. Very fun times though, as I got to meet Eric Stonestreet from Modern Family as well as many of my favorite winemakers. Also go to see some of my favorite wine makers again. I had a pass that wasn’t partial access, wasn’t mostly access. It was ALL access. No one stopped me from going anywhere I wanted to go, most importantly to the bathroom! One of those trips that makes me feel so lucky to have friends in high places! Thank you Marcus and Kathy! See ya soon!

You don't always see this on a wine list...

Yes, I quit twitter. It took up too much of my precious time. After all, I’m fully working two hours a week at my radio show, Rock Chalk Sports Talk,(1320 am, or KLWN.com 4-6 central on thursday) and raising my kids. I’m busy!

Heading to Napa on Friday, the 4th. Looking forward to a great weekend and tasting (ok chugging) some fantastic wine. I would put a picture up right now, but I’m too busy packing. Here’s a thought for all you liberals that think all of our freedoms were and can be negotiated with words and not violence.
It’s the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press.

It’s the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.

It’s the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

It’s the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

I’m not a religious man, but god bless america, we need hope and faith now almost as much as we did when the Nazi’s threatened the world. Make no mistake, we are at war for our freedoms right now!

I think Facebook is gay. And by gay, I don’t mean any harm to homosexual people. If you’re offended by the random use of that term to describe something silly or lame, then you have too much free time, or you aren’t comfortable with your sexuality. But I digress. Facebook is myspace for adults. I actually had to join myspace because there were so many people on there claiming to be me, and telling people weird stuff about me, that I would meet them at a bar, concert, or just flat out abusing my name. Anyway, the only way I could block them was to join. With Facebook, I have discovered the same thing is true, that there are a few people claiming to be me on there. It’s not. I promise. I have had very good friends that have “friended” me on there, thinking that I finally broke down and joined. And one even argued with me that it was me on facebook and that I was just pulling his leg!

Do you know what that is like? A close friend has been duped and thinks they are talking with me online, and giving out personal details of evenings/vacations/parties/etc that we have had. I’m not mad at my friends, though they should know I’m not on Facebook. I’m not even mad at the people who say they are me on facebook/myspace/mars, whatever. It’s just scary that there is that much personal information being passed around about all of us without our knowledge.

After joining myspace and realizing I only got rid of a couple people, I decided to let it slide. Really, who cares? It’s a little flattering anyway. Confusing as to why someone would want to say they were me, but flattering. And gay. I want to keep in touch with my friends on my phone and in person. If I want to send my friends some pictures, I will email them, or tell them to look at my website if they forgot what I look like. Sometimes my friends will tweet me, and I respond with a text, cuz I think if we are gonna have a friend conversation, it should be between us friends. And yes, I get the irony that I’m such a big twitter freak and am talking smack about the other social networking sites. By the way, linked in is another one I don’t want any part of. Too much info out there already about the former number 31, 62, and 66. I’ll keep in touch with people I want to on a more personal basis, thanks! (I’ve actually been thinking lately that I’m gonna quit Twitter too)

So, to recap. Facebook/Myspace=gay. Scot=not a homophobe. I also use the word retard. When Politically Correctness gets in the way of society, then we move closer to socialism. I don’t like everything everyone has to say, but I’d rather let them say it and ignore them than not allow them to express their opinions. But that’s another blog. (i hate that word, yet I use it, sue me!)

It’s been a while since I’ve written anything on here.

First off. John Emerson, I did say that. And it was true. I think Cleveland signed me to sit on the bench and shut up. At the end of the year, I knew they didn’t want me back, I missed the post season physical, and team meeting (which players who aren’t going to be on the team the following year NEVER attend) they fined me. It was kind of a kick in the ass out the door. Oh well, I still love the owner and the coaches. The team was the best chemistry-having team I had been on since the Kings. I definitely enjoyed my time there in the mistake by the lake.

It’s Friday. I got back from Las Vegas this wednesday. Had a boys trip out there, and it was goooooood times. Contrary to my rep, and even what a lot of my friends think, it’s not that crazy. We go sunday to wednesday, because there are less people. We also don’t like clubs, people, or Mike Tyson. He punches people that steal his tiger’s. We used to golf, but stopped that practice when we realized that humans aren’t supposed to consume that much alcohol and then go walk around in 100+ degrees. Not smart. Also, you have to be married to go, since single guys usually want to do a lot of things us married guys don’t do, like clubs, people, Mike Tyson.

I’d like to pontificate in writing a lot more about my trip and feelings right now, but I’ve gotta go pick up my kids at school. Later gators!

Hangover Shmangover...

So I’m gonna be a little too personal. If you don’t wanna hear about my buttcrack, stop reading right now! I’ve had a little lump at the top of my buttcrack for a few years now. It was round, sometimes painful, and in the last year or so started to change shape, kind of like it grew a tail. So I finally went to a Dr. last week, who referred me to a Surgeon, as it was a little bigger than he wanted to mess with himself. As it turns out, it was a good thing I went to a surgeon!

I went in yesterday, Monday the 5th of April. I’m thinking it’s something like an ingrown hair gone wild. No big deal. A little slice, a squeeze, and I’ll be on my way. WRONG! He took a look and told me it could be one of 3 different types of growths. All of which require excision. (that means he has to cut it out, kids) I said go for it, I haven’t been cut on in a while, let’s do this! (still thinking it’s gonna be a quick deal) He pulls out a needle to numb me, and he says, while I’m laying on my stomach, naked from the waist down, with a drop cloth over my legs, standing directly over my backside… “I’m gonna give you all of this!” I started laughing so hard, he had to stop poking me with the needle cuz I was making more holes than needed! So I composed myself by not thinking of lots of jokes myself and my friends were gonna be telling about this day. Plus the needle stung a little.

He cut me open, took out the main “thing”, (that’s the technical term) and asked if I wanted to see it. UH, DOY! so the nurse brings it around and I couldn’t believe how big and ugly it was. It was only about the size of a quarter, but spherical. Still, though, pretty big for something I’ve been sitting on for years. He then mentioned he had to get the “stalk” as he called it. The “tail” as I called it. A few seconds later, he showed me the tail, about an inch long, half inch wide. Stitched me up, and I’m good and numb, thinking that no problem, I can still hit the Royals home opener.

WRONG! I was fine on the ride out there. But then I sat down at the game, and thought, hhmmm. I asked my friend to check, and yup, I bled through my jeans. I immediately went to s souvenir shop, bought a tshirt, and stuffed it down the back of my pants to cover up the blood. Blood looks suspiciously like poop, so in the mean time, I probably had some people thinking I had sharted. Anyway, as the day went on, I got less numb, and therefore more in pain. I finally gave up, and decided to drive home. LONG DRIVE!! I was in pain like I haven’t experienced in a while, plus I had to SIT on it to drive home. Got home, cleaned up, and took some pain pills.

So that was my Monday! Have a great week!

I should have known the minute we were delayed leaving Kansas City. Heading to Charlotte to spend the night, we were delayed two hours. It was raining in Charlotte. We arrived ok, a couple hours late. However, it seemed to put a chain of events in motion as follows:

The next morning as planned we were to leave for St. Maarten, and from there take a boat to Anguilla for a week of relaxation and fun in the sun with the kids. Upon turning my mobile phone on, I recieved a message from USAIR that our flight was cancelled. Being in Charlotte with a cancelled plane isn’t quite as comforting as being in your home state and having your flight cancelled. So I called USAIR and very calmly asked what they were going to do. They had already booked us on a flight to St. Thomas. And then another flight, 5 hours later, on a local St. Thomas airline, called Liat, to St. Maarten. So we lost a day in Anguilla, big deal, but no hotel reservation in St. Maarten. With no place to stay in St. Maarten, I had to call and charter a boat to get us from St. Maarten to Anguilla, plus ask them if they could keep customs open for us in Anguilla, since they normally close at 6. “Sure, no problem, man, there will be a fee associated with that of course.” Of course.

We got to the airport in Charlotte, and found out that instead of 5 first class tickets direct to St. Maarten, we would be flying coach to St. Thomas in seats spread around the plane. Further, the plane from St. Thomas to St. Maarten was a small propeller plane, which the Mrs. is deathly afraid of. Not to mention our kids are 11, 7, and 2. 11, ok, she can sit alone, but 7 and 2, we had to ask some people, and they were cool about switching seats with us. Also, the flight attendant, Muriel, heard our sob story and treated us very well. (Thank you so very much Muriel, and I apologize for not getting your last name so that I can mention you more clearly to the airline when I call to commend them on your service!)

After just under 4 hours cramped in coach next to my 2 year old who didn’t like the idea of being awake, nor did he want to sleep, I was beat. But, still, having had a few drinks, and being on the way to paradise, I still was in good humor. Found a great little bar/restaurant near the airport and walked over to hang out for our 5 hour layover. We got back to the airport, checked in, and the flight left about 45 minutes late. Kids are exhausted at this point. Luckily, Mrs. had had a few drinks and did just fine on the small plane.

When we arrived at St. Maarten, we had a guy met us and get us to a taxi. Since we had landed on the Netherlands side, and customs was closed, we had to taxi over to the french side to clear customs. (I might have switched the two countries there.) We did that, and then got on a boat to Anguilla, where they held customs open for us, again for a fee. At least there was no lines!

Now I know this story so far sounds like I’m complaining. It was actually a pretty painless day. The kids acted pretty well, considering, and we were lucky to run into Muriel, as well as the restaurant which gave us a place to relax and commiserate with other passengers in similar situations. When we arrived at the hotel, the Frangipani, the restaurant was closed. The chef hadn’t left and was kind enough to make us some quick snacks since we were hungry and there were no other options for food close by.

The next day we woke up in Anguilla, and the previous day was completely erased. What a spectacular hotel, island, people, beach, weather, everything! WOW! I’ve been to some pretty cool places in my day, and this place is the first one that I booked a return trip while still on property!

So the week was a blast. We got back on the plane in St. Maarten, and had an easy flight back through Charlotte, customs was a breeze, although my 2 year old peed himself in line and kept yelling, “I peed, I peed!” Parents around us got a kick out of that, non parents were grossed out. Easy flight back to KC.

Then we looked outside. Took us 2 hours to drive home to Lawrence, due to the blizzard. Easily 10 cars and trucks were on the side of the road, flashers on. Scary drive. This is where the first flight looks like an omen. Its still snowing, 24 hours later, and my Jayhawks lost.

KU, who was picked as the number one overall seed, lost in the second round to a talented, hungry team in Northern Iowa. I’m proud of the boys for the season. Just disappointed in the effort tonight. I wish that Sherron had played better in his last game as a Jayhawk. For his own sake more than KU. Same for Cole, since it was most likely his last game as a Jayhawk too. I know what it is like to play bad in your last college game. I was in foul trouble, and spent most of the game watching us come back and fall short at the buzzer.

Kansas basketball will be good in the future, but for now I will not listen to “there’s always next year.” I’ve choked on those words a lot in my long career, which is a small part of the reason that though I wasn’t on the active roster, I retired a champion with the Celtics. It helps me swallow the bitter pill of season after season of being on teams in high school, college, and the pros that ALL played in the post season, yet fell short of the ultimate goal. (the only exception being my rookie year in Detroit)

Good luck to the rest of the teams in the big 12. I can’t say I will be paying much attention to the tournament from here on out. Here’s some pics of my trip.

While I was working out this morning (not because I care what I look like but because my life is so great I want to enjoy it forever!) sportscenter was on and I saw on the ticker that Gilbert Arenas has been suspended for the season.

I had to stop running. Not out of shock but because I started laughing at the Dave Chappelle skit that would certainly be following this colossal lapse in judgement. Since Dave himself decided to deprive us of his comedic talents, I’ll do my best to recreate one of my favorite skits of his, and insert Gilbert into the starring role.

WHEN KEEPING IT REAL GOES WRONG:

Gilbert Arenas is playing cards with his teammates. Over a few games, he begins to run a pretty big debt with one of them. Javaris Crittenton, knowing that Gilbert makes a GIANT salary, begins to question his teammates’ lack of payment. It goes from jovial jokes to the point of threats.

At this point, Gilbert has a choice. He can; A) no matter the size of the debt,  wait two weeks at the very most for one of his GIANT paychecks to arrive and thus be able to write Javaris a check and pay off the debt. OR B) He can “keep it real”

Gilbert chooses to “keep it real” by bringing not one, not two or three, but FOUR guns to the arena. During yet another argument Gilbert decides to pull one of his guns on Javaris. This is not only in violation of  an NBA rule he has previously been suspended for, but also a CIVIL law that requires a gun to be legally licensed. This prompts Javaris to bring his OWN gun out, which results in a stand off “real gangsta” style.

Gilbert and Javaris have been suspended for the remainder of the season. This means that by “keeping it real” these two have forfeited the rest of this season’s salary, as well as the ability to practice and travel with the team. If money was tight for either of these two before, then it’s about to get tighter. The Wizards are considering voiding the rest of Gilbert’s $111 contract, which still has 4 years left. This means that in all, Gilbert may cost himself over $80 million in order to “keep it real.”

I keep it real

So glad the Jayhawks beat the Tigers last night! Always good to win the border showdown. Went to West Franklin Middle school yesterday and spoke to the 6-12th graders. We shared some stories, had a few laughs. I told them to work hard in school or you wind up living in a van down by the river.  Good times!

Going on the radio today as opposed to Thursday. Why? Because Joel Branstrom, a fellow Jayhawk from the 1997 team, hit a half court shot blind folded! Hit my twitter page and the link to the video and his espn interview are on there. Or click here.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJdmlKf36ZY

I wanted to be in on the local interview, so I switched with Bud, and now I am in. (1320 am or KLWN.com 4-6 central, and 7-8 for bonus network show.) It will be a hard hitting interview. I always say that, because I like saying hard hitting interview. It just sounds tough. Since I don’t get a lot of physical action nowadays, (my wrestling with giants on a bball court days are over) I like the things I do to sound as tough as possible. Like, I went to the grocery store today, and I carried all of the groceries in one arm with my son in the other. Never mind “groceries” were a pack of gum, and “son” was just some little kid I found in the store. (btw, if you are missing a “kid”, I’ll bring him to the radio station with me today and you can pay me for my babysitting services)

So, yeah. That’s it. Oh wait. yep, lost it. That’s it.

What should I say on the radio today?

From LJWorld.com
He was one of Lawrence’s most flamboyant fixtures in the four years he played record-breaking basketball for Kansas University in the mid-’90s, then had a successful decade or so in the NBA, mixing it up with the greatest players on earth, but Scot Pollard came back to his old college stomping grounds last year to tackle perhaps his most challenging gig: townie.

The man once known as “Samurai Scot” for his Wooly Willy array of facial hair, faux-hawks and ponytails retired from professional basketball two years ago and decided to chill with his wife and children in Lawrence. Can someone known for his larger-than-life persona really retreat quietly into domesticity or muzzle his notoriously opinionated mouth? Nope.

You can still find Pollard making his voice heard as a color commentator for Jayhawk and NBA basketball on TV and radio, waxing philosophic on his blog and constantly tweeting. Scot Pollard joined us for lunch to discuss moving back to Lawrence, a possible political career and his sympathy for Tiger Woods.
Link to entire article