Smyrna Sharks Biting Big-Time!

This is what happens in my back yard.

New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County, Fla., is the shark attack capital of the world, according to a database called the International Shark Attack File. Each year, thousands of people dip their toes and then jump in, stroking past the surf and into a zone that's literally thick with sharks.

“Most people who have swum in and around New Smyrna have been within 10 feet of a shark in their lifetime,” says George Burgess, an ichthyologist and fisheries biologist at the University of Florida who maintains the International Shark Attack File (ISAF).

To read more of the MSNBC article, click here.

World of KK Returns

So postings have been few and far between here these days and there are a variety of reasons for that. The main reason being work and the fact that I've traveled more this year professionally than ever before.

That's OK and it's fun. I have trips upcoming to Chicago and Dallas. I'll finally get to see a game at Wrigley Field. That will be very cool.

Uncle Sam took a bite out of me this year and I'm still recovering. What a great tax system we have. Thank God our fearless leader is giving us a $600 'rebate.' In my take, it's a fucking cash advance that will most certainly end up costing each of us in the long run.

The Pirates season is already over in April but what the hell else is new? I'm so glad I didn't waste my time or money on them this year. It will be two years in a row for my attending games boycott. Any of you who know me know how hard that is for a diehard fan but enough is enough.

I'm looking forward to a visit from my parents in May and I'm hoping to take my first long vacation of the year this August.

Until we meet again, back to the salt mine I go, pick axe in hand.

From the Stern Show: Karloff???

Quality...

Farewell to a Pittsburgh Legend

As a youngster who aspired to be a broadcaster/journalist, I was immediately drawn to Myron Cope.

He just had the unique way that made you want to listen more and more. I was honored to be a regular caller to his WTAE show with a handle known as 'The Kid.'

Myron Cope is a legend that won't ever soon be replaced.

We should all be so fortunate that we had the chance to see, hear and for some, meet this true legend of Pittsburgh.

My deepest sympathies go out to the entire Cope family.

Gene Collier from the Post-Gazette sums it all up quite well.

Wow! This Schedule Is Brutal!

Peter King from SI breaks it down....Yikes!

* = 2007/2008 playoff team

Stat of the Week
Home
*Indianapolis (13-4)
Houston (8-8)
*NY Giants (14-6)
*Dallas (13-4)
*San Diego (13-6)

Road
*Jacksonville (12-6)
*Tennessee (10-7)
*Washington (9-8)
Philadelphia (8-8)
*New England (18-1)

Has anyone out there looked at the Steelers' schedule for this fall? Schedules are organic things in terms of degree of difficulty; they tend to change week-by-week during the season. But looking at Pittsburgh's slate right now, we might be seeing the toughest schedule a team has had in recent history.

Lots of teams have division schedules as tough or tougher than six games with Cleveland, Cincinnati and Baltimore, though the rising Browns, Carson Palmer and the presumably rejuvenated Ravens will be a difficult six-pack.

Amazing. Horrendously amazing, if you bleed black and gold.
Schedule factoids:

• Eight of Pittsburgh's 10 non-AFC North games are against 2007 playoff teams.

• All 10 non-division foes were .500 or better in 2007.

• New England plays four games against teams that finished over .500 in the 2007 regular season. Pittsburgh plays 10.

• Excluding the Steelers in 2005, the last four Super Bowl champs (Giants, Colts, Pats, Pats) are on Pittsburgh's schedule.

Fun Times Up North (in a foot of snow)

I am in Toronto for work and had the privilege of attending a charity event at the NHL Hall of Fame. The Executive Chairman of JumpTV leads the charge for Merrygoround.

It's a great organization that helps children obtain computers and e-buddies courtesy of volunteer Toronto police officers.

Many former players attended with notables Steve Thomas, Wendel Clark and Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey.

I had the privilege to meet Paul and he had nothing but good things to say about Pittsburgh and its people. He was very friendly and extremely approachable. I truly felt like a kid as I enjoyed watching him play so much, especially while he was with the Penguins.

On a side note, I asked him if he agreed that Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are polar opposites.

He responded, "I hate it there." Atta boy Paul!

It's Election Time

Now, as Florida prepares to vote this Tuesday, check this out:

Ty 'Fucking' Conklin

The World of KK ends its silence in tribute to a journeyman goaltender who simply can't be beat.

CONK!

Gator Finally Spotted

I'd heard about an alligator in the pond across the street from my house but hadn't seen it with my own eyes.

That changed this Sunday morning when my Dad spotted the 5+ foot reptile in the adjacent pond.

Pretty cool. Suffice to say Biskit gets leashed.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone!

Been busy and stressful times lately in the World of KK but never too much to sit back and enjoy the holidays. My parents are here and my brother Khris arrives tomorrow.



That's what the holidays are all about and I'm so happy they can join me in sunny Fla. I look forward to the New Year both professionally and personally.

The year 2007 had its and ups and downs but we're still standing tall so let's see what the future brings. One thing is certain, the Pirates will still suck.

So to all of my family, friends and to the millions of World of KK fans, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

See ya in 2008!

Steelers Shit The Bed

What a sickening performance by the Black and Gold on Sunday. They better get their head out of their ass as they host the Dolphins (who are chomping at the bit for a win) next Monday night.

The offensive line played so bad you'd wonder how Willie Parker leads the AFC in rushing. Fast Willie went nowhere, Big Ben was sacked seven damn times and at the end of the day, we're treated to an overtime loss to a lousy team.

I can't tell you how upsetting it is to have had the AFC no. 2 seed and now lose it because of a loss to a BUM.

It's almost 24 hours later and I am still fuming. Get your heads out of your ass!

World of KK Returns: Steelers, New Neighbor

OK. So, it's been awhile since you've all heard from me and there are some reasons for that.

Suffice to say all is well all considering and I'll be posting more as time allows. Let's just leave it at that.

Where do we start?

That's easy. Of course we start with the Steelers. They're on a solid roll and came back nicely last week to beat the upstart Browns. The week before, I had the privilege of attending the Monday night thrashing of the thug Ravens. More importantly, I was able to see the tribute to the Steelers 75th anniversary team. Chills rushed down my spine.

Hopefully the boys can pick up 3 wins against sub-par opponents the next three weeks. All games are in Pittsburgh (Jets, Dolphins and Bengals -- I will be at the Cincy game).

That would set the table for the hopefully 10-2 Steelers to travel to Foxboro to battle the Patriots. Man, I'd love to go to that game.

In other news, Biskit has been growing bolder lately and running away (to a point) from me when I let her out. She used to do an about face, do her business then return. That will change now as the addition of our new neighbor, a three-foot-long alligator in a nearby pond.

So, Biskie is now leashed at all times. I hope this blog report reaches all of you well and in good spirits. If I don't write, Happy Thanksgiving from the World of KK.

p.s. Since you're here, you might as well watch Hines Ward lay out two Ravens with crushing blocks, including All-Pro safety and shit talker Ed Reed.

The Steelers Pierogi Fight Song

OK. So I'm not really in the blogging mood these days but I had to post this.

I really don't know what else to say about this other than, Wow!

Great Game Steelers!

What an inspiring performance by the men in Black and Gold yesterday with so many starters out.

They say good teams find a way to win despite adversity.

I would say that holds true for sure with this team. After such a shitty effort against the Cardinals, they come out and embarass a solid first place team and totally shut them down.

I hope all the Super Bowl XL naysayers watched this thrashing....yeah dog!

Now the Steelers need to rest and recover and what a great time for a bye week. Next up, Sunday night in Denver.

I'm headed to Toronto tomorrow for a few days training my counterparts at JumpTV Sports. I've never been there before so I'm kinda looking forward to it.

The Rain Won't Stop

So I return from Pittsburgh which is the definition of overcast and it has rained every damn day. I got a new pair of cool shades and I can't even put them to the test. And, it looks like softball will again be canceled tomorrow due to rain.

Looks like we're on a roll. Not so fast though, I'm going to get a major workload lifted off me at work and I secured seats to the Steelers vs. Ravens on Mon., Nov. 5 and also the Steelers vs. Bengals on Sun., Dec. 2.

Now that is what I'm talkin' about. Yeah dog. I really like the Steelers chances to open 4-0 as they play San Francisco at home and then head to Arizona.

The Cardinals game could get interesting with all the old coaches and players but the talent level just isn't as good.

4-0 would be awesome.

Survey finds Steelers have largest female fan base

Another great reason to love this team. Lovely ladies!

Survey finds Steelers have largest female fan base
Thursday, September 13, 2007
The Associated Press

The Steelers have known for years their fan base included countless women - that was evidenced by all the pink official team jerseys they sell and the hundreds who attend their female training camp each summer.

Read more here.

Softball Night

Maybe I won't get myself almost killed tonight. Hard to believe it's been a week. I'm feeling fine, but I still have a big knot right near my heart.

The bruise is almost gone. It's humid as hell today. It's 90 degrees but feels 103. Thank God we have the frickin' last game.

But that makes for a late night at Mulligan's....which is always fun, except for the next day at work.

Off to the Burgh Friday for some family, friends and Steelers fun!

Here We Go Steelers, Here We Go!

Deal With Me

Now this is just downright funny. This poor bastard. Think he was picked last in gym class?


Deal With Me - Watch more free videos

Mama, I'm Comin' Home...

Life is so weird the way it churns up and down. The only thing you can truly do is hold on and go along for the ride. Just this past week I suffered a chest contusion while missing a line drive in softball while playing shortstop(drilled me right in my chest).

My Dad always told me to get in front of the ball. I guess I should have used my glove. Regardless, I made the play on a runner at 3rd. I had two chest x-rays and an EKG. Both came back normal, so that's OK.

So hopefully this Thursday I get my head out of my ass. Of course, we lost the game. But oh well, we had fun afterward as always.

Going home for the first time in 14 months this weekend. Gonna spend some time with the folks and hang out with my friend Amy. She and I will be headed to Heinz Field to watch the Steelers kick the shit out of the Buffalo Bills and will be out on the town for her cousin Tina's birthday party Saturday 'dahn Sousside.'

Wow! What a Weekend (Round II)

This past weekend was so much fun. One of my very best friends and, well..., one of my very best friends in the world visited me last weekend.

I've know Amy for most of my life and she's always held a very special place in my heart/life.

We really had a blast and I think it's safe to say she'll be back. We went on the St. John's River cruise and saw gators and exotic birds. We also went to the beach for some sun and just for a night time walk.

One of the highlights for me was being able to watch a Steelers game together at Giuseppe's Steel City Pizza in Port Orange.

The place is a hell of a lot of fun and makes you really feel like you're back in the Burgh. I wore my Big Ben jersey and Amy wore my Heath Miller jersey.

It's almost bizarre how much of a connection we have as Amy brought me some great housewarming gifts (pillows, seat cushions, table cloths, napkin settings, etc) that match to an absolute T the theme I used for decorating my house. Not just kinda, it was an exact match. That was very kind of her and much appreciated. Now I just need a table so she needs to come back and finish the set.

It truly was one of the best weekends I've had in a very long time and I thank her for that.

So Amy, come back soon, Biskit and I miss you lots and look forward to seeing you very soon.

EDIT: Unexpectedly, but very much a good thing, Amy was able to come back down this past weekend. Two weeks in a row. We went to Gatorland, had some drinks in downtown Orlando and had lots of fun at Pub 44 in New Smyrna Beach. (see pic above) Can't wait to do it again. Next time, it's Animal Kingdom!