Like many of us, I grew up following Oscar Combs and the great Cats Pause he created. Before I was a teenager, I received my favorite gift--a subscription to that wonderful paper that contained tidbits about Kentucky you couldn't find in your local paper. And when we moved out of state, oh, my--the Mobile Press-Register's coverage of Kentucky athletics? Are you kidding me? The Monroe (La.) News-Star World? Really?
Times have changed, and Oscar sold his interest in The Cats Pause, and some like what has happened since; I prefer to think of Oscar's original as the model to which all of us should aspire. In recent years, I have seen some talk about Oscar as if he's an old man, out of touch, and his "contacts" and "sources" not what others are in today's time. And they may be right in some respects. I have noticed that when it comes to the latest coach or recruit scoop, Oscar isn't really on the cutting edge.
But you know what? That's ok with me, too. There are plenty of those who are, some on this board, some in other places, and I guarantee you that anybody that wants to know the latest scoop will know it within minutes, regardless of where they are.
So Oscar has more value than just "scoop." He's one of us, and yet, one of the greats. He does the UK Big Blue Radio Sports Network pre-game show, and although I don't get to listen, many do and love him. He's around the program and interviewed and hosted, and you'll hear him speak of the Cats often.
One of the things that has surprised me is how he has embraced Twitter, which I definitely enjoy. Now, I spend too much time on Twitter, but it's a convenient vice. 140 characters at a time, and you can read it between strokes of a toothbrush as you brush your teeth, or between sips of coffee, or if you're placed on hold on the telephone.
And Oscar Combs, or @wildcatnews for his twitter name, has embraced it. He'll tweet interesting news links he sees around the internet that mostly relate to Kentucky, he will re-tweet other twitter followers who say something interesting or astute; he'll interact with other twitter folks like Larry Vaught (@vaughtsviews, if you're scoring at home), but one of the things I really look forward to is Oscar tweeting about his frogs.
His frogs, who reside in his pond, are the forecasters of games-to-come. Oscar will ask them about the games, and they'll tell him in their own "folksy" way.
Today is a prime example. He had two tweets about his frogs:
a)
Trying to get them to share their thoughts about Sunday's game. They wanted to know if I'd noticed there were no redbirds around Ponderosa.
followed by
b)
One of frogs had feather sticking out of his mouth. I've told them Humane Society doesn't approve of such tactics. They gave me a crazy look
I lied...a third finished it--for today--
c)
We're going to debate the pros & cons of UK-UK today. I'll give update tomorrow. They're very bullish on Cats right now.
You know, his frogs are pretty darn good, too. I've followed them for quite awhile now, and while Oscar may have lost a step, his frogs have picked it up for him. Never discount a guy that has been around UK forever on knowing what makes teams tick, and in predictions.
May Oscar and his frogs live forever. They are both treasures we should all enjoy.
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