Saddle up, Kentucky Dudes! Welcome to this week's roundup of Bluegrass living.

In case you missed last week’s round-up; give it a read. Now, pour yourself something smooth, kick back, and let's dive into another edition packed with bourbon wisdom, sports thrills, and pure Kentucky gold.

Want Quality Time with Your Kids This Holiday Season? (Or Just Need to Tire Them Out?)

Want to level up from "Dad who orders DoorDash" to "Dad who makes Pinterest moms jealous"? Grab the kids and build a Christmas wreath together. Warning: Side effects may include glitter in places you didn't know existed, at least one pine needle-related meltdown, and your partner suddenly finding your "dad bod" irresistible. Plus, you'll create memories that are actually Instagram-worthy (unlike that time you tried to build a gingerbread house, and it looked like it failed inspection).

Keep reading for a step-by-step survival creative guide! (1-minute read, KY Dude Original)

Expanded 12-Team Playoff Shakes Up College Football's Elite: Oregon Claims Top Seed in Historic Format Change

The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff field has been set, with Big Ten champion Oregon securing the #1 seed. Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State round out the top 4 seeds, marking their first playoff appearances.

The opening round features higher seeds hosting on-campus games. #5 Texas will face #12 Clemson, #6 Penn State takes on #11 SMU, #7 Notre Dame battles #8 Indiana, and #9 Tennessee plays #10 Ohio State. SMU earned their spot despite losing the ACC championship game to Florida State on a field goal.

The playoff system comes with significant financial implications, with approximately $115M in distribution funds across participating conferences based on advancement.

First round games are scheduled for December 20-21, with matchups taking place at host team venues.

🏈 Cats by 1 in Overtime, Plus a lot of firsts

The Kentucky men Basketball team beat Gonzaga in overtime 90 - 89. After trailing by as many as 18 points, the men came back strong in the second half. Andrew Carr led the Cats with 19 points, and four other hit double-digits. Jaxson Robinson put on his cape and was a Dude down the stretch running point, finishing 18 PTS (7-15 FG) | 5 AST | 3 REB 

• Kentucky staged a historic comeback against Gonzaga, erasing a 16-point halftime deficit to match their largest such comeback in program history, previously set in 1994 when Rick Pitino's squad defeated LSU.

• Coach Pope joins Adolph Rupp in being the only two coaches to win their first two games against AP top 10 opponents.

• Before leaving the game with a foot injury, Kerr Kriisa joined the 1,000-career point club.

• Draft King odds of winning the 2025 NCAA Tournament: Duke: 9/1, Auburn: 19/2, Gonzaga: 12/1, Tennessee: 14/1, Alabama: 14/1, Houston: 15/1, Kansas: 16/1, Iowa State: 18/1, Kentucky: 20/1, UConn: 20/1; now is your opportunity to buy Kentucky low and sell high.

🏈 Football High School Football

Kentucky High School Champions Crowned: Final Scores

• Class 6A: Trinity (Louisville) defeats Ryle 42 - 23 for a record 29 state championships

• Class 5A: Champion: Bowling Green repeats beating Cooper 37 - 20

• Class 4A: Paducah Tilghman overcomes a tough Franklin County 27 - 20

• Class 3A: Christian Academy- Louisville runs over Union County 42 - 21

• Class 2A: Beechwood dominates Owensboro Catholic 50 - 34

• Class 1A: Sayre defeats Raceland 27 - 22 to win their first state championship

Pappy Van Winkle - The Holy Grail of Bourbon?

Ever wonder why bourbon drinkers lose their minds over Pappy Van Winkle? It’s not just the taste—though those layers of caramel and oak are legendary—it’s the thrill of chasing something rarer than a Saturday with no honey-do list. Click here to see why this bottle has men paying car note prices for a single pour.

Keep reading to get a taste of how Pappy Van Winkle’s legend highlights the craftsmanship, patience, and story behind bourbon, inspiring enthusiasts to appreciate every pour. (2-minute read, KY Dude Original)

When Instant Replay Changed the Game—Literally

It’s 1963, and instead of yelling at your flat-screen TV during a bad call, you’re watching a grainy black-and-white broadcast of Army vs. Navy.

Suddenly, the announcer says, “This is not live, ladies and gentlemen,” and the same play you just saw unfolds again on your screen. Minds were blown. Beer was spilled. History was made. This was the first-ever instant replay, and sports watching would never be the same.

Before that day, if you missed a big moment, tough luck—you had to wait for your buddy to try and describe it with a ketchup bottle and a half-eaten wing. But the debut of instant replay not only made TV sports more exciting but also gave rise to one of the most iconic fan traditions: screaming at the refs while they review the tape.

Why does this matter? Because replay didn’t just add a layer of drama—it redefined how we experience sports. It turned us into couch-side coaches, analysts, and (let’s be honest) know-it-alls. Now, whether it’s a touchdown, a foul, or that infamous missed call in the playoffs, instant replay keeps the game honest—or at least gives us something new to argue about.

No one captures the story of how replay revolutionized sports and turned Sundays into appointment TV better than The Smithsonian Magazine. Keep reading to relive the moment everything changed.

This unspoken charisma comes from mastering your posture, presence, and poise. People decide what they think of you in just three seconds.

Here’s how to make those seconds work for you:

1. Stand tall and claim your space with confidence. Let your body communicate authority, and the room will tune in before you even open your mouth.

2. But remember, once you speak, the wrong moves can shatter that initial impression. Speaking too fast? It screams nervousness. Pacing like you’re lost? That signals chaos, not control.

3. Instead, slow your pace and anchor yourself. Speak deliberately, letting your voice exude power and certainty.

4. As for eye contact, don’t rush it. Glancing subtly above their heads diminishes their dominance without confrontation. A slow blink conveys calm, control, and quiet power—making you unshakable.

Master your presence, and the room will bow before your words even arrive. This principle holds true whether you’re in the boardroom or at a family gathering. Your body speaks first—make sure it says exactly what you want.

Lost in the Kentucky Mountains? Pre-Trip Preparation to Ensure a Quick Rescue

Got lost in the Kentucky mountains? Don’t panic! Learn how to stay calm, use your surroundings, and signal for help to make sure your mountain mishap ends in a rescue—not a wilderness horror story.

Keep reading for the full survival scoop! (3-minute read, KY Dude Original)

💪🏽 Fitness in Kentucky

Mastering the Leg Press: Build Strength and Avoid Mistakes

Tired of skipping leg day and walking around like a chicken on toothpicks? It’s time to show your legs some love! Learn how the leg press can help you build strength and power while avoiding that all-too-familiar gym embarrassment. Click here to get the full scoop!

Keep reading to learn how to turn your tiny, pasty legs into monsters. (3-minute read, KY Dude Original

…but now I’m not so sure 👏🏼

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