It seems Suffolk's brush with culture and sophistication may be coming to an end.

I understand Java 149 is discontinuing its open mic night for poetry readings because of a lack of interest.

That should not come as a surprise to anyone. I was somewhat dubious of it when I heard about it. It just didn't seem to me like the folks I'm accustomed to seeing downtown would be interested in reading their poetry before an audience.

With all the professionals and nice eateries coming to downtown, the cultural environment may change, but it appears for now, Suffolk's still more of a wet t-shirt night town than a poetry reading town. How about wet t-shirt poetry reading?

After 33 years of playing golf, I hit my first hole-in-one Friday evening.

It was a 7 iron on the 160-yard 9th hole at Cedar Point.

Normally, we report such things in the print edition, but there were no witnesses to my feat so there might be some n only those who know me n who would be dubious of my claims.

Hitting a hole-in-one is more luck than skill. I know people who can't break 100 who have accomplished the feat multiple times.

My own ace verified this. I used to be a decent golfer when I played regularly about 10 years ago. I carried a four handicap for a time. I just really started playing again and it's been a struggle. I played 9 four straight days last week after work to try to establish a handicap and my scores have been terrible n mostly in the 46-48 range.

My ball striking is pretty good but any touch necessary for a decent short game has been non-existent. I two-chip and three-putt a lot. But it's improving.

I hit the seven iron on 9 thin n caught the ball on the bottom of the club which produces a low-trajectory. I can't see very well so it looked like it was going to land on the front of the green or just short. I thought the pin was toward the back. Halfway to the hole, I saw the pin was on the front and I didn't see the ball anywhere. I knew it had gone in. It was thrilling for me, but unfortunately, there was nobody there with whom to share it so it was kind of a hollow moment.

The ace, by the way, gave me a 40 for the round, so you know it's true. I wouldn't compromise my integrity for less than an even par 36.