THE WEEK: Good News from Google and other Interesting Folks in the ‘Ville

Let’s start out with what I didn’t do this week — there were no trips to Riverport, no meals on Dixie Highway and no annoying phone calls. That left more time to pursue stories for LouisvilleKY.com and to produce a great episode of the Rusty Satellite Show. It was a productive week for the city as well, especially with yesterday’s announcement about Google Fiber potentially coming here.

with Paula and a huge, furry, lovable creature in Nashville
with Paula and a huge, furry, lovable creature in Nashville

A Even Better Week for WKU: Coach Jeff Brohm‘s Hilltoppers had the only win over a Southeastern Conference school on the opening weekend of college football, surviving a 14-12 thriller over Vandy in Nashville. Then last night, they edged La. Tech at home by a field goal with what I maintain is the most potent offense in the country. At the game in Nashville, I saw red-towel waving President Gary Ransdell, who told me he reads the weekly LKY/Rusty newsletter.

And You’re Newest Jeffersontown Chamber Member is: With Jeffersontown’s Gaslight Festival coming up next week, LouisvilleKY.com has earned the privileges of membership in the Jtown Chamber. Highlights of the Festival – the golf scramble on Monday, and the big street festival on the weekend.

The City Bike Ride: There’s nothing like spending Labor Day morning with Mayor Greg Fischer, Congressman John Yarmuth and a few thousand friends bike-riding from Waterfront Park to Shawnee Park.  I spent some quality time with one of my favorite Rusty guests — Dr. John Gilderbloom. This was after getting Jackie Green to put air in my tires and air his semi-annual complaint that the event shuts down a number of TARC routes.

From August Wilson's Seven Guitars at Actors. Photo by Bill Brymer
From August Wilson’s Seven Guitars at Actors. Photo by Bill Brymer

Actors’ Excellence: Go see “Seven Guitars“, the current production at Actors Theatre by August Wilson. Set in 1948 Pittsburgh, it showcases the plight of a group of African-American family members and the racism they face. And go listen to Jennifer Bielstein’s appearance on Rusty to hear why Actors is such a special part of Louisville.

The Problem with Common Core? I went to the Louisville Forum this week to hear what amounted to a debate on the merits of Common Core, and I don’t understand the opposition to the program that brings standards to public education across the U.S. All but four states have adopted it, and college-readiness scores have improved in Kentucky since it started four years ago. Maybe the opposition comes from Republicans who are opposed to anything with Obama’s name on it. I sat next to former JCPS board member and Rusty guest Debbie Wesslund and current member David Jones Jr.

My 1998 profile of Jurich in Business First
My 1998 profile of Jurich in Business First

The Jurich Juggernaut: Check out my interview with a jovial Tom Jurich, who as I recall wasn’t so content the last time I interviewed him, in 1998. Then, he was dealing with fallout from firing Ron Cooper, but the theme of his message was the same — class and integrity. He’s continuing to back projects, like the Papa John’s stadium expansion, that help build the school’s national reputation. Also, please join us at the Sept. 22 Breakfast of Champions, in which Jurich is our featured speaker.

PJCS: If you’re going to Saturday’s home opener against Houston, check out some improvements brought to you by U of L, like being able to summon security to get that rude fan in your section to shut up. If you don’t like the way the game’s going, the Churchill Downs meet will be going on across the street.

Freedom for Nipples: Sure, it was a quirky event that could happen nowhere else in town but the Highlands, but the Free the

Nan Elpers at St. Francis High School. Bill Brymer photo
Nan Elpers at St. Francis High School. Bill Brymer photo

Nipple walk last Saturday attracted 400 marchers and a whole lot of gawkers. It was all started here by St. Francis High School senior Nan Elpers, who explained the serious cause behind the event she started with a Facebook post on the Rusty show.

Thieneman’s Update: I’m hoping to show you the tape of a promo for Chris Thieneman’s “Fantasy Thailand” reality TV series. It’s awesome. Chris told me the latest on the case of the ex-bf who accused him of assault — because of the video you see here on LouisvilleKY.com and the fact that Judge Erica Williams is a Facebook friend, she’s been recused from the case. Now the courts have to find a judge who doesn’t have any social media connections to Chris.

Dan Johnson Might Run for Mayor: Just kidding, that won’t happen. But apparently the detached-from-reality Metro Councilman thinks he can overcome his public financial woes and slide into Greg Fischer’s chair. The money quote, from WFPL: “It is something I will definitely consider. I understand that there may be other things happening with our mayor, that he may run against Rand Paul next year.”

Need a Job?: Among dozens of available positions, the Job of the Week is for a Maintenance Tech, with electrical experience, at an East End plant. If that’s not for you, browse other positions from Snelling here.

RR with Paul Thorn before his show at Headliners last year.
RR with Paul Thorn before his show at Headliners last year.

Backslide with Me on Friday: My favorite singer, Paul Thorn, is playing at the Kentucky Center for the Arts on Friday night. It’s a step up for Paul and evidence of his popularity here, as I’ve seen him play in the past at Waterfront Wednesday, Jim Porter’s, Headliners and at a public festival in the Highlands. You can find me in the front row with Paula. Here’s my interview with him.

Really, Giving Blood is Good for You: As you’ll read in my latest for Passport Health Plan. I’ll be going next week. And, did you know the play Dracula begins its annual run at Actors Theatre this week?

Signage for Taj: I’ve been watching the Market Street storefront in hopes my pal Mike Maloney gets his bar open soon. It’s impressive, at least on the outside. It would be a great place to go during the Nulu Festival Sept. 26. See the main photo.