Tag Archives: Louisville

Remember Louisville When?

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Remember Louisville when?……

Oct09-6* Sundays at Shawnee Park was to be the place to be (the last thing you thought about was being shot, you were just worried about how cute you looked!)

* Grippos and Big Red
*You shopped at either Bashford Manor Mall or The Galleria
* Your parents took you ice skating on the Belvedere

*Screaming Eagles

* You got excited about Fridays in elementary school because that’s when they served the hexagon shaped Mexican pizza

*Robben’s Roost (you know you could move back then!)
* Someone asks about what school you went to, they really only care about what high school you attended

*Masonic Temple

*You only went to Indy’s or the White Castles on Broadway between 1 and 3am.

* Dee’s

*You traveled to a different state and people say they didn’t know black people lived in KY

*Some of your co-workers were scared to drive west of 9th street (some still are!)

*Velvet Rose


The number one way to know someone is from Louisville – they get offended if someone calls their city ‘Louis-ville’ or ‘Louie-ville’.   We represent “Lou-a-vul” baby!

M.Y.  October 2009

You Might Be A Louisvillian If

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You Might Be a Louisvillian If……

Oct09-5*You grew up thinking that Derby Friday was a national holiday since you didn’t go to school
*You still take off work every Derby Friday
*You think the rest of the world cares about Derby weekend
*You pull out your high school yearbook and see that many males (and females) have gold teeth
*You still say “Showcase Cinemas on Bardstown Rd” when giving directions
*You were bused to school based on the first letter of your last name
*Hearing that simple beat of ‘Gangsta Walk’ makes you stroll around the room regardless of where you are
*Caddy’s (just hearing that word brings a smile to your face)
*You can name several US Presidents, but can only name one of your city’s mayors.
*You think Louisville really is the only city in the state of KY
*You still talk about the UL basketball championships of ’80 and ’86 as if they happened just yesterday

*You only go out once a year but still end up seeing all of the same people

Part II next week…..

M.Y. October 2009

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

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“Where Everybody Knows Your Name”

Oct09-4Although Louisville might be the 16th largest city in the United States, we really are a pretty small place.  It seems like no matter where I go I am running into people from my past, present and possibly future!

While sitting in the lobby waiting for a meeting to start I saw a familiar face.  It’s Coach Stewart, my high school athletic director.  He always had a jolly smile and the glow surrounding him still existed.  He talked about being newly retired and we went our separate ways.  While walking to the actual meeting location I passed Dr. Greer.  She is the wife of my high school track coach.  All of my memories of Waggener High School started re-emerging.  (The things you get away with in high school – wow!)

But it didn’t stop there.  The next day my co-workers and I all went to eat lunch at Cheesecake Factory.  One of them shared that his son surprisingly got married.  He said the girl was really nice and showed us a photo of the teenage girl.  I asked her name and said that I knew her.  He didn’t believe me until I gave him the name of her mother and sister.  She was a student at my elementary school when I first started teaching. (That made me feel a little old!)

Friday night, the Goodtimers had a party at Artemesia’s.  The owner told one of the promoters he knew me although I had no idea who the owner was.  I went to the party just to see who he was.   I quickly realized he was someone that I grew up with in church. (Those were my innocent days, although I am still innocent now. LOL!)

I think this was the never ending week of seeing people you know in completely different settings.  I also went to Spalding University to talk to some education students only to walk past one of the guys I see in the gym every day. At Noe Middle School a lady was picking up her granddaughter. She turned around and ended up being a lady that used to babysit me.  Then today, I went to Video Bred for a meeting only to be greeted by Natalie, someone I’ve known for over a decade.

It’s often a great experience to know that you have so many friends and connections in the area.  But at the same time – all eyes on are you!  Not too long ago there was this rumor going around that I had a “for sale” sign up for my house, was engaged and in route to Houston.  The rumor wasn’t spread my people my age, it was by people my mother’s age.  I thought it was interesting that not one of these women took the time to call and see if the rumor was true.  I guess I should have let it continue just to see what type of wedding presents I would receive.  Instead, I put the rumor to rest.  Boyfriend – yes.  Engaged and moving – no.

However, I am taking a trip to Houston this weekend – maybe I’ll just cancel my return flight and be a new face of Houston.  Naw, I’m definitely not ready for that just yet.  There are still a lot of things in this city that I’m really excited about and many people that I am still anxious to know!

M.Y.  October 2009

The Storm

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The Storm

Aug09-1It’s been a long time since I’ve used an alarm clock to wake up.  My body seems to naturally arise at about the same time the sun does.  However, this Tuesday I rolled over, looked at the clock and realized it was almost 8 o’clock.  It was odd, though, because it didn’t seem like it was 8am because my room was still extremely dark.  It all felt like the start of a horror movie.

I jumped out of bed, walked toward the window and saw the torrential rain beating at my bedroom window.  It was pretty loud and strong so I quickly moved away.  I turned on the news to see if the Wizard of Oz was sweeping mistakenly through Kentucky instead of Kansas, but they didn’t say much.  The sound of the storm continued to grow louder so I walked toward the backside of my house to calm my nerves.

I went into the bathroom to start getting dressed.  I took my top off as I brushed my teeth, but I kept hearing the wind in the other room.  I tried to focus on being cavity free, but I had this fear that my roof would be blown off and it’d be standing there exposed for the world to see my goodies (I don’t really have a mass quantity of goodies to see, but still).

I was fortunate to be able to wait awhile for the storm to pass before heading to work and I didn’t have damage to my house.  Unfortunately, though, many parts of Louisville did suffer.  Universities and hospitals were closed.  People were stranded.  Basements were flooded.  As horrendous it was to see the damage citywide, it was amazing to watch how citizens helped their neighbors and complete strangers.  It seems like Louisville should be renamed the “Unforeseeable, Freakish Weather Capital of the World”.  We survived the wind storm.  We survived the ice storm.  We have now survived the flood.  All in less than a year.  So for anyone that feels that in their personal life that they can’t weather the storm – just realize you have!

M.Y.  August 2009

Main Event

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The Main Event
I so wanted it to happen!  I purchased my plane ticket.  I called my uncle in Michigan and had a place to stay.  I didn’t plan any meetings for two days.  I was ready.  Louisville and UNC were supposed to play each other in the Championship game for NCAA men’s basketball.  I won’t say who, but one of the teams let me down a little earlier than expected.

It was interesting to read people’s Facebook updates throughout the entire game.  Even people who were at the game were taking out their frustrations online.  Some of comments posted included:
“had fun in Indi until Sun…now depressed :( “, “is not really feeling this thing called “work” today…I am still a little down from the Elite 8 loss…”, “is wondering if the Cardinals left all the enthusiasm on The court Friday night” and “woke up this morning feeling like I’ve been cheated on!! Why couldn’t yesterday have been a dream? Can we have a do over? UUUUUGGGGHHH!! What a way to start spring break!!”

So while I didn’t get to experience that championship game main event, there was another one here in Louisville.  For an hour last Sunday I kicked it with three cool men.  Yes, me and three men (could be a fantasy to some ladies!) Haven Harington, Rob Bell and Carlo Kellam have their own sports radio show on 1350 WLOU AM radio entitled “The Main Event Sports Show”.  They talk about any and every sport event imaginable.  Of course we talked about UL sports and the demise of Billy G at UK.  Karlo, also known as “Mr. Marvelous” is a trash talking UK fan and he had his share of callers that called in to give him an earful.  He took it all in great stride, though, and although he was respectful, he stood a proud Cats fan (I can now say, though, that he was incorrect on Izzo being the new coach).

Then there was Haven who seemed like the ring leader of the group.  He kept the pace of the program going.  He was fortunate enough to go to Indy on Friday night and shared his behind the scene footage.  He played a clip from Rick Pitino and also led a discussion about the NFL football player in TX who was pulled over at an emergency room as his mother -in-law died in the hospital.

Rounding out the crew was Rob Bell.  He disagrees with me, but I told him he seemed like the laid back one in the crew.  He’s the stats guy that stayed on the internet to keep folks updated on games scores and recent headlines.  He also seemed like the most unbiased (as far as favorite teams go) and offered a great perspective on everything.  So, if you haven’t checked these guys out – they are on the radio (and online) every Saturday from 6-7pm.  I appreciate them letting a Tar Heel like me in the studio!

M.Y.  April 2009

From a Man’s Perspective

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‘From a Man’s Perspective’

Aug08-3I’m yielding my column this week to my counterparts and letting the man’s voice come through.  I spent the past week interviewing men on their perspectives on dating.  These were all men that I have never dated and the majority were men that I have never even met.  The only things these men had in common are that they are OnyxLouisville readers and they are all 30-39 years old (and single).  I’d love to hear your perspective on this as well, so please click on the message board at the bottom to give your input.

How much weight is in a date?  First of all, a date is simply a date and nothing more.  Going on one date does not mean that you are exclusive with that person.  Most men date more than one person for an extended amount of time until they feel they are ready to settle down.  It may take several dates before a man knows that he is truly interested in getting to know you better.

In the club? The men also stated that when they go to out and meet a woman, they are generally interested in getting to know her better and not just take her home.  However women, be careful of the late night breakfast line!  Most men will take your number, but if they meet someone else that same night, will get that number also.  It’s all about options to find the right one.

But how do you know if he’s interested?  If a man is interested, he will call you on a regular basis.  He will initiate asking you to do things and inquire about you and your life.  ‘I will make her my hobby to learn, study and have fun with and hopefully love may grow.’  When he is not interested, he may call once a week (usually out of boredom) or hang out with you just because he needs something to do.  Some men are straight forward and will tell the person he is not interested while others will just let the situation slowly fade.

What’s attractive?  Men love a women with great style, personality and a sense of  humor.  They also like a great hairstyle.  Men dislike women that are loud, burp, curse a lot and don’t take care of themselves.  Most don’t mind a woman with one child.   But having a van full of kids changes the story.

What about sex?  The average amount of time and man will wait to have sex with someone is two to three months.  Few would have sex on the first date, but others would be more cautious.  Some (not most) will even have sex with more than one person.  It is not until a conversation is had that a man and a woman enter into an exclusive relationship.  I asked one guy why sex and exclusivity are not synonymous.  His answer was simple, but true – greed!

Pet peeves about dating in Louisville?  Many men said that women want men to bring a lot to the table, yet don’t have anything to offer in return.  Some women are stuck up – when a man approaches them with a simple hello, women give a fake smirk and turn their back. Women are also bringing baggage from previous relationships and automatically assume each man will treat her the same way.  Men want women to put more trust into the new man instead of making the man prove his worth.   Louisville is a haven for dating someone that your friend has dated.  While this can often be frustrating, most men would still give a woman a chance that only casually went on a date with one of his friends.

So, what’s all this mean?  Since I don’t know most of these men, yet assume their answers are all true, I do think men are really looking ultimately to settle down.  I think they take a different approach than most women.  However, it all boils down to their actions.  Men (and women) can say all that they want to, but it’s their actions that truly tell you what’s going on.  Who initiates most of the conversations?   Is he spending quality time with you or always giving you an excuse that he’s busy?  Is she showing you that she cares or solely waiting for you to do something for her?  If he/she hasn’t told you it’s exclusive, then don’t make the assumption!

As we enter a new month, I encourage everyone to participate in OnyxLouisville’s ‘DATE ONLY ONE PERSON’ month.  Try it.  For the month of September focus your attention on only one person and see where the situation can lead.  Trust me, you won’t miss out on anything, but could gain true romance!  You have a little over a week to take applications and determine the winner!  I can’t create the DATE ONLY ONE PERSON month, unless I participate so I guess I’ll end so I can get started!

M.Y. August 2008