University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino and I had a ton of fun with his TV show during his first 12 years in Louisville. The contract eventually went to a different TV station and we lost our weekly silliness. Here's a typical show. It originally aired on December 20, 2008. The final segment (at approx 21 minutes in) shows a montage of the goofball halftime interviews we would do for laughs. Once I launched my second question, I had no idea what Pitino would say to break my shoes. ESPN Sportscenter eventually picked it up one night. Pitino saw it and texted: "Our act finally made it to national TV." Mission accomplished. Coach P
Tag: terry meiners
Two-fer Tuesday: political ping pong
My radio show today featured back-to-back interviews with political opposites Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin and U.S. Representative John Yarmuth (Ky-3). Here's the governor talking about potential expansion of Toyota's manufacturing presence, his victory in the PVA assessment of his home, misdirected media, pension pressure, and tax changes to retain wealth. As for the possibility of facing Attorney General Andy Beshear in the 2019 gubernatorial race: "To me that would be fantastic. He is not even competent as an attorney general." AUDIO Congressman Yarmuth talked about North Korea's nuclear threats toward the U.S., President Trump's reply that America would bring "fire and fury never before seen in the world," congressional health care camaraderie, and whether VP Mike Pence is sincere in claiming that he
TOPS Louisville: Meet Terry Meiners
Thanks to editor Christine Fellingham and TOPS Louisville Magazine for the terrific profile of my family and career. Ms. Fellingham surprised me with a retelling of our first meeting 35 years ago. Family is life. I am abundantly bathed in life and love. Thanks to all who are a part of my incredible journey. Let's have lots more laughs going forward.
Steely Dan Johnson: I won’t quit – Metro Council: Yes you will
Beleaguered Louisville Metro Councilman Dan Johnson (D-21) has been asked to resign by his Democrat colleagues. He has until August 1st to resign or they say they will procedurally eject him from office. Johnson was on my WHAS radio show yesterday where he maintained his innocence in multiple sexual harassment allegations made by female government workers. Johnson said that he doesn't understand why this story is still reverberating one month after a councilwoman lodged a complaint against him. When I asked Johnson if he will resign his office, he replied "No...I was elected by the 21st district to serve them for four years and I will do that until my time is up." AUDIO: ------------------ Courier-Journal: Top 5 Quotes from the Dan Johnson
The Pols Are Open
Greg Fischer, John Yarmuth, and Matt Bevin were on my radio show back-to-back-to-back today. The mayor and congressmen, both Democrats, discussed a variety of issues. The Republican governor had a significantly different strategy to solve societal problems. AUDIO: Governor Matt Bevin on attacking the pension shortfall, bourbon tariffs, the Mike Pence visit, universal health care, handling haters on Twitter, and imitating Rambo at the Kentucky Speedway. Now here is Rep. John Yarmuth on the Donald Trump Jr email chain with a Russian lawyer, Obamacare, media pursuit of Russia election interference, and renewed Democrat interest in universal health care. Finally, here's Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer on his six point plan to reduce violence.
Terry Paparazzi
The Courier-Journal photographer Scott Utterback, a legendary lensman, caught me grabbing boxing photos ringside at Freedom Hall on June 24, 2017 during The Real Deal event. So far, the National Enquirer has not offered to pay for any of my out-of-focus iPhone 4 discolored photos of unknown boxers. But it's a start. My job offers great opportunities outside of radio and TV studios. In May, Katie George from WDRB joined me at the Galt House to interview ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit. It was a benefit for The Parklands. I've hosted the event for several years and suggested adding Katie to give it new life and a younger demo. She did an outstanding job. Here's the latest magazine
AUDIO: Rick Pitino on his new team, emotional reaction to NCAA sanctions, Andre McGee, more
On my WHAS Radio show, University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino talked about his talent for the upcoming basketball season. He also updates his emotional state after the NCAA sanctions were announced, the appeal strategy, Andre McGee's poor decision making, and Pitino's view of what's ahead. CLASSIC 2009 VIDEO
Happy 241st birthday, America – unshackle your attitude
The United States of America is the most benevolent, compassionate, visionary, fearless republic in the history of human civilization. We are free. Don't believe in the "woe-is-me" crutch. A fantastic life is available in America to those who are willing to work, sacrifice, and not quit over setbacks. Push harder. Get more education. Make wise life decisions about money, drugs, personal disfigurement, relationships, and do the soul-searching necessary to be self-reliant. Our 340+ million inhabitants of the USA can protest the agendas of its leaders, worship freely, stand proudly agnostic, disagree with neighbors, isolate from communities altogether, accept welfare from others, help pay for community features they don't necessarily use, keep and bear arms, vote for their
POST NO BILLS: Gov. Matt Bevin vs. The Media
Can we begin by reminding everyone that "the media" is a vast universe of unconnected voices who report, commentate, and disseminate news items? It's true that major media pretends to deliver impartial, objective news but whenever humans are involved, so are their personal views. There is clearly some sort of slant with all human communication. That's why it's so easy to find a comfortable housecoat of your views reflected back onto you from any one of a zillion media outlets. A recent Courier-Journal search of voter registration records for various local luminaries included my information: CJ writer Andy Wolfson notes that "social scientists say (party registration) is a lens that affects how a person perceives the world." In my case, it
Rick Pitino on the surprise addition of Brian Bowen, new team chemistry, and NBA Finals
University of Louisville basketball got a magnificent upgrade with a surprise commitment from 5-star forward Brian Bowen. Coach Rick Pitino admitted it was a great stroke of luck and upgrades his newly enforced team as "possibly a 10," making a lofty reference to his 1996 Kentucky Wildcats talent pool. Here's our radio chat on Bowen's talent, Pitino's projection on the next UofL team's upgraded chemistry, the Pitino geezer basketball team for next year, whether LeBron is overmatched in the NBA Finals, and more.