FDR liberal; proud father of Paul, Oliver, Michael & Katie and lucky to be married to Virginia. Basketball player in HS and college. Retired writer, columnist.
Andy Beshear's time on the national stage is coming. It might not be right now, but it will happen sooner rather than later. He's been a terrific governor for Kentucky, and I think he's a genuinely good person. The country could use him or someone like him.
Those of you who listened to Mike's radio show yesterday heard him become ill in the last hour of air time. Trevor, God bless him, took Mike to the ER and he's resting at home now. Long haul Covid is a beast, so send some good thoughts his way. Please.
I'm new to this twitter stuff, but intend to start regular updates on my alternative universe — the railroad layout in my basement. Four communities, hidden 50s sci-fi movie scenes, 1450 buildings, 1100 vehicles, about 1500 people. And trains. Lots of trains.
Here are a couple of pics from the very first area developed on my layout 16 years ago. One seen shows Glenville's main street. The other shows the fire brigade getting a cat from a tree.
Fitzgerald, King of the Irish setters and the best pal this old man ever had, took his last breath at 9:10 this morning. Died at home with his family, took the life/death decision out of my hands.
Must admit I'm a helluva lot more excited about Richard Pitino being our next basketball coach than any of the other guys considered after Drew said no. In fact, Peyton Siva and Stephen Van Treese have sold me on the notion. Go Cards indeed!
There's a lot to be sad about when considering Louisville basketball. Saddest for me was realizing KP's inability to see the obvious — that he wasn't doing the job. Throughout his tenure he took no responsibility for the product on the floor. That's sad.
My wonderful wife Virginia and I are celebrating our 40th anniversary today. Forty years, as in four decades. Hard to imagine it was that long ago, but time passes quickly, especially when you marry well above your station as I did. I'm a lucky, lucky man.
@NancySinatra
Ms. Sinatra, you're father was, above all else to me, a champion of civil rights. The stands he took supporting Nat King Cole and others, especially against the discrimination against non-whites by Vegas hotels, left a positive mark on me. And lots of others.
@Tisiphone23
Here's the truth. That young lady looks terrific with both hair styles, and she couldn't — and shouldn't — give a rats ass about what I think, or what any other man thinks about her hair for that matter. Women don't need to be judged by men, period.
Hoboes are plentiful throughout Glennville, Glennville Station, Big Town and Bedford Falls. When I was a kid I often visited with hoboes around a campfire in a field near the South Louisville yards.
Just a brief update on Mike. He was back on the air today, but not feeling all that Jake as yet. He's still struggling and as I said earlier, this long-haul Covid is a beast. He appreciates all the good thoughts, though. Thanks for that.
So here's the thing: the layout has been a project that's taken more than 15 years to build. I just turned 77, and I intend to dismantle it by the time I turn 80. So before I start I wonder if I should have an open house so people can see it before it's gone?
Another day, another mass shooting. And what does my Nov. 24 newspaper (delivered Nov. 23rd) come wrapped in? Why four pages of gun ads. Big guns, small guns, guns that look like the ones that soldiers carry. People, this is madness.
Let us not forget that the joy we're feeling now stems in great part from the selfless decision made by President Biden. We have hope in our hearts, for sure, with the Harris/Walz ticket. Don't forget to have some gratitude in there, too.
While the train rolls by, some Saturday morning park goers get in a game of horseshoes. Glennville residents love their parks -- fully integrated by the way
My best friend, Fitzgerald, King of the Irish setters, is in a bad way. Trouble breathing; not eating. We see the vet at 5 and, to be honest, I'm scared. I've been lucky enough to have tremendous dogs in my life; Fitz has been the best. Wish us luck.
I just blocked a maga moron who wanted to argue about what he called the Covid fraud. I've had Covid twice; I have a son with long Covid — something he struggles with every day. Millions are dead. And this guy says it was a fraud? Geez.
Joe Biden often takes a while to come to a decision, but when he does, it's usually the right call. I don't know if this one is right, but I believe that he at least thinks it is. God bless him. He's been a remarkable president, and he's a good, good man.
I'm old. Just turned 78. I grow frustrated getting the paper wrapper off my ice cream sandwich. But what really frosts me is the unwillingness of the media to report on trump's mental decline, and his alleged rape of children on Epstein's island.
A word of praise for the men and women of the Louisville Division of Fire. They are rightly receiving a lot of attention for the remarkable rescue on the Second Street bridge today, but the truth is they serve this community heroically every day.
I'm no football expert, by any measure, but I can't help but think the "we need a QB from the portal" talk is a bit premature. Don't we have some good young QBs on the roster already with a lot of potential? Why don't we see what they can do.
A big thank you to all those who sent my Irish boy Fitzgerald good wishes. It's helped. Today his temperature is down, the cancer markers are low and while we're not out of the woods, the vet, God love her, is encouraged and so am I. Thanks to all.
President Biden gave one of the strongest, most dynamic speeches this side of Harry Truman, and the NYT called it "feisty." Feisty is wanting your French fries just right. The President wants our country safe from fascist and crooks. There's a difference.
Sometimes it seem a little silly to be posting pictures of a railroad layout while the world is coming apart. But this meretricious task makes me feel better, so what the hell. Neighborhood hoops and chili dogs, right?
@clarky810
His response to tornados in western Kentucky; to floods in eastern Kentucky. His defense of public education in the face of republicans who want to spend tax dollars on private schools. The Blue Oval project, the expanding of state workforce opportunities...
The railroad and scenes are all set in the years between 1939 and 1957. All the cars, trucks, locomotives and rolling stock are from that period. There are about 1,100 buildings; 1,450 people; 1,100 vehicles and scenes from seven 50s-era Sci-Fi movies.
I'm late in saying this, but a big "thanks" to all of you who've expressed concern about my wonderful Virginia's hip replacement surgery on Monday and her recovery effort. Tell you this much, she's a friggin' ninja warrior. Tough as nails; sweet as sugar.
Would have loved to see Andy Beshear on the ticket with Kamala Harris, but my goodness, did Tim Walz hit a home run in his first speech as the VP candidate. This may prove to be an inspired choice, and he certainly has the capacity to take on Trump & Vance.
I love all the talk about the Notre Dame game being a sell-out. I just hope our coaches and team aren't distracted from the task of beating N. C. State this Friday night.
Politics aside for a moment, the truth is both Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter have provided examples of how the rest of us should live. They were both rea Christians, who lived to serve others. The world is a better place because of them.
Whenever Jimmy Carter crosses the barre, the world will be a little sadder, and the birds may sound forlorn for a while. But when this remarkable man leaves this realm, we'll notice the stars will be a little brighter. God bless this kind, gentle, good man.
The orange conman's performance at the Fox "town hall" should have every main stream media outlet shouting about his mental deficiencies. He can't complete a thought or a sentence; his "weaves" are the ramblings of a man in serious mental decline.
It occurs to me that, in a nation of mass shootings, if you pose for photographs with your family all armed with AR-15s or similar weapons, you are certainly part of the problem.
Political violence never helps. My fear now is that it will suddenly be open season on the left from that fringe element that has already been threatening another civil war. I'm hoping some calmer, cooler heads can come to the fore.
@PeypeySiva3
Don't go back to Seattle, Peyton. We love you right here; you bring a lot to the table and you're a wonderful representative of both the university and athletes in general. Stay here, pal. This is where you belong.
I was a journalist for more than 50 years before retiring. Not a great one; just average. But I can say with honesty that the press performance at the trump pc yesterday was an embarrassment for anyone who is or was a member of the fourth estate.
Is anyone else as unsettled as I am about the idea of Trump as Speaker of the House? Damn, I just want the bastard gone forever and completely out of public life.
As some kids on homemade roller scooters watched, firefighters frome Engine Co. 1 rolled out to a small working fire behind the library. The battalion chief is already on the scene.
@KentuckyMove
High speed rail between Louisville, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Indy and Nashville? Hell, I'd settle for medium to low speed rail. Just give us rail service please.
Finally a look at Big Town and the area south of the city leading back to Glennville. Hope this disjointed effort was of some help in providing some perspective. Stilted narrative, I know. There's so much to explain....
@SilverARTicfox
Dennis Quaid is proof that not all actors have to be smart, or even have the sense God gave a goose. They just have to be good at pretending, memorizing lines that other people wrote, and taking directions. The best ones make it an art.
@studyofUAPs
I'm 77 and everyday I wish for the same thing, to live long enough to see the truth of this phenomena I've studied for nearly 60 years come into focus before I die.
That's real coal in the hoppers and the trucks that are arriving. My memory doesn't recall which type of coal it is. (I tried Prevagen but kept forgetting to take it.)
Gee. Eric Trump says his dad is responsible for the skyline of Manhattan. Sure he is. And I'm responsible for the colonization of the dark side of the moon.
@PeypeySiva3
@GorguiDieng
Gorgui Dieng will always be one of my favorite University of Louisville players. He's a remarkable human being, a man of great accomplishment and character, and the city and the university were made better by his presence here.
South of Glennville a lot's happening at Katie's Dairy Dell. An overzealous couple playing backseat games has the attention of law enforcement. And in the background a strange British telephone box has appeared
Say what you want about the hiring of KP, I believe Josh Heird is a smart, hard working AD with the best interest of our athletic programs in his heart. Don't know who he'll hire, but I'm confident he'll do his best to find the right person.
So Jason Kelce writes that he thinks Secretariat was on steriods because "he had an enlarged heart." Enlarged heart is a medical condition. Big Red had a heart that was twice the size of a normal Thoroughbred. He had a big heart, not an enlarged heart.
It's exciting to know that Steve Bannon is off to the big house. But more important to me is the fact that my incredible wife Virginia is having hip replacement surgery tomorrow. Bannon's getting his and Virginia is becoming bionic. Good thoughts appreciated.
First the good. Virginia came through hip replacement surgery like a champ and Bannon went to jail. Then the bad: The once-supreme court ended democracy and, on my birthday today, it seems that the orange con's sentencing will be delayed. That's depressing.
We'll this is weird. There appears to be a saucer parked in the Batelle hanger. And strangely enough its three silver-suited little occupants are standing around outside. Probably on their way to the lab.
Some facts about the layout: Four communities — Glennville (the first) based on my old neighborhood of Highland Park; Glennville Station (a rural town); Big Town and Bedford Falls.
If the world seems a little less bright today, it's because the remarkable light that was Jimmy Carter has left us. He was the very definition of good, a walking example of what a real holy man is. We should all try to be more like him.
An L&N freight rolls just east of Highland Park, near the nuke waste recycling center. Heavy security for some reason, including a guard dog. You should see the size of the squirrels.
@CharlesPPierce
Beshear is not only interesting, he is at his heart of hearts good. National Democratic Party leaders need to take a long, hard look at this remarkable young man.
Tomorrow we'll talk in more detail about the Park, which in addition to her height, takes pride in her role as Big Town's major meeting place. And its most haunted.
The crew in the tower at the Ralston-Tandy freight yard outside of Glennville wait for some one to put train orders -- or lunch -- in the bucket at the end of the rope.
Had to replace some tracks on the Broadway Curve in Big Town. Took a few buildings off the layout to make the work easier. But now the trains roll through the curve smooth and slick as a con man's latest lie.
"Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie vote against a resolution that mourns the loss of life in Turkey and Syria caused by the earthquakes."
Even for someone as bereft of character as Massie, this is a remarkably brain-dead bit of political nonsense.
You can tell it's the holiday season because the crowds at Martini's are picking up. Holiday visitors, family coming into town. And Mr. Martini's place is among the most welcoming in all of Bedford Falls.
Well, I see we're using our "hope they miss" defense again tonight. We stand, sometimes fairly close, to the shooter and watch them shoot, then turn and hope it doesn't go in. Not all that effective.
Been a long week, what with dealing with a sick Irish setter and watching the media embarrass itself at the feet of d. trump. So tonight I'm cleansing my emotional palate with episodes of "Bob's Burgers." Might be the most creatively written show on tv.
Another day, another disappointment. Every day I awaken to the thought that, perhaps, this will be the day that would-be Hitler finally faces justice. But no. Day after day, the justice system, the media, whatever, bends to the will of this crook. Amazing.
Part One
This will take some time. Please bear with me. The Park Hotel is Big Town's tallest, most haunted. People say it's the ghost of Nostradamus "Cootie" Brown, the city's most infamous imbiber. Shadow figures of a man, woman and children are seen. But Cootie was single.
Saturday shoppers in Glennville often use the trolley to get from one end of downtown to the other. The trolley is a PCC design (President's Conference Committee.)
Fitzgerald, king of the Irish setters, just had his pre-holiday grooming and is looking terrific. When he's newly groomed, his coat is a bright and deep red. As it grows out, it becomes more mahogany. He's nine years old and the sweetest handsome gentleman.
It's depressing as hell to wake up on Sunday morning to the news that con man Trump is leading President Biden in five of six critical states. Surely this can't be happening. Surely we have not sunk to such a level. Surely truth still matters, doesn't it?
Hold on! Are those (dare we say it) crop circles in the northwest corner of the farm? Well, since nobody knew what crop circles were in the early 1950s, probably not.
The industrial area lies between Glennville and Glennville Station. There's a nearby fire station because things at this small-time Rubber town tend to blow up.
The call box is weird -- there one minute and gone the next. Some people who report it have spent time at the Randall McMurphy Hospital for the Ill at Ease in Swamp Gas, Mich.
In the Glennville neighborhood called Highland Park, police are trying to coax a flag pole sitter down from his perch. He climbed the pole next to the psychiatry offices of Dr. Schizophrenia Jones
You know, I think it's time that Democrats point out that d. j. trump is just too old to be president. And too ignorant; too racist; too much of a fraud. But too old; waaaay to old.
In the low rent part of town east of the fiddle yard, somebody has car trouble. And yes, that's a hotel and card room nearby. Big Town is not without its vices, though they are few.
When this site starts to charge a monthly fee, I'll be moving Glennville, et all, somewhere else. I'll try to let you know before all this nonsense happens.
Though it's a bit hard to see here, that's a P-51 chasing a flying saucer over Rubbertown. It's a scene meant to honor Capt. Thomas Mantell of Louisville, thought to be the first person in the modern era to die after encountering a UFO.
The horses on Mr. Nafzger's farm reflect the bucolic side of weird little Glennville Station. See the nice horses? Nothing sci-fi creepy going on here.