Kevin Johnson.

Five-foot-six and currently weighing in at 195 pounds, NPC Bodybuilding Kentucky State Champion Kevin Johnson stands out in a crowd. The Voice-Tribune caught up with the muscle-clad fitness expert to find out what it takes to be a
state champion.
– Interview by Aimee Jewell, Contributing Writer

Have you always been interested in fitness?
I’ve always been active; I always ran track and played cross-country. It’s just something I’ve always enjoyed since a very early age. I mean, I have magazines from when I was in middle school and high school. I still collect them. It was just interesting for me to see muscles and people in shape. I would read articles. I’ve been like that since a child. I’ve always wanted to be bigger. I know I can’t grow taller so I want to be wider and bigger.

How did you get into bodybuilding?
It was kind of by accident. I was always smaller. … In 2002, which was when I went to UofL for my first year, I started weight training and I noticed that… my body was changing faster (than those of others training). … So somebody told me about an AAU competition called Mr. UofL in 2004 so I did that for the first time and placed second, and then I came around in 2005 and did the Mr. UofL, and won that one. I did the Mr. Kentucky Muscle Show, which is the one we have at the Convention Center every year in November, I won Men’s Lightweight Novice and I won the Men’s Open welch weight and it’s been full steam since then.

Do you ever have a cheat day when you can eat anything you want?
Yes, I actually contacted the guy who handled my prep, Steve Lineburger. We started off nine weeks before the competition. So for the first six weeks, one meal a week, we had a cheat meal. …It depended on how I looked, he told me what my cheat meal was going to be. And that was crazy. A cheat meal is needed to increase your metabolism. So if you keep eating clean and you’re taking in fewer calories than you’re burning, your body will stop responding to it. So the cheat meals actually trick your body into shooting your metabolism up a little bit higher.

What was it like at the State Championship?
August 4, it was in Frankfort, Kentucky. That was the state show and that’s considered one of the most prestigious shows because everybody wants that state title. … I placed first in the Men’s Light Heavy Division, I got Men’s Best Chest Award, and I won the overall trophy for the whole show, which means I beat not only my weight-class, but the other competitors in their weight-classes. … I talked to my prep coach and we’re looking at a national show early next year in the spring, so we’re going to do Jr. USAs.

What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
I would say the state title. … I trained so hard for that. I don’t really care about the trophy or the placing, I was just really happy that I’ve made it through the 12 weeks of prep, I got down to the weight I wanted to get down to, and liked how I looked.

What are three improvements people can make in their lives to be healthier?
Be more active. … If you do anything more than you do on a daily basis, that’s a big plus. Take the stairs, instead of taking the elevator. Walking to the convenience store instead of driving. If it’s going to add more steps in your day, that’s where most people need to start.
Secondly, make better choices. …You know that fixing your food at home, rather than going to McDonalds is a better option. Or you know that drinking water is better than drinking a pop.
Third thing is educating yourself. Don’t get caught up in propaganda and fads. There’s no magic pill and there’s no magic protein shake. … It always starts in the kitchen and ends in the gym. Anything in between won’t help you in the long run.

As an early twenty-something, I have experienced my fair share of older individuals telling me I’m too hung up on my cell phone. “Weapons of mass distraction,” I’ve heard them called. In my night class this summer, the teacher seems surprised when he gives us a 10-minute break and we automatically whip out our cell phones. It’s not that I don’t see where he’s coming from, but being out of the loop for hours at a time during the day is difficult for most.

An employer in Denver, Colorado is giving his employees the vacation of a lifetime. According to ABC News, Bart Lorang, CEO of FullContact API, is rewarding his workers with $7,500 to take a vacation. One stipulation: they have to disconnect from their emails, cell phones, and work overall. Remind me to change majors and apply there immediately.

But “checking out” and putting that phone away, whether it’s the weekend or a vacation, isn’t as easy as it once was. Not responding to a text message is considered rude and forgetting to return a phone call is highly frowned upon. When I am bored, I opt to grab my phone and begin “pinning” on Pinterest or see what kind of absurd Facebook status I can come up with, rather than snuggling down with a book or calling my Grandma to see how her Domino tournament went.

Essential for both work and play, having an Internet connection on one’s phone is almost a necessity. Working in the communication realm, my jobs rely on first come, first serve basis. An e-mail is sent out and whoever responds the quickest is the one who gets the shift. Unplugging from the digital world isn’t easy. While on vacation, I find it a little easier to disconnect and stay in the moment, but that’s only because I’m not in the same city with all of my friends, missing out if I don’t pay attention to my connection to the outside world.

Whether or not we like it, communication via technology is here to stay. And unless we’re preferring to stay in and watch Netflix all night or miss out on some important news around the office, we’re going to have to embrace it one way or another. But taking a tech-free break for a bit each day isn’t so bad. Try out those near-impossible Yoga poses you see in the magazines. Go to a bar and see if you can pick up guys using the worst pick-up lines in the book. Read that book you supposedly read junior year of high school. But for the love of God, leave your phone alone.

Danny and Roxie Ruckriegel in front of their fire engine replica.

While most “man caves” consist of poker tables, big-screen TVs and refrigerators full of beer, Danny Ruckriegel’s cave, located in the basement of his home, holds much more significance than that. A fourth-generation firefighter for the Jeffersontown Fire Department, Ruckriegel’s cave is a dedication to his friends, family members, and the 27 years he spent in the department.

“[The basement] takes me back to when I was on my A-game. You think about people when they have a fire, that’s the worst day of their life, but that was the best day of my life because that’s what I was trained to do,” Ruckriegel explained.

While touring his quarters one can see an array of fire-fighting items, a replica of the back of a fire engine, and doors that are fashioned to look like the front of a fire station. Ruckriegel’s handywork is apparent everywhere, as he details the hours of hard work put into his cave.

Currently retired from the fire department, Ruckriegel spends most of his time as an electrician. But on his days off, he can often be found in what he calls his “Zen room.” Referring to his days in the fire service as a “brotherhood,” Ruckriegel’s basement is embellished with old photos, fire engine mementos, and even an old fire alarm system from the 1800s.

An overview of the Ruckriegels’ basement.

Painted in red and black, Ruckriegel’s tribute to the 24 immediate family members who served as part of the fire department alongside him, has taken nearly a year and a half to complete. He is able to turn to his man cave as a way to remember, and his basement serves as a time machine, taking him back to his prime and to what he frequently calls “the good old days.”

Ruckriegel’s man cave also holds homage to those he knew who passed away on Sept. 11. With each piece of memorabilia comes a story. Whether it’s a history lesson or a personal narration, Ruckriegel’s love for this space is evident in the enthusiasm he exhibits while explaining the objects within.

And although his basement far outshines the average man cave, in at least one way Ruckriegel’s manly space serves a purpose similar to that of more ordinary guys’ retreats. When asked if his wife has any “cave” of her own, Danny coolly responded, “My wife doesn’t need a cave of her own. She’s got the whole house.”

Located in the shade of Central Park in downtown Louisville, Shakespeare in the Park has been providing entertainment to the area for a little over 50 years. Kentucky Shakespeare holds the record for the oldest free Shakespeare Festival in the country and is known for putting a unique twist on the familiar acts composed by the English playwright. Currently performing “Much Ado About Nothing,” the company provides an American Western spin to its summer 2012 season opener.

Audience members enjoyed the view from the VIP section.

“This type of presentation introduces the work of Shakespeare to the audience in a non-threatening, non-snooty way. It’s introducing (the audience) to what Shakespeare’s really about and (instilling) community engagement,” said Kentucky Shakespeare CEO, Brantley M. Dunaway. The play depicts familiar feelings and scenarios with the language used in Shakespeare’s original pieces, making it great for a family-friendly evening of entertainment.

If Shakespeare isn’t for you, Monday Movie Nights also offer a fun atmosphere for a family gathering. Showing movies such as Shakespeare in Love, Rocky Horror Picture Show and O Brother, Where Art Thou?, there’s something for everyone. To round out the season, Shakespeare in the Park will also feature “Measure for Measure,” August 2 through 5.

Filling the park with laughter and music each night (with the exception of Monday Movie Nights) this elevated, yet elementary take on Shakespeare will be running July 12 through 29. Entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. and the curtain opens at 8:30 p.m. VIP seats are $20 for comfy chairs and unlimited drinks from the full-service bar.

If you would like more information about Shakespeare in the Park and Kentucky Shakespeare, visit www.kyshakespeare.com.

Performances:

July 12-29 *excluding Mondays
Closed Captioned Performances July 20, 21

Pre-Show Entertainment:

7:00 PM

Happy Hour:

7:00-7:45 PM

Curtain:

8:30 PM

Monday Movie Nights:

Show times begin at 9:00 PM
July 9th: Shakespeare in Love
July 16th: Anonymous
July 23rd: Rocky Horror Picture Show
July 30th: O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Photos By JAMES EATON | Contributing Photographer

“I’m a Cardinal for life,” said the former University of Louisville football player. “I always like to give back to places that have given me so much.”

Now a defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Okoye’s Kickoff 4 Kids Foundation has teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana. The two organizations will formally introduce their partnership at the Kickoff 4 Kids Gala on July 13 on the Norton Healthcare Terrace and in the PNC Club at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.

“My parents are my heroes,” explained Okoye. “What I saw them do for us as kids really makes me want to do the same (for others).”

That sentiment is nothing new. During his time at UofL, Okoye volunteered alongside his fellow teammates with numerous charity organizations, including Kosair Children’s Hospital and the Boys and Girls Club.

After being drafted into the NFL in 2007, Okoye started the inaugural Kickoff 4 Kids, a program that not only lets children interact with the athletes they admire, but also incorporates scholastic success into the mix. One of the popular facets of Kickoff 4 Kids is Movies and Motivation, which is geared toward younger students. Participants are taken collectively to a movie and paired with an athlete for the day. A motivational speech is given before the start of the film. “(It’s) a day of learning and fun by watching a movie,” Okoye said.

The foundation began in Houston but is now in Katy, Texas and Huntsville, Ala., as well. And, next week, it will begin in Louisville. “We’ve certainly helped out thousands of kids (already) and looking forward to helping out much more,” Okoye said.

Thus far, the Kickoff 4 Kids Foundation has granted over 44 scholarships and is home to multiple sports mentoring programs. Soon, Okoye will unveil Kickoff 4 Kids House, an online achievement program that will teach children how to succeed by allowing them to compete with their fellow students, as well as kids at other schools, in academics, sports and community service.

Thanks to a partnership with the University of Louisville, the local chapter of Kickoff 4 Kids will also offer Cards Play, an interactive program with Cardinal athletes and students that will stress the importance of physical education in schools around Louisville.

“Kickoff 4 Kids will take away attention from the shootings in the community and help make the focus on the youth,” said Red Carpet Events owner Jessica Taylor, who is assisting Okoye. “(The) program will change the focus not only on the West End, but also on the city as the whole.”

Charla Young, who will emcee the gala, likes what Kickoff 4 Kids embodies.

“It takes football, an adored sport, with Amobi, an amazing scholar and player, giving him the opportunity (to teach kids) so that they understand the balance of the two in a really fun way. It’s a party (and a program) with a purpose,” Young said.

For more information, visit www.kickoff4kids.org or www.bbbsky.org.

“They bring New York theater to Louisville and they convey it like no one else can,” Matthew Porter, Director of Public Relations for PNC Broadway in Louisville, stated after presenting the award to the three radio personalities. “We’ve been working with them for six years doing promotions and the audience really responds to them.”

It was because of their hard work and creative promotions, helping put Broadway in Louisville in the top-selling percentile, that Lindsey, Lambert and Rasmussen received the prestigious honor.

“It’s one of those partnerships that comes along once in a lifetime. All the pieces fit together with promotions, marketing, and the personalities,” Lambert said, adding, “It doesn’t hurt that we all have the same warped senses of humor.”

“The Lambert and Lindsey Morning Show” broadcasted from New York City in March of this year to celebrate the opening of the 2012-2013 season of PNC Broadway in Louisville, and featured interviews with the plays’ actors, directors and dancers.
“We are honored. And absolutely shocked,” stated the show’s front man, George Lindsey.

The on-air personalities were also awarded at The Kentucky Center’s performance of Billy Eliot on June 26. The Louisville Theatrical Association’s President, Brad Broecker, and Brand Ambassador for Four Roses, Al Young, presented the award.

“I’m so new to the show that being a part of this and being recognized at this level is so surprising to me. We’ve got such great partners it makes our jobs easy. I feel so lucky to be a part of the show with great partners like PNC Broadway in Louisville and Four Roses,” Rasmussen stated after the reception on Tuesday. “I’m speechless and for me, that’s a first.”

Photo Courtesy of FRANKIE STEELE

1. As Long As You Love Me by Backstreet Boys  |  You can’t have a respectable 90s collaboration without adding BSB into the mix. N’SYNC fan or BSB, either way, you have to face the cold, hard truth: these guys came first.
2. Bringin’ Da Noise by N’SYNC  |  Fair is fair. Although I do tend to favor BSB over the boys from N’SYNC, truth is they’ve got some good hits. And they were in Smart House, a Disney Channel Original Movie featuring a house that every kid dreamed of. Oh, and the band featured Justin Timberlake. Gotta love that man.
3. You Drive Me Crazy by Britney Spears  |  Prior to mental breakdowns and the X Factor contract, Britney Spears had teenage boys drooling at her feet. Featuring Adrian Grenier of Entourage and Melissa Joan Hart from “Carissa Explains It All,” this music video had all the crimped hair and lame outfits that a 90s kid could want.
4. Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You) by Christina Aguilera  |  Christina captured hearts in the Mickey Mouse Club (with stars like Ryan Gosling, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake) and continued charming audiences from there. Her fourth single off of her first, self-titled album, Come On Over Baby was always one of my favorites from the former Disney star.
5. Creep by TLC  |  I remember seeing TLC perform on All That. This song is still great in my opinion. Though I do think it is slightly ironic that in TLC’s main hit, “Scrubs,” they talk about a man unable to support himself, when TBoz filed for bankruptcy in fall of 2011.
6. Save Tonight by Eagle Eye Cherry  |  Even as a child, I realized this song was a hit. Now being old enough to understand the concept behind the tune, I can appreciate it in a different light. Mr. Cherry, we would have loved to have seen more from you.
7. Stop by Spice Girls  |  Scary, Sporty, Baby, Posh and Ginger were my idols growing up, and I, not unlike other small children, was too young to realize what half of Spice World actually meant. The girls are looking better than ever and have made amends, proposing a Spice Girls musical. I’m slightly ashamed to say that I would probably go see that if it came here.
8. True to Your Heart by 98 Degrees  |  Alongside the great Stevie Wonder, the 98 Degrees boys released this single for Disney’s “Mulan.” They announced earlier this week that a tour may be in the works but singer Jeff Timmons denied the rumors, stating that the band would be reuniting for one last show but not for a full-fledged tour. Now if they could get Stevie Wonder to perform as well, that would be one hell of a show.
9. Got the Feelin’ by Five  |  I don’t care who you are or how old you may be; this song is “Call Me Maybe” catchy. It’s just a fact. They were Mom-friendly and even featured on the Disney concert series that I watched so frequently, I’m almost positive I still have the dance routine memorized.
10. Bootylicious by Destiny’s Child  |  There are so many things right with this song; I don’t know where to begin. Before it was Beyonce and Jay-Z or Kelly’s solo career, Destiny’s Child knew how to throw down a hit. The dancing, the outfits, the beat. It’s addicting. And truth be told, I still rock a lot of those moves at bars nowadays. Beyonce is a personal hero of mine.
11. Learn to Fly by Foo Fighters  |  Dave Grohl, another hero of mine, dresses up as a woman in this music video that I still picture whenever the Foo Fighters come up in conversation. I can still remember the excitement I felt when this song came on VH1 in the mornings. Back when music videos were still cool. And the Foo Fighters were still good. Oh wait, they’re still the coolest guys in rock music. Good job, guys. Thanks for being awesome, then and now.
12. Waiting for Tonight by Jennifer Lopez  |  This song gave me hope for the millennium. J.Lo shows audiences everywhere that the year 2000 would bring jubilation and happiness, not power-outages and depression. Not my favorite J.Lo hit, but memorable, nonetheless.
13. Honey by Mariah Carey  |  Before unnecessary perfume ads and Nick Cannon’s lupus scare, Mariah Carey gave fans unattainable hope that they too could beat up bad guys in heels and surf off into the sunset on a jet ski. Dare I say, she should have stopped making music after her Heartbreaker hit.
14. Mmmbop by Hanson  |  I don’t actually like this song as much as it is fun to dance ridiculously to. Not only do the boys talk about everlasting friendship and growing old among the Mmmbops (side note: the word “Mmmbop” was actually the background for another song), but also the video is a 90s gem. The boys have continued on with their music careers and have produced even better stuff within the past few years. It’s worth looking in to.
15. Thong Song by Sisqo  |  Though it’s not my favorite 90s hit, this song featuring scantily clad women was the soundtrack to my 4^th grade spring break. This silver-haired rapper hit number three on the Billboard Top 100 chart in 2000 and will continue to thrive in the hearts of 90s spring-breakers forever. He also taught me what a thong is. Thanks, Sisqo.
16. Never Let You Go by Third Eye Blind  |  To date, this is one of my absolute favorite bands, hands down. Phenomenal live, 3EB is a band that continued cranking out hits well after their initial, self-titled album.  Stephen Jenkins has yet to run out of inappropriate topics to write songs about and for that, I will be forever grateful.
17. You Make Me Wanna… by Usher  |  Before the Biebs and his most recent hits, Usher got his start with this single. He’s pretty much the same to date though, still sporting his adorable baby face, abs and jaw-dropping dance moves. Well done, Usher. Keep doing what you’re doing.
18. Miami by Will Smith  |  Another song that is still added to the playlist when I hit the beach. Will Smith is a renaissance man and anyone who speaks ill of him, I lose a little respect for. I mean, c’mon, I bet if a reporter tried to kiss you, you’d hit them too. Though his kids need to stop rapping and go back to 3^rd grade. I don’t want whiplash, Willow.
19. Good Vibrations by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch  |  A little early for a kid born in the late 80s/early 90s, this chart-topping hit was one that I still love. Not to mention, the music video features Mark Wahlberg shirtless. Ladies, you’re welcome.

Although I don’t particularly favor some of the songs listed, they were part of 90s history, and for that, they are owed some respect. Here are some runner-ups that I couldn’t bear to leave out in the cold:

Under the Bridge by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

O.P.P by Naughty by Nature

Mo Money, Mo Problems by Notorious B.I.G.

Loser by Beck

Changes by 2Pac

One Week by Barenaked Ladies

You Get What You Give by New Radicals

Listen to these lovable, 90′s gems here:

90′s Mix by johite on Grooveshark

Set in modern day Brooklyn, the Pinnunziato family encounters difficult setbacks while planning the celebration. Anthony’s mother, an opinionated, strong-willed Italian, believes a Catholic priest should perform the ceremony and wants Andrew’s mother to help with the wedding plans. But gay marriage has yet to be legalized in New York and Andrew has not spoken to his mother in ages.

Cheating lovers, catfights, multiple dance numbers, and many laughs ensue, and the boys are left to decide if they want to endure the hardships with which they have been faced.

This spicy, new age comedy is a twist to the boy-loves-boy plot and is definitely one that will keep you laughing. With over-the-top wedding planners, saucy innuendos, and a great cast, it is definitely worth seeing.
The play runs through this weekend at the Victor Jory Theatre in Actors Theater of Louisville. Each show is at 7:30 p.m. Further information about the play can be found at PandoraProductions.org

The festival is Friday, May 25 through Monday, May 28 at the historic Louisville Water Tower and features ten live bands, Jamaican and Caribbean food and a Caribbean market.

“We have vendors come in from all across the country selling jewelry, clothing, purses, drums.… It’s just amazing,” said Jennifer Washle from Bisig Impact Group, the association hosting the festival. “It’s a very personal feel while you’re walking through the market. It’s a lot more intimate than other festivals.”

Multiple vendors will sell Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine throughout the weekend. The authentic menu features dishes such as Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, Fried Plantains and Beef Patties. The Jamaican Association of Louisville will be among the vendors, who come from all over the country.

“These are people that live throughout Kentuckiana baking, making this food in their homes and bring it out to prepare it the rest of the way. It’s a true testimony and accomplishment for them. Even the people who don’t particularly care for Jamaican food will find something they will enjoy,” Washle explained.

Of course the food and shopping aren’t the only attractions. The ten Reggae Fest bands also help kick off what is known as the 2012 Louisville Water Tower Music Series. Among the highlights: Dem Reggae Bon opens the musical portion of this jam-packed weekend, followed by Lazo & the Radikals on Saturday. Kyene Drum Ensemble and the St. X Jungle Drummers will be performing throughout the rest of the festival.

“It’s not like you can get in the car one weekend and go to another reggae festival,” said Washle. “We have people who come in from Nashville and parts of Ohio particularly every year to attend this festival.”

The event runs 2 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and continues from 1 to 7 p.m. on Monday. Attendance is $7 before 6 p.m. and $10 after; children 10 and under get in free. Parking is free and available on the premises.

If you plan on attending the fun, remember construction is still happening on I-71. Zorn Avenue or River Road are the two recommended routes to take to avoid traffic.

For more information, a complete schedule of performances, a complete event calendar and a menu of food that will be available, visit www.KentuckyReggaeFestival.com or call the Bisig Impact Group at 502.583.0333.