Just like I do at the end of the week with my closets at home, I like to clean out the closet of random thoughts I have in the back of my mind from time to time. It's not that there is nothing worth blogging about, but none of these random observations is worth one single blog:

I-PHONE: WORTH THE WAIT? ... I'm interested in the Apple I-Phone, but not enough to spend $500 and $200 in monthly charges to be the "cool" person on my block. By the way, what is up with these people lined up outside stores this morning for a phone? I'm sorry but for such tech-savvy people - it's just stupid to wait outside for ten-plus hours.

FAN REVOLT ... Disgruntled Pirate fans plan to leave - en masee - Saturday night in the middle of the game to protest the Pirates 14-year run of futility and bad management. Will it make a difference? I doubt it. A message for the fans: If you really want to send the Bucs a message than don't go in the first place. Not showing up does much more than showing up, spending your money and then leaving.

NORTH SHORE INSANITY ... Speaking of the Pirates, they and the Steelers are drawing a line in the sand over the construction of that new casino. Folks, this is not about traffic patterns as the teams will tell you or about protecting the interest of the fans. This is about money - and whether a casino will cut into their bottom lines. I don't know why the Bucs would be upset. Given their recent performance, they need to pray that casino patrons might pass by the ballpark - and purchase a ticket. Meanwhile, the growth of the North Shore is stymied by this battle - as is the flow of millions which is earmarked for the new arena.


MAYOR IN THE MIDDLE .. There are a lot of jobs I would love to have, but don't count being the Mayor of Pittsburgh as one of them. Right now, Luke Ravenstahl is in the middle of the debate over three police officers being promoted who have histories of alleged domestic abuse. He's feeling the heat from both sides -- the police union and various women's organizations. No matter what the Mayor does, someone is going to be unhappy -- and I'm sure his republican challenger in the November election will hop all over this issue in their upcoming debates.


I think that's it. Now my thought closet is nice and clean -- until next week and who knows what clutter it up. After all, we haven't heard from Paris Hilton in two days.

In my days of covering sports in this town, I discovered there is only one thing more interesting to Steeler fans than the current crop of Black & Gold players - and that's former Steeler stars. Don't believe me? Who has gotten more attention and press this summer - Bill Cowher or Mike Tomlin? I rest my case.

Same is true when we talk about TV news personalities in this city. I still have people asking me when Susan Koeppen will return from vacation.

One of those former WTAE people that still has a following in Ellen Gamble. In case you don't remember - Ellen was the morning traffic reporter and later anchored the weekend morning newscasts. She was very good, very personable and part of a winning morning team during the early part of this decade.


Now, she a happy newlywed and doing some very important work at the Women's Center and Shelter. Abused women need a place of safety - a place to put their lives together when their relationships take a turn for the worst and that's what the Women's Center and Shelter does. Ellen believes in it's mission - and last night, we had the chance to team up again.

The Rotary Club held a wine tasting and silent auction fundraiser at the Rivers Club with part of the proceeds going to the Women's Center and Shelter. Along with Ellen and myself in the photo above is Bruce May, the wine writer for Pittsburgh Magazine and our guest host and Rebecca Gilbert from UBS Financial. Thanks to everyone who made the night so special -- and Ellen, it was great to see you again. We all miss you at Channel 4.

Before I go, I need to tell you that I did not watch the Paris Hilton interview last night on Larry King Live ( I had better things to do like trim my toe nails and organizing my sock drawer). But when the clap of thunder woke me out a deep sleep at 1AM, I did flip on CNN and saw Anderson Cooper's 360 show. It was then I realized something - I don't hate Paris Hilton. I hate the people who keep talking up this vapid excuse for a star. Cooper had a panel of "experts" discussing what they thought of the interview and whether Paris was a "changed person."

Let's be honest. It's the jock-sniffing celebrity journalists who make their living talking about these so-called celebrities. For the last time, I think I speak for the majority of the persons on the planet when I say WHO CARES? Enough with Paris. I'm officially done. Next time I talk about Paris, it better have the word "France" after it.

ONE FINAL NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I have removed yesterday's blog and accompanying photos. This was done because I overstepped my bounds by discussing something of a personal nature involving more than just myself. It involved another person. She has asked that I remove the blog and photos and I will abide by her request. I apologize and as I continue blogging, I realize that sometimes you make mistakes in this forum - and that every day is a learning experience. I'll try to do better next time.

Here's a little known secret about TV news. Often local news is looked down upon when compared with the giants of network and cable news. We on the local side are often called formula-driven in our presentation -- and accused of playing to the lowest common denominator. This morning, an example of the big boys calling the kettle black.

Unusual would be the best way to describe it. Horrific would be the worst. Joey Salvati's paddle-making enterprise falls somewhere in the middle.

As you may have seen on Channel 4 Action News - or read in the Tribune-Review - there is a New Kensington carpenter who makes paddles designed for spanking children. He sends them to parents - for free - along with a list of instructions for how to use it. The instructions include everything from the number of swats to apply to the calibration of your paddle ( i.e. smack yourself in the backside to determine how hard you want to hit your child).

Here's Salvati's argument - or should I say the argument Salvati says he received from the Lord during four conversations with the almighty in his shower. Spanking is going to happen and oftentimes it's a function of anger. All the paddle and the accompanying instructions do is turn what could become a beating into a thoughtful, less-violent exercise that will educate both parent and child and lead to mutual respect on both sides.

OK, before I lower the hammer, let me say this: I do believe Salvati does want what is best for the parent and child, and his desire to take the violence out of spanking makes sense. He even claims that upon receiving the paddle, some parents have been scared by the very sight of it and chosen not to use it -- rather, seeing it as a symbol of what could happen when emotion takes over. Plus, he says the paddle should never be used on a child age six or younger.

That being said, there is no reason to ever hit a child. Let me repeat that. THERE IS NO REASON TO EVER HIT A CHILD ... even that bratty little cousin we all have, who somehow spills fruit punch on your video game console and ruins your $200 investment (not that I dwell on that). The mere act of offering a paddle for use in punishing a child - in my opinion - borders on child abuse. I don't know about his god, but I know the one I worship would never ask me to do something so heinous.

Still, this man is doing nothing wrong, and has received orders for his paddles from most of the continental United States. On each paddle, he has stamped on the bottom the following: Joey is not responsible for the misuse of this paddle. That is his version of a disclaimer and probably is the one thing on which I completely agree with him. It is not Salvati who uses the paddle. It is the person who actually takes the time to order it through his Web site. While we want to blame Salvati for this, in truth it is the people that order and use the paddle who are the real villains in all of this.

In case you were wondering ....

My anniversary celebration with Sharon was filled with both highs and lows. We started with a golf date Friday afternoon at St. Clair Country Club. We were supposed to tee off at 2pm, but Sharon got stuck at work - and we didn't hit the links until three. Then, we discovered everyone else chose to play golf Friday afternoon so it wasn't exactly the speed round.

But things picked up when we invited the couple that was waiting behind us to play with us and give us a foursome. Bill and Carol were members there and their insights on the course - as well as life - made for a pleasurable afternoon. Then came the shocker. As we were finishing up our round, I told them we were celebrating our anniversary. Turns out Bill and Carol were married the same day we were - 51 years earlier!

By the time we finally got to the restaurant - which was almost 9pm - I was exhausted. Having been up since 2am with only three hours of sleep the night before, I was hardly in shape for an extended romantic evening. In fact, I almost fell asleep during dinner. Sharon - who by the way got all dressed up and looked beautiful that night - could see I was fading so we made it an early evening and decided we would do dinner another night.

The rest of the weekend was taken with Sharon's cousin and her husband in town. It wasn't exactly what I had envisioned for a romantic anniversary, but so many of you made the point: It's not about what you do, it's the fact you do it together, That's why the highlight for me was Sunday afternoon when Sharon and I decided to go play a leisurely round of golf. There was no one on the course and we pretty much took our time -- and Sharon played great!!!!

Thanks to everyone who sent well-wishes and suggestions for spending our anniversary - and Denise, thanks for the anniversary card ( she is always so thoughtful ). And Sharon -- Happy Anniversary since today is the actual day we decided to toe the knot on that beach in Saint Thomas. You looked beautiful and breath-taking on that Sunday afternoon ... and you still do today.

Well, the special weekend is here -- Sharon and I are celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary. Seven years ago, we trekked down to Saint Thomas and pledged our undying love for all eternity on a beach with family and friends.

I asked you earlier this week how we should celebrate the 7th anniversary of this milestone - and you responded!

Jen in Greensburg suggested something creative. Giving Sharon 11 red roses with a white one in the middle - with a card that says there are a million people in the world and you are the one for me.

Denise from Pittsburgh, as well my executive producer Dana, thought that restaging our first date would be the perfect way to celebrate. Nice idea, but I don't think I want to go to crowded dance club full of twenty-somethings.

Kim in Pittsburgh, Darla from White Oak, Kim in Monongahela, Kim in New Stanton ( boy I know a lot of Kims ) and the entire office at the Epilepsy Foundation were on the same track. Why not take Sharon away for a romantic weekend? Possible sites included 7 Springs, Sharon PA, Deep Creek Maryland and even Las Vegas.

Denise from Clairton knows of our passion for the links -- so she proposed taking Sharon to Greenbrier in West Virginia for a golf, spa and dinner getaway.

Mandy in Pittsburgh gets top honors for the most unique idea. She told me her husband placed roses everywhere she went that day -- the bathroom, the car, etc.

Jillian in Mount Pleasant suggested a simple road trip. Why not a quiet romantic dinner and a nice stroll and a trip down memory lane discussing what has transpired in our lives?

And thanks to several of you who suggested jewelry -- and many who told me that copper is the metal used to symbolize the 7th year of marriage.

Well, after all these awesome ideas - and thanks for each one of them - I was ready to choose my course of action when I got an e-mail from a woman named Sharon:

"Hey, I got a suggestion. Why not take me to play golf Friday afternoon and then you can take me to my favorite Thai restaurant?".

I guess I have learned two lessons. Sometimes, it is best to go the source and just ask .. and she really does read my blog.

It's been more than a week since the tragic death of five children from a horrible house fire in Larimer - ignited by the kids playing with matches. They were all under ten .. and all died too young, too soon.

Oh the things you discover while out covering a story.

My 7th wedding anniversary is coming up on Monday and I can honestly say I do not feel the same way about Sharon the day that I married her. Before you start to say "what's wrong with you", please think about this: Do any of us feel EXACTLY the same way we felt about our spouses on our wedding day? Unless you have been married for less than a year, your feelings will change and I have no problem with saying that.



I mean, I have spent the last 7 years with this person - and people change over time. Hey, look at us from this photo from the Tribune-Review taken a year into our wedding bliss:

My version of "heaven on earth" is now complete. The US Open was a fantastic event - and while I was out there all week doing stories for the newscast, my favorite day was Sunday. That was because it was not only the final round, but also Sharon and I got a chance to go as fans.

Reality TV has done it all: played a game of survivor on a deserted island, made famous people dance and even tried to find everlasting love. So why not journey into the world of television news.




Another network is debuting the program "Anchorwoman" - a reality show based upon a station in Tyler, Texas hiring Lauren Jones. She is a former swimsuit model with no journalistic experience and her co-stars are the real life anchors, reporters and producers at the CBS station in Tyler.


As you might imagine, her hiring has caused quite a firestorm among those in the world of broadcast news. Some say her hiring is making a mockery of those who legitimately worked their way up the often treacherous ladder of TV news to get to where they are today. Some of the griping might be legitimate, some might be jealously -- though I think there would be controversy if she wasn't a blond swimsuit model.

I have not seen the show - or the woman at the center of it - but just like the Don Imus case I believe the public should decide. If people prefer their news from experienced people, the ratings will let you know. If they prefer pretty people with little news background, the ratings will reflect that as well.

TV news has always had to strike an uncomfortable balance -- serious journalism with presenting a visually pleasing broadcast and part of that formula has always included attractive men and women. This latest experiment takes it to an extreme but shows what many think television is all about - looks.

Look folks, I've never considered myself a "journalist". I think the term is too stuffy what I do. I'm a reporter who goes out and tells stories and I'm an anchor who gets on the set and tries to convey information in a manner viewers can digest and understand.


I'm not angered or upset - after all, "Anchorwoman" is a reality show and that's the way it's being presented. Also, performance in front of the camera is a crucial component of what we do as broadcasters and if someone has a natural talent in front of the lens, I think that should be considered a positive. I just hope that after people she this program, they don't think that a;; we do is read a TelePrompTer. Then again, some probably think that already.

This week will be tough for me to blog because of my work on the coverage of the U.S. Open at Oakmont.

What I have quickly discovered from the course is that many people are there not to see golf, but to see Tiger Woods. He has become a rock star and turned a game that was once seen as elitist into a sport for the masses - much like Arnold Palmer did four decades earlier.

As for Mr. Palmer, he will be named honorary chairperson today -- and I could not be happier. What a very nice and generous man .. and I had the chance to play with him a few years ago at Laurel Valley. Truly a career highlight for myself.

Saw Mario Lemieux walking the course Tuesday .. and just to give you a sense at how many big stars are on the course .. I think I was the only person to recognize #66 in his golf attire.

I have also noticed that there is very little traffic in downtown Oakmont - much to the surprise of business owners there hoping to cash in on the Open. Instead, with fans being bused in from Hartwood Acres and points beyond, downtown Oakmont has become a ghost town - except for the residents and the players who may be staying the community.

I will be talking more about golf -- and what I'm seeing at the Open -- in my daily video blog in the U.S. Open section of this website. Then, I promise to get back to my more mundane musings when things get back to normal next week.

One last note: I do appreciate your comments and insights regarding my blogs, but I would appreciate if some of you could keep the offensive language to a minimum. This is a family blog here and I don't want any cursing. As your teacher might tell you, cursing just shows how limited your vocabulary truly is. Of course, this is the exception. For the most part, people have been so kind and supportive in their responses that I enjoy writing.

See you from the Open!

Folks, I have to run out to the Open at Oakmont, so unfortunately my blogs this week will have to be quick ones.

Today is my anniversary - one year on the job ( and they said it wouldn't last ). I started this trip into TV news on June 12th 2006 - a day I will always remember because of an incident that took place around 12pm that day. There's little doubt you will forget what happened my first day as well.

As one writer put it, this was Pittsburgh's version of the Kennedy Assassination - the Ben Roethlisberger motorcycle accident. What began as a reported cycle crash turned into a vigil that would last for weeks, a media crush like none this city has ever seen and a football season gone sour.

I was there for the beginning - joining Michelle Wright and Sally Wiggin for three hours of breaking news coverage. I guessed we were fortunate as a news organization that morning that a former sports guy - just three days removed from his last sportscast - was there to talk about Ben and keep the story moving. I was able to use my contacts to speak with Steelers coaches and players - in essence being the first to tell them what had happened.

It was a day I will never forget - and I doubt many of you will either. People still tell me they remember where they were when it happened. I know I do. It was just my first day on the job.

When I reach the end of my days - which hopefully is many years from now -- I will still be upset when it's time to take the big dirt nap. That's because no matter what happens, I will never get back the hour of my life I lost last night watching HBO's "The Sopranos".

If you didn't see it last night and have it on TiVo, the following paragraphs might spoil it for you. Then again, you will feel a whole lot better than I do -- having to sit through and watch one major player get whacked -- and then tuning in for an ending that left me completely unsatisfied. Paraphrasing the theme song: "Woke this morning .. .got myself a gun " .. ready to blow my brains out after that horrible ending.

All you need to know is that inside the diner at the end, the tension was so great that you figured Tony - or Carmella - or A.J. was going to be killed just as Meadow was walking in. Instead, just before Meadow enters -- the screen goes black! I thought my cable went out at the most inopportune time. Instead, they went to credits and there was nothing after that.

I was so mad -- and felt so cheated. I know it's a television show, but when you sink your heart into a program and watch faithfully for nine years, you expect more than this. I thought it was great and compelling television for years - and while this season lacked excitement - I still expected a pay-off at the end - not a tease.

I'm so mad, I'm telling people that instead of anchoring the news this morning, I stayed home because I would let my frustrations go on the air. That's not true, but that is how I feel. I do plan to write HBO and try and get a refund for the last nine years of cable I've paid for, but I doubt it will do much good.

OK, I'm done venting. See you Tuesday at the Open -- which should bring us high drama and not cut to black on the final hole.

I try not to write about Paris Hilton because I really do not think she is worth it. I mean I admire this woman has taken her massive fortune and used it to achieve a goal -- in this case being famous for nothing. She has become a celebrity celebrated for accomplishing absolutely nothing.

Bill Cowher makes his reality show debut tonight on WTAE. He joins the likes of William Shatner, Jewel and John Elway on the program "Fast Cars and Superstars". Cowher and the other celebs will see if they have what it takes to drive around the oval and into stock car immortality.

While the show sounds like a lot of fun for the participants and a real test of driving skill, Cowher hinted during an interview we showed on Channel 4 Action News this morning that he's doing this because he had never driven "stick" before and wants to show his family and friends he can do it.

After hearing this, I quickly remarked that I had never driven stick either. Kelly and Demetrius looked at me with complete shock - disbelieving that I had never chosen the manual way to drive.

Hey, let's be honest. Driving stick - unless you are an automobile enthusiast - can be a real bore. I don't need to be shifting gears every ten seconds - especially if I am on a road trip of any great length or time in the car. Granted, that pretty much eliminates me from being the designated driver in my group of friends, but I'm just not into stick shifting.

Yes, I have tried and I have my friends burned-out transmission to prove it. Sorry, but I would rather leave it in drive in mu automatic gear and focus on much more important things while I'm driving - things like using mu cell phone to text messages, eat food, play with the radio ( just kidding ). Of course, this is the same person who's not "cool enough" to understand the appeal of Kenny Chesney.

You can turn steel into gold. Don't believe me? Watch what is happening around this city. New condos, new office buildings, new restaurants and -- as soon as they can agree on traffic - a slots parlor. Pittsburgh is experiencing a building boom not seen in decades.

But as a I look at the new development, a conversation with a woman from out of town helped me realize something amazing -- this boom is not coming from within.

Joanne is handling the PR for a new French fusion restaurant called "Palate" ( you will see more about this place in Thursday night's "Check It Out" segment at 11pm ). During a break, Joanne told me she was from Naperville, Illinois - just outside of Chicago. Turns out that is where my parents now live. Joanne has been here for two years - and I asked her if she liked Pittsburgh. While she admits it's not Chicago, in many ways it's better than the Windy City.

Joanne compared Pittsburgh to the west in the 1800's - uncharted territory which was filled with gold. While we can't fish gold nuggets out of the Mon just yet, I did see her point. For instance, in Chicago, there are probably five or six French fusion restaurants - but none in Pittsburgh. Every new eatery is something new because it's never been to Pittsburgh before.

The same is true of entertainment and housing. From Jerome Bettis' 36 Grille to the cool apartments at the Cork Factory, there are new and exciting venues -- venues that Pittsburgh has never seen -- and that ensures a rush of people will want to buy or take part in these new experiences.

The other thing that's interesting -- is that it's no longer just Pittsburghers putting up these new developments. There is plenty of out-of-town money investing in downtown Pittsburgh. People from California, New York and beyond who see an untapped resources in our city where they can invest and spend a whole lot less to do business than they would in their home states.

Who would have thought Pittsburgh would be the modern-day version of the wild wild West?

I took a day off yesterday - a move I think surprised everyone and threw more than a few morning routines off. I always take the first Monday in June off -- and I have for the last ten years. Yes, to play golf, but for another reason - a reason much more important than 18 holes could ever be.



Back in 1997, I was asked to be the station representative for a charitable golf tournament in Washington, PA. I was taking over for Don Cannon, who left the station at that time and I have to admit I knew nothing about Washington county. However, I did know about the cause -- United Cerebral Palsy. The organization - essentially - helps those with physical challenges lead independent lives. Whether it be learning disabilities afflicting young and old, UCP of Southwestern Pennsylvania has provided help to residents in Greene, Fayette as well as Washington county for years.



I started as just the celebrity host for the event, but over the years my involvement has become much deeper. I visit many of the children UCP of Southwestern PA serves in the weeks leading up to the event - often playing games with them and learning about the challenges they face. I have met parents over the years who have benefited from the programs. Through these close encounters, I am able to better relate to the participants in this event what their contributions mean.



This Monday, Lone Pine Golf Club served as host for the 18th straight year. Club pro Terry George and his staff go above and beyond as the venue for this marvelous event. Once again, we raised thousands, had great weather and made some needy families very happy.



So don't expect to see me the first Monday in June next year -- or any succeeding year -- as long as I live here. I committed -- to an event and to a group of people. Yes, I love to play golf, but this event has never really been about golf. For me, it's always been about helping others and making a difference. Something I think we accomplish every year.

It never fails.

There are days when I forget to do something or make a mistake and start to think of myself as the dumbest person in the world. Then, sit down next to Kelly Frey and co-anchor the morning news.

Whatever stupid thing I do is instantly topped over the next two hours by something in the news. Case in point, the guy who flew overseas after being diagnosed with tuberculosis and then told by his doctors not to fly. So what does this guy - who happens to be an attorney do? He flies overseas, marries his fiance and then flies to Canada and drives back into the United States - all the while exposing everyone he makes he's contact with to this deadly disease.

If anything defines the word "stupid", it's the actions of this man. The sad part of this is that Andrew Speaker's actions are not isolated. Every day, there is one story we will read which will demonstrate just how dumb people can be -- people who clearly aren't the sharpest pencils in box.


Now I am a compassionate person, but I have to tell you there are some things that leave my jaw dragging on the ground. We're talking about parents who forget to watch their kids or adults who decide to drink and drive and then are actually stunned when they get into an accident. The bad part about these stupid acts is that often someone else pays the price - usually with their lives.

I guess I'm just a fan of common sense - and every day there are examples of people forgetting to use this tool to run their everyday lives. I'm not that much smarter than anyone of these people you see on the news, I just have common sense and try to apply it every day - and maybe that's why I'm telling you about these folks every morning -- and have not ended up being one of these folks.