I decided not to blog about this topic until I had a full day to digest it.

If you tuned in at 6:30m, you saw us speak with Robin for the first time since her announcement. I hope Shannon and myself were able to convey all the love and good wishes you have for her. I know she appreciates every kind wish that was sent from western Pennsylvania to the GMA message boards.

We also sent her a more tangible sign of support. The morning show crew made this card that we sent to Robin this morning. While it's just us in the photo, we hope we are representing all of you in wishing Robin all the best and a speedy recovery.

It might have been the greatest ending to a football game I have ever seen. Remember the Fiesta Bowl game between highly-ranked Oklahoma and upstart Boise State? Maybe you don't remember the game, but you may remember the ending. Ian Johnson scored the game-winning touchdown -- and then scored once again. Moments later, he ran over to his girlfriend-cheerleader Chrissy Popadics, went down on one knee and proposed -- and she said yes! It was a moment scene on live TV by viewers nationwide. A real Cinderella story .. but reality threatened to turn this storybook ending into a nightmare.

This morning, Shannon Perrine was filling in for Kelly .. and she started getting nostalgic. That's because we soon realized were anchoring the final show from our set as you have come to know it over the years. While I can't get into details, our set will be going through some "changes" in the coming weeks with our look. I promise it will be worth the wait. In the meantime, some photos from this historic last show in that studio as you have come to know it. I guess it's up to us to turn out the lights.

I'm not one of those people to put a whole lot of personal mementos and pictures on my desk ( even though I bear my soul everyday in cyberspace ). I guess I have never felt comfortable about having my family and personal life on my desk, even though I do it on-line everyday ( Like I said, my thought process makes no sense ).

This blog was inspired by a conversation I had with a viewer while shopping. He asked me what my career goals were - and to be honest - I said I did not know. I wasn't being evasive, I just have not thought about it much recently. The viewer went onto say I hope you don't leave town anytime soon. A compliment if there ever was one.

Child porn .. friends dying .. Presidential debates. Even I have to admit I've been blogging about some pretty depressing and down things the last few days. But, as you know, I am naturally an upbeat person so it's time to bounce back with something sure to warm your heart on a summer day.

There are two things on my mind this morning. Let me start with the more pleasant of the two topics on the table.

I watched a good part of the CNN/You Tube debate last night. While I found the format exciting, intriguing and perhaps the dawn of a new age of political debating, I was also worried as well. I found the format created great television and great theatre, but did little to expand my knowledge of the candidates.

While the questions from viewers were up front, honest and creatively done, the responses from the candidates quickly turned to talking points and canned answers. The problem with the You Tube debate format is that there is no follow up -- and CNN's Anderson Cooper did little to push the candidates for more compelling responses. Truthfully, it seemed more like an episode of Cooper's former ABC series "The Mole", that a real exchange of ideas. Then again, we are still seven months away from the first primary vote.

Now, to the more serious matter. From my years of covering sports, I'm guessing the buzz at training camp among the assembled media was not about Troy Polamalu's new contract. It was about the indictment of local radio personality John Duffy on child porn charges. The only reason I mention this is because like many members of the sports media in this town, I know John Duffy -- worked along side of him for years. It was a shock to hear about the charges facing him.



"Duff", as he is known, was the one guy in the press box you actually pulled for. Physically challenged since birth, he walks with braces and crutches. Somehow, he did not let his physical limitations keep him from becoming a successful radio sports reporter for ESPN local and national and several other networks. Sitting next to him at Pirate games for years, I always found him sharp-witted and funny.


Telling you all this, you understand why it's hard to hear someone you think you know so well is accused of such a heinous crime. You feel shock, disgust and anger -- all at the same time. I guess it just proves that we really don't know the people we think we do. I'm sure all of us have secrets - but I could not have imagined that this seemingly innocent-looking man could be involved in one of the most dreaded crimes against children - pornography.

I will not serve as judge, jury and executioner in this case. I just thought I would share my feelings. It's difficult to learn someone you think you know may not be that person.

Last year, one of my first blogs was about my likes and dislikes. Among the things I said I hated was death. Of course, I don't anyone who's a big fan of dying, but still it's one of those things that I hate to see, hate to talk about and hate to deal with ( and I'm in the news business).

Every know and then, I like to offer some commentary on what's going on in the sports world because it's still what I know best and often it's a reflection on the larger issues facing our society. The latest sports issue to enter the mainstream conversation involves NFL quarterback Michael Vick and his indictment by a federal grand jury on charges of taking part in a dogfighting ring.

You probably have heard the details of this case - and the public outcry for justice, or at least suspension for one of the NFL's most high-profile accidents. IMHO, this story actually opens up the discussion for two other issues -- our sometimes overdeveloped passion for pets and the role of the African-American athlete.

First -- to the pet issue. I am constantly amazed that no matter how many stories we do about men and women being shot and killed, there is never quite the passionate reaction that we get when there is a story about an abused animal. Women are raped and sometimes killed by spouses and boyfriends, and yet when we hear about the neglecting of dogs and cats, the outcry is almost deafening.

Look, I am a dog owner and I abhor anyone who abuses or injures a pet -- and believe they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law -- and that includes Michael Vick. Still, let's not look at the abuse of pets as any worse than the hurting of human beings. There are animal lovers out there who actually believe the life of a pet is more important than that of a human ... and that makes no sense to me. I wish some of those people had the same passion for all the women who suffer from spousal abuse .. or those children who die in drive-by shootings.


Then, there is Vick giving black athletes a black eye. Another story about a young African-American athlete with millions of dollars in his pocket reverting back to the behavior and attitude that he may have grown up with as a child. I understand many African-American children grow up in less-than-ideal conditions and face many hardships on the road to success, but once they achieve that success -- they need to grow up mentally.

As a black man, here is my advice to all you young black athletes who have pro potential and aspirations:

There is no reason you should be involved in illegal activity, no reason you should be in a strip club and no reason you should put yourself in situations that can lead to nothing but trouble. I know these are your friends, but once you reach a certain status it's time re-evaluate those friendships to determine whether they are in your best interest. And if those friends call you an "Uncle Tom" for doing this, then it's time to find new friends. You can be an inspiration and a contributor to the black community and still live a life not guided by the dark side of the "hip hop" culture.

At the end of the month - a key member of the morning team will be leaving us.

I know, you are wondering who: Kelly? Marcie? Demetrius? Melanie? Maybe, even me? No. None of the above. None of the faces you have gotten to know is taking off.



However, the person who has become the leader of the morning broadcast is going. Her name is Dana Brown and I've blogged about her in the past. She is the executive producer of "Channel 4 Action News This Morning". Dana has been with us - in this position - less than a year, but she has done so much to make our show the best it can be.

Here's a picture of Dana and I at the Race for the Cure this past Mother's Day.

Broadcast news is a lot like football. It's a team effort and if Dana can be compared to a position on the field, it would be quarterback ( but please don't call her Big Ben). Dana sets the tone and the path for the show each morning, coming in before midnight and working with our producer Nick to plan, format and write the show -- as well as determine what stories will be featured prominently over the two-hour broadcast.

For me, personally, she has helped me to trust the role 0f producer and realize that without her considerable talents, I would likely not be as successful as a broadcaster. She also has a passion for news. More than a news junkie, all you have to do is realize her dog's name to understand her love of news. "Brokaw" is the official mascot of the morning show.

Dana's heading onto the next step in her career -- a career that will hopefully get her to her ultimate goal of producing news at the highest levels of broadcasting. While I wish her all the best, I know I speak for everyone on the morning show when I say that I will miss her considerable talents and fun personality. I just hope when she reaches the big time, she won't forget us little people and perhaps give an old, gray-haired broadcaster from Pittsburgh a job.

A late night traffic jam Saturday afforded me the opportunity to see Pittsburgh in a whole new way this weekend.

I met a former WTAE employee - who's now working in New Orleans - for drinks at Station Square and it was a chance to catch up and talk about what's new in our lives. Once I left and headed back to my car, I found the sight no one wants to see when they are ready to go home after a night on the town -- a car back-up that guaranteed it would take a half hour to get out.

I could either sit in traffic -- or use the time to do something constructive. I chose the latter. I decided to do some walking. Having never really taken a walking tour of the town in which I work, I started walking. I went from Station Square, across the Smithfield Street bridge into downtown. I walked through Market Square and through Gateway Center to PNC Park. Mind you, this was all happening about 11pm.

So what did I see that would be so different from what you would witness if you were walking down the street at 11am. I saw how beautifully illuminated the city is at night, how few people are walking downtown Pittsburgh but how many are in restaurants having drinks or enjoying pizza at one of the small pizzerias in town. I saw couples holding hands as they strolled between bars - the women in sundresses to take advantage of the warm summer night. I saw a group of people who had just finished dinner and posed for photos in front of the water display at PPG Place.

Most of all, I saw a city that has a different feel and flavor and sound than it does during the daylight hours and during the early evening when people are going to shows in the cultural district.

I must have walked a few miles before I finally returned to the Station Square parking garage. I was able to get into my car and leave now that the traffic had dispersed.

I know this is hardly "breaking news" and probably wouldn't lead off any channel 4 news broadcasts, but sometimes the most revealing things on life are the simplest. Sometimes, you need to take time to smell the roses and notice your surroundings. What I noticed is how beautiful this city is at night -- when there are not a lot of people. When you feel as if you have the city to yourself, that's when you learn the most about the city in which you live.

Traditions die hard in western Pennsylvania. While our region is growing and changing daily thanks to an influx of new people and newer technologies, we still hold on to traditions that make us unique.

You might have read reflections in the local papers about the Pirates season of 1997 - the one bright moment during the current 15 years of baseball futility. For those who don't remember, the Pirates used a $9 million payroll to nearly win the division and make the playoffs that season.

Steeler fans ... you have some competition.

I'm a self-centered person.

Not that it's a news-flash to those who know me, but when you work in the glare of the public eye, your thoughts often turn to yourself and how others perceive you. It's natural of anyone in television and it's not all bad.

However, it can be difficult for the other person in your life. Spouses in this business are often some of the most understanding and selfless people you meet. After all, their personalities -- for better or worse -- are overshadowed by their spouses' career. How would you like it if no matter your achievements in life, someone always starts a conversation with "How is your husband" or " I saw your wife on TV". Some marriages survive this -- and others do not.

I bring this up - as I have on some occasions before - to point out what my Sharon has accomplished and why there is reason for her to be celebrated. She has finally quit smoking. No lapses and no cheating. She has stopped completely for well over a month with no sign that she even misses the sensation. I won't get into how she has done it because even I'm, not sure but, suffice it to say, she has done it.

What makes it more amazing? She has stopped smoking while beginning a very challenging job which sometimes has her working long hours. While she is stimulated by the job, one could not blame her for maybe "lighting up" just once to relieve the pressure. She has not.


While accomplishing the feat, she continues to be overshadowed by her husband ( that's me ) and people going on about what I have done whether it be on TV or for charity. Even worse, I sometimes get so caught up in my life, I forget about her successes and challenges.



There are three little words that should be uttered as much as possible in a marriage:
"I love you."



There are also three little words that mean just as much to your spouse:
"Good job Sharon"

I'm not much of a music fan and I admit I don't know John Mayer from Oscar Mayer ( Yes, I do know they are pronounced differently ). Still, I watched portions of the Live Earth concert this weekend. I must admit it was a good concert and it was nice to see the Police back together again as well as being exposed to groups like AFI ( though I have no idea what AFI stands for ).

I'm neither a rocker nor an environmentalist, but I am someone who believes that exposing a problem threatening our planet is a good thing no matter how it's done. No, this concert will not have the impact that Live Aid had on relief efforts in Africa, but it will get those who watched or attended to think twice about the greenhouse effect or recycling efforts.

It's probably not something Edward R Murrow or Walter Cronkite would have done, but it was still a lot of fun. The foursome that makes up the morning studio team for "Channel 4 Action News This Morning" got out from behind the desk - and went into costume - for the Great Pierogi Race.

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July.

As I was coming into work, I was reminded of a party I went to July 3rd at a friend's house. It was at that time one of the guests at the party was complementing the work we do on Channel 4. She said to me she especially loved the part of the morning program when Kelly and I talk to Good Morning America's Robin Roberts about what's coming up at 7am. She says it's the one part of the morning she never misses.

It got me to thinking about why viewers watch certain local newscasts - and I have discovered in my time what separates one news station from another isn't always the way we cover the big stories, although we do a great job of that. However, viewers never come up to me and say "great job covering the fire downtown or that three-car pile-up". What sticks in their minds are defining stories -- stories that are out of the ordinary or that bring a human side of life to Pittsburgh.

Whether it's Wendy Bell dressing up as an old lady to see how courteous Pittsburghers really are, Mike Clark's "Beetle Boy" story, Jim Parsons chasing down a fleeing city councilman, Michelle Wright playing pool with Sidney Crosby or yours truly flying with the Blue Angels, all these stories are ones people remember - sometimes for years. People still ask me about my on-camera try-out for the Duquesne University football team when I put on the pads and went through a practice -- and that was 9 years ago.

I had a chance to do one of those kinds of stories on July 4th. It was a simple idea - ask Pittsburghers how much they really know about Independence Day. The quiz involved grabbing people at random and letting them answer questions about July 4th -- things like how old the country is, who wrote the Declaration of Independence. The answers - or rather the lack of answers - were very funny and it made for a memorable story on a less than exciting news day.

You never know when stories like that will pop up, but it's nice to know that we have the flexibility to do such creative pieces -- and that we are striking a chord with you.

I know we are home to the world's foremost fireworks experts -- the Zambellis -- as known as the first family of fireworks. Still, what is this town's fascination with the fireworks? Please feel free to respond and let me know. As for me, I will likely watch the July 4th show on TV - at home - since I have to work Thursday morning.

A Seinfeld moment over the weekend.