Andrew Stockey's Blog

Welcome to the Family

2008-04-01T04:04:00.000-07:00

When I first got into broadcasting professionally, I got my big break in the town where I grew up: Hartford, Connecticut. I was hired by the Fox affiaite ( WTIC-TV ) to anchor sports on the weekends and report during the week.

What really made this new job such a thrill was that I started shortly before my 5th high school reunion and I can't tell you what it meant to be able to go back to see your friends and they being able to see you on TV each night.

While working in TV is great, there is always something special about working in your hometown. My college friends from Pittsburgh who studied journalism told me that was something they hoped to experience someday. That's something the newest member of our morning show team is experiencing now.

Amber Nicotra is our new morning show reporter, replacing Marcie Cipriani who will now work the more normal dayside schedule. Amber is Pittsburgh born and bred ... a graduate of Duquesne University and a native of the North Hills. She earned her stripes working in both West Virginia and Youngstown.

Off-camera, she's a fun person and very active. She tells me she likes to run ... and, something that made me smile, she's into golf. Best of all, she's getting to live the dream of all student journalists who study in Pittsburgh: to broadcast to the viewers in western Pennsylvania ... as well as her family and friends. For many, it doesn't get any better than that.

Please welcome Amber home .. and welcome her to our morning show family .. and look for her every morning.

Pictures from Climb Pittsburgh II

2008-03-31T04:04:00.000-07:00

Last week, I told you about a fun event in which Ashley, Michelle and myself would be taking part. Climb Pittsburgh II benefits the American Lung Association and it's designed not only to raise money in the fight against lung disease, but also raise awareness.

Saturday morning, 150 folks joined us for the challenge of the year: climbing the 38 floors of the Gulf Tower in downtown Pittsburgh. While some were clearly dressed and prepped for the task at hand, I decided to join a special group of participants: Pittsburgh's firefighters. They not only raise awareness of the disease, but also show us just how hard their work is.

Before the climb, I had a chance to interview this young woman. Her name is Skylar Hicks and she has asthma. However, she does not let it slow her down. Along with her parents, Skylar made it up to the 19th floor ... and still wanted to keep going. Her performance was inspirational and made all the participants go the extra mile.

This is the aftermath of 38 floors. I'm in the background in the white t-shirt, next to my best friend Joe. In the foreground are the firefighters with whom I had the honor of joining. It was a pleasure to put on the gear ( all 50 pounds of it ) and try to scale 38 floors. While we set no speed records, we did make it.

Wondering what it takes to scale 38 floors?

It's less about the shape you are in -- and more about the stamina you have. Even the most experienced of athletes will feel a burning of the lungs in the first ten floors. It's that burning of the lungs that is the goals of organizers. They want you to feel what asthma suffers feel on a daily basis .. and believe me, after having to deal with that feeling for 20-plus floors, I will never take my lungs for granted.

I will also never take for granted what the firefighters do. I wore the heavy equipment and made it 38 floors and nothing left by the time I reached the top. Imagine having to do that every day - and then, once reaching the top, you still have to save some one's life. That's why firefighters really are heroes.

Thanks to everyone who came out and joined us ... and a special thanks to those who joined my team: Stockey's Steppers. We kicked butt!!! See you next year at the USX Tower! ( just kidding ).

Here are some pics from a Super Saturday morning ... and some commentary as well.

Goodbye Melanie

2008-03-28T01:07:00.000-07:00

Nothing lasts forever.

What makes life both great and sad is how people pass through your life. They are there for a few days or maybe a few years, touch your life, and then move on. While they are there, they create some memorable moments - and when they depart, they leave with you those memories and perhaps some lesson that makes you a better person.

Melanie Taylor is that kind of person.

This is Melanie's final morning with us here at Channel 4. After helping Pittsburgh through what can be the daily traffic nightmare for more than two years, she is leaving us and heading back to her roots in radio.

Senior prom photo? Nope, it's Melanie and I at the Heart Ball Gala last month

While Melanie greeted you every morning with what you needed to know as you navigated the roads around the region, she became more than just a traffic reporter to us. She was a friend, a colleague and a ray of sunshine every morning. Ask anyone her at WTAE and they will tell you she was always a positive person - even on her most trying day.

What makes her all the more incredible is that she is also a mother to a beautiful little girl. Yes, Melanie has it all .. and makes it all work. She has a supportive family and has more friends than you can imagine. She is also the pride of the Mon Valley ... and proudly proclaims her allegiance to her high school, Monessen, every chance she gets.

What will I remember about Melanie? Those fearless Friday high school football predictions, her incredible knowledge of pop culture that she shared with between breaks and those light-hearted moments that we all shared off camera.

In the mornings, by its nature, the crew becomes a family and its tough to say goodbye to a family member. However, that is the nature of life. People enter your world - make it better - and move on. I'll miss certainly miss this family member though we will always be the best of friends.

Good luck, Mel. Your family here at Channel 4 wishes you all the best!

Climbing For A Cause

2008-03-27T04:05:00.000-07:00

Climbing 760 steps. This is what the elevator was created .. so that man could avoid having to spend half his day trying to get to the top floor of a building. However, those 760 steps at downtown Pittsburgh's Gulf Tower are what stand between us and perhaps a cure for lung cancer.

This Saturday, folks here at WTAE like Ashley DiParlo, Michelle Wright and myself with be joined by many folks as we take on the challenge of the Gulf Tower steps in an event called "Climb Pittsburgh II". It's the sequel to last year's "Climb Pittsburgh" at the Oxford Center downtown. It benefits the American Lung Association and helps in both fund-raising and research in the battle against lung disease - the nation's third leading killer.

This year, we have a few new twists. There are fewer steps to climb ... and we also have members of the Pittsburgh Fire Department who will make the journey up the stairs to show just how important healthy lungs are when they are trying to do their jobs. Somehow, I was asked to join these brave men and women ... and put on the gear and try to make the climb myself.

That's me ... in firefighter gear ... minus the oxygen tank. In all, it's about 60 pounds of equipment. Yes, it's heavy and I doubt I will make it to the top by running. To be honest, I doubt I'll make it period but it's an honor to be able to wear the uniform if just for the day.

Usually, I don't make pitches on my blog, but I think this is something that is not only important but also a personal challenge for all of you. I know most of you are saying there is no way you can make it ... and I'm saying you can. Why not give it a try? If I can lug 60 pounds up 38 floors, you can try to make it all the way without any extra weight.

If you want to give it a try, the deadline to sign up is today. Just go to the climbpittsburgh website and sign up ... and I hope to see you on Saturday. I'll be the guy who doesn't look like he belongs in the firefighters gear.

In The Campaign Spin Cycle

2008-03-26T04:01:00.000-07:00

In the "Battle for Pennsylvania", there are many shots fired on both sides ... and there will be some blasts that mis-fire ... or in this case, candidates that "mis-speak". That is the latest bit of jargon the fight for the democratic nomination.

You know the story by know. Senator Hillary Clinton told the press she had to duck sniper fire during a visit to Bosnia as first lady. She recounted the harrowing details in detail. One problem. There's video of her arrival and it's quite clear there was no sniper fire. To be honest, it was as peaceful and warm a reception as you could hope for.

Because Senator Clinton got caught, Pennsylvania voters have a unique opportunity. Not only do we actually have proof that a candidate has failed to tell us the truth ... but know the state democratic voters will have the first opportunity to react and show the voting electorate in this country if this issue and this misstatement does make a difference.

Senator Clinton did spin it ... saying she made a mistake and she's human .. but from a media member point of view, it's difficult to swallow that excuse because her recollections were so vivid and the contrast to what actually happened was so stark. It's the same reason media members are holding Senator Barack Obama's feet to the fire for sitting in the pews as his pastor spewed out his controversial comments .. comments that are also on video.

One final note: The Clinton campaign's strategy to have daughter Chelsea engage college students was a brilliant stroke .. in the beginning. Having her take any question from college students and only college students created a real discussion that I think will help young people as they make up their minds going into their first election. However, we learned Tuesday there are indeed boundaries in this format .. and controversial ones at that.

When Chelsea was asked at one stop, by a college student, whether her mother's credibility was hurt by the Lewinsky scandal she took offense. She actually said "It's none of your business". Look, she may have truly been offended. Who knows? Bottom line here: just because the press can't ask her questions doesn't mean her contemporaries are going to serve up softballs. If you want to have a real frank discussion, than Chelsea will have to field all comers.

photo courtesy: Associated Press

Berenato's Bunch Breaks Through

2008-03-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

Bill Cowher may have been the most intense coach during his time as the leader of the Steelers, but I don't think there has been a more engaging and vocal coach than Agnus Berenato. The only reason Pittsburgh sports fans may have missed her gift for gab is because she coaches womens basketball.

The sport has long labored in the shadow of the mens game .. and has been relegated to virtual obscurity here in Pittsburgh. However, Agnus arrived from Georgia Tech five years ago with two goals in mind: Make Pitt womens basketball a winner and - much more difficult - make basketball relevant.

Well, she has finally done the former. Berenato guided the Pitt women last night to a place they had never been to before -- the sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. Berenato's bunch beat Baylor to reach the round of 16 in Albequerque Monday night. Next up, a trip to Spokane to play second-seeded Stanford.

While she has finally won - fulfilling the promise she made when she arrived five years ago - Agnus' second task may prove to be the more difficult one. Making her sport relevant and mentioned in the same breath as the mens program has always been difficult. Whether its the media - or people walking down the street - womens sports gets a lot of lip service but very little play. At least on the high school level, girls and boys basketball have achieved some sort of parity but the same cannot be said about any other sport at any level.

I'm not sure why fans - both men and women - refuse to embrace the womens game. When I go to games, the fans for the most part are either young children or senior citizens. The fan who spends the big bucks just doesn't have the same passion for the women and that is a shame because the women are just as passionate, just as talented and - as the recent headlines suggest - less likely to wind up getting a call from the police for engaging in som illicit acitvity.

But for now, womens sports remain "big event" draws: big crowds show up whenever a womens team plays for a national championship ( Pittsburgh Passion Football ) or play for a world title ( the 1999 U.S. womens soccer team ). So it will be with the Pitt women as long as they stay alive on the road to the final four.

Agnus, congratulations on taking Pitt basketball to the next level on the court. Let's hope this success leads to the program to a new high in terms of relevance off the court,.

Spring Fever, Swing Fever

2008-03-24T04:02:00.000-07:00

When does spring begin?

Our crack team of meteorologists told me it was last Thursday, but if you saw the snow when you woke up Saturday morning you know better. For me, it's always that first time out on the golf course. All of you who have read this blog know about my passion for the game, but in my mind its truly the best way to get out and enjoy nature and get some exercise at the same time.

Sunday afternoon, after Sharon and I walked Boobalooo and a neighbor's dog, we got a case of spring fever. Being the daredevil, I threw out the possibility of going out and playing 9 holes. I know it was 40 degrees outside, but the sun made it fell warmer. Surprise! She agreed.

We went to a course called Frosty Valley in Upper Saint Clair - a pretty little 9-hole course - and put our bags on a couple of pull carts and played. A gentlemen named Dennis - a statistics teacher and California University joined us.

Here's Sharon showing off her swing -- and her new driver I bought her for Christmas:

It was wet and muddy - and the ball didn't go anywhere and neither Sharon or I played particularly well. Still, it was a chance to be outside after months of cold weather, dark days and snowy Sundays. It was great to finally be outside and enjoy the first vestiges of spring.

I know this is hardly a deep, thoughtful entry but after the winter we had, I thought all of you would appreciate a brief taste of spring.

Have a great day!

The Black & Gold's Black Eye

2008-03-21T04:03:00.001-07:00

I've had the opportunity to cover this recent run of Steelers being charged with domestic violence from several angles, and have gotten to know some of those accused on a professional level from my years as a sports reporter and being in the locker room, so this is more than just an opinion you are about to read.

First of all, there is no reason to strike a woman. Ever.

Second, I'm not going to try and read the tea leaves coming from the comments of Steeler chairman Dan Rooney. That is for other to decide. I will just judge the team's actions.

What I will do is tell you that Pittsburgh is getting a full dose of a problem that plagues the world of professional sports in general and football in particular. The rise in domestic violence involving these athletes.

While they are employed by the Steelers and the team does have a responsibility to make sure the players it brings to our city behave, it is not the Steelers job to babysit these players. The team claims that character does matter - and they have told me there is a code of conduct. Clearly, these employees ( and that is what the players are ) do not follow that code.

We point out the fact they are Steelers because their employer is high profile ... and the employer should take a stand when one of their employees cross the line. But the real problem here is young men with a lot of money and a license to do anything they want. A license granted to them at a very young age when they first showed athletic potential.

While the players may all be good athletes, they are not all good people. Like society itself, the Steeler players reflect society. They may all be the cream of the crop when it comes to talent, but some are clearly not ready to be adults, much less role models. Frankly, it's been my experience that we should not expect any of these young men to be role models since they are just learning how to be adults.

The NFL says it has a program designed to guide rookies through the obstacles and off-field dangers they will face. The program takes place before they ever get to training camp. It's my belief that program should be an annual event for every player ... and hopefully incorporate experts who deal with domestic violence.

The other thing that needs to happen is a zero-tolerance policy. Forget three strikes and you're out. When you commit a crime, you should at the least be suspended - and immediately undergo counseling. Only after this is done - and the situation reaches some sort of conclusion - should you be allowed back on the field. Currently, the NFL does require counseling after every offense - but it's a one-time thing and most often the player is on the field before it takes place. In my opinion, the league needs to look at playing as a privilege - not a right for the player or for the team.

Will this be the last time a Steeler is charged with domestic abuse or violence? The statistics tell me no. The hope is yesterday's decision to release receiver Cedrick Wilson - without a trial - will send a message to the rest of those in the locker room that this behavior will not be tolerated. While the Steelers will be under the microscope from here on, it is the players who are the offenders and the players who misbehave who must change. The Steelers job now is to prevent such offenses from taking place by being proactive. Much more so than history would suggest.

Remembering His Neighborhood

2008-03-20T04:06:00.000-07:00

Fred Rogers.

He was without question one of the most memorable and influential people in the city of Pittsburgh and his demeanor and manner made the whole world smile and realize what is truly important in life. Today, the region and the nation is paying tribute to this man who invited us to his neighborhood every day on PBS and WQED. The tribute is a simple one: wear his trademark sweater to work today.

I was proud to do so, although I did get quite a ribbing from my fellow co-workers .. and Robin Roberts from "Good Morning America". Wearing a red sweater vest under my jacket, Melanie told she couldn't look at me ... that I did not look like myself. After about 30 minutes, she finally compared me to the character "Carlton" on "The Fresh Prince", if you can remember that far back.

All this playful kidding from the gang hammered home one point: that Fred Rogers was different. From the way he started his show with the song "Won't You Be My Neighbor" to his interaction with the characters on the program. Mr. Rogers did it "his way" and while it may not have been "cool" by our standards, he did it with a sense of style and elegance that transcends time. As I said this morning, only Fred Rogers could pull off the sweater look.

Then again, there were many things that only Fred Rogers could do ... and that's why he is truly missed on what would have been his 80th birthday. Thank you for letting us into your neighborhood.

More from the Campaign Trail

2008-03-19T01:07:00.000-07:00

Now that I have been assigned to the campaign trail, one of the things I am taking the time to experience as a reporter is the entire speech of a Presidential candidate, not sound bites that have become the standard fare by which most of hear our candidates. Tuesday, it was my first chance to hear Barack Obama from start to finish.

You probably know about the controversy surrounding Obama by now. His pastor has made comments seen as racial, inflammatory and critical of U.S. policy. Critics wondered whether Obama shares those beliefs. Tuesday in Philadelphia, he addressed those concerns in a speech all about race in America.

Did his speech diffuse the controversy and clear up the issue? In my opinion, it did not. After saying he had never sat in the pews and heard such comments from the pastor, he told the assembled audience yesterday that he indeed had heard these things while attending church. He also failed to renounce his association with the pastor, which is what the critics wanted in the first place. That alone guarantee this story will "have legs", as they say in my business, for a long time.
However, here is what the speech did. It talked about race in America in a frank, open and real way that we rarely see from politicians. While I do have a vested interest in the subject, even I was taken aback by the complexity of the issue as Obama spelled it out. It's truly ironic that the issue of race in America is not "black and white". It has many layers, many complications and few simple solutions.

Perhaps nobody spelled out what Obama's speech meant better than CNN analyst and former White House advisor David Gergen who said about Obama's speech, "he spoke to us as adults". That is true. For years, we have tried to simplify this issue and there really is no way to do so. That's not to say the issue of race cannot be solved, but let's not try to put a band-aid on an issue which had cut much deeper into our collective psyche.

Will Obama's address win him the White House? I doubt it. It probably won't even get him the nomination. Rarely will a subject such as race win someone public office - and if it's discussed in the wrong way, it can kill your campaign. Also, we will likely forget about it in the days and weeks to come. We still live in the "here and now" as a society. After all, anybody remember how "Super Tuesday" was supposed to decide the race? There's a lot more campaigning still to come.

We can only hope - and Senator Hillary Clinton touched on this Tuesday - the lasting legacy of this campaign will not be who wins, but rather how we look at race AND gender in our country. This election has already started that process. It's not that the race or gender card is being played here, but rather the entire deck is being thrown at our feet and we are forced to really face the issue for the first time.

Date Night

2008-03-18T04:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how this came up, but the other day a friend of mine who happens to be a parent told me kids really don't date anymore. He says they hang out and do things in groups but the pairing off we used to see when we were kids ( I'm talking to all you Gen-X'ers out there ) is pretty much a thing of the past.

That got me to thinking about dating. I remember as a teen, and more as an adult, the fun and excitement of dating. The anticipation towards going out on that Friday or Saturday night with that someone special. I can remember when I first started dating Sharon. While I was into my work here at WTAE back in 1998 when we first went out, Fridays could not arrive soon enough.

I would call her during the week and tell her we would be going somewhere secret - somewhere special. From there, I would make plans - be it dinner, dancing, whatever. I would not tell her and then we would go out on that date. I would pick her up and we were off for a night of fun and romance.

Sharon and yours truly on a date night last summer

I miss those days. Let's be honest, dating is a different animal when you are married to that person. Much of the fun of dating is the mystery. You are still learning about that person and what makes them tick. You are riding an emotional high when you first date. Once you get married, you tend to know everything about that person - and probably a thing or two you would rather not.

So can you be married and date? Of course you can, but it just takes a little more work. I have discovered that with Sharon it's not the grand night on the town, rather the small things that seem to bring her joy. It's not flowers, but maybe a nice written note. It's not a declaration of love, but rather a phone call to say "hi". Most of all, it's not about spending money and taking her to the most lavish place in town, but rather trying a new place around the corner as we did last weekend.

No, you can never date the way you once did -- but why would you? You know this person now, so date night feels different so why not approach it differently? Of course, there is still some mystery there ... as there will always be Sharon and I.

Chasing Hillary

2008-03-17T04:01:00.000-07:00

It proved to be the ultimate photo op.

Senator Hillary Clinton strolling down Grant Street in Pittsburgh, walking in step with the Governor, Allegheny County's chief executive and the mayor of the city. Around them, banners upon banners supporting her bid for the White House and thousands more cheering her as she moved down the parade route.

Yes, Saturday morning's appearance in Pittsburgh' Saint Patrick's Day parade was a can't miss success for the former first lady. It had that "Presidential" look about it: giving those who watched the impression that she was Pittsburgh's pick for the White House whether that is true or not.

I had a unique vantage point to witness this spectacle: part parade and part campaign ad. The media was placed on a truck in front of the candidate. While it would seem the obvious place to put the media, it was also a calculation on the part of the campaign. The goal was for our cameras to capture the so-called "money shot" of Clinton walking with thousands cheering behind her.

Because she walked the route, she had access to people along the street ... but not the media. The campaign did a good job of keeping us close, but arm's length away from the candidate. We wound up getting the video, but were unable to get an interview.

However, not everything went as the Clinton campaign might have planned. There was a moment before the parade where the Obama supports showed up in force and shouted at the Clinton supporters ... and along the parade route there were many green Obama signs in what I thought was the best organized effort when it comes to a public display by the Obama campaign in western Pennsylvania.

There was one other moment I won't forget. As Senator Clinton was starting the parade, I looked over at the crowd from my vantage point on the truck preceding her. I think a few people must have recognized me because all of the sudden I heard my name being chanted. I guess for one moment I had the crowd .. before candidate Clinton took control.

Inspiring & Disturbing

2008-03-14T04:04:00.001-07:00

First -- something truly disturbing

What is going on with the way pets are being mistreated ( abused to be honest ) by local people in the last week. I know animal cruelty has always been a problem, but the last days has been down right disturbing.

No doubt you saw the story about the killing of dogs in Fayette county - dogs that were hung and burned in an apparent satanic ritual. There have also been dogs and cats found living in deplorable conditions ... often emaciated.

You don't have to be a dog owner to be repulsed by such stories of inhumane treatment, but as a dog owner I clutch by little bischon poodle a little tighter when I hear such stories. You wish you could do something - and truth is we really can't because society views animals much different that people and their lives are not valued as much by societal standards. I mean have you ever heard of someone going to prison for the death of a dog?

Usually when I blog, I offer up solutions to societal ills. I have none today. I just wanted to write about it. Just wanted to share my personal feelings about something so cruel and heinous that I believe more severe punishment is warranted for those offenders. However, given that our legal system struggles to punish those that kill human beings, I doubt we'll see any changes in its approach to animals .. and that is truly sad.

Let's finish this Friday with something inspiring

The American Lung Association will hold "Climb Pittsburgh II" Saturday, March 29th. It's an amazing - and somewhat crazy event. Climbing 760 steps to the top of the Gulf Tower downtown. It's all about raising awareness of lung disease and raising money to battle the illness.

Last year, many of us from channel 4 took the first challenge and climbed the one thousand steps at the Oxford Center. It was the most exhausting and yet the most rewarding event. This year, we want to do something a little different.

We're breaking up into three teams. Each squad captained by a WTAE personality:

Andrew Stockey's Steppers

Ashley DiParlo's Ascenders

Moving On Up with Michelle Wright

Already, I'm out in front because some one has already joined my team -- and you can do the same. Just go to the climbpittsburgh website and click on the bright green "Register Now" button. From there, you can choose which team you want to join -- although we all know which team will wind up being on top.

Just to add to the fun -- the city firefighters have asked me to put on their oxygen tanks and firefighting equipment and join them as we climb the stairs. I told them I would do it -- as long as I could walk the 38 floors ( Hey, that's 88 pounds of gear we're talking about ).

Please join us for Climb Pittsburgh II ... and please join my team. Today! I need bragging rights in the building.

Have a great weekend!

New York State of Mind

2008-03-13T04:02:00.001-07:00

You have to wonder about the state of mind the city of New York and the state of New York with the latest items coming out of the Empire State.

First, the sex scandal involving Governor Elliot Spitzer. In case you haven't turned on the all-news channels in the last few days, the governor was forced to resign amid an investigation which found he had paid a high-priced call girl service $4300 a pop ( pardon the expression ) for sexual favors. The case really became a big deal because Spitzer built his reputation as a prosecutor who went after the immoral members of society and the business community. Heck, his nickname was "Mr. Clean".

Disgraced Governor Elliot Spitzer and his wife, Silda

While I could go so many directions on this mess, one thing has caught my attention and will not let go. Spitzers' wife, Selda. A high-powered attorney herself and mother of three, she has been seen "standing by her man" in every public appearance by Spitzer since the scandal broke. Now I am not a woman and will never understand the emotions she is experiencing during this traumatic time. That being said, I cannot understand why she is calmly standing by her husband - other than to make sure she gets her share of the big payout from divorce that you know is coming.

I'm waiting for her to yell, scream and then slap Spitzer is public and she has every right to do so. The man was with a prostitute -- in essence, brought a third person into their bedroom. How can she be so calm amid such a horrible sin? Of course, I'm not privy to discussions behind closed doors. I have never met Silda, but she must be one incredible woman. A woman who truly loves her husband unconditionally .. at least for now.

On a lighter note, the Pittsburgh Pirates are once again the punchline to a joke. The Bucs, who haven't played winning baseball since the early 90's, will face the New York Yankees. It's an exhibition game made significant only by the fact that comedian Billy Crystal will be in the line-up. Signing a one-day contract with the team, the 59-year-old ( that's right, 50 ) will take the field for his beloved Yankees.

Yankee-for-a-day Billy Crystal

I think it's kind of fun that the Yankees would allow Crystal to play ball for the day - bringing a media throng and national attention to a meaningless spring training game. It might also be the most attention the Buccos get all year. That being said, there are players on both teams who are upset Crystal is being allowed to take part in a big league game.

For those players with the problem, let me offer this advice: Get over it! I know baseball has these rules and traditions and sacred code, but the game is still reeling from steroid allegations and needs to relate to the common fan once again. Allowing an entertainer to live out his dream gives fans at least the belief that the national game still has their interests at heart. Look boys of summer, it's not an official game so who will it hurt if Crystal plays? Perhaps the ego of the Pirate pitcher that gives up a home run to a 59-year-old man.

photo courtesy: Associated Press

On the Campaign Trail

2008-03-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that I was at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA during Tuesday's noon broadcasts. Get used to it. You will see me on the road with the candidates as part of our Commitment 2008 Coverage on Channel 4 Action News. I'll be following the former President as he meets with the people of Erie Wednesday.

No matter how cynical we get as a people, there is still something special when a President - sitting or former - comes to our town. Such was the case with Bill Clinton's appearance at W& J on Tuesday. Agree with him or not in his assessment of the 2008 Democratic field, he is still a former commander-in-chief and three thousand came to hear him on the small Washington county campus on Tuesday.

Former President Bill Clinton introduced by W & J senior Kristen Schuh

What struck me about this scene? The mix of people who came out to hear the former President and where those folks were from. While this was a college campus, there were quite a few people who clearly had graduated from college years before .. and what they wanted to hear from Mr. Clinton was in sharp comparison to what the younger people were looking for. While there was a "youthful exuberance" on the part of the young people in the audience, the older patrons wanted to hear about jobs and life getting better in the place they call home.

Speaking of the young people, I was witness to this much talked-about "youth movement" for the first time. While there were students in attendance who were with the college democrat at W& J, there were many college students and young people who wanted to witness the process for themselves. While it remains to be seen whether this "youth quake" favors Obama or Clinton, it will be a force to reckon with in the fall should it continue.

Finally, I saw this enthusiasm personified one young woman. Kristen Shuch is a senior and the President of the W&J Democrats, an organization which she help raise from the doldrums to become 70 strong on a 1500-person campus. She had the duty - and honor - of introducing Bill Clinton. She told me before she took the podium how nervous she was and her dream someday was to have my job.

Suddenly, as I watched her on the podium introduce the President, she transformed from nervous college student to energetic campaigner. The spirit of the moment consuming her as she told the crowd that it was time for a change .. and that the wife of this man standing behind her would create that change. Such is the power of the political process: being able to turn nervousness into energy and apathy into passion.

We can only hope that passion will carry over to the fall - regardless of the candidate young America chooses.

Whose Fault Is It?

2008-03-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

I think enough of you know me by know through this blog. You know me well enough to know how much I love golf, politics and a good bottle of wine. Know me well enough to know I despise laziness, bad service at a restaurant and the designated hitter rule in baseball.

Well, here's something else that drives me crazy: the lack of personal responsibility . Case in point, a case in Atlantic City New Jersey in which a woman is suing several casinos in both Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Her suit claims her gambling addictions ruined her life, causing her to lose $1M. She says she would spend days sitting at the tables gambling .. spending her clients' money .. and that the casinos were at fault for not noticing her compulsive gambling. She is seeking $20M.

OK, where do I begin, This woman - an educated attorney - is actually blaming the casinos for her addiction? That's like me going to a restaurant and eating everything on the menu and then blaming the establishment for throwing up afterwards. Are you kidding me?

Her stance is that she is doing this for all the people whom the casino takes advantage of on a daily basis. Well, I will be the first to agree that the casinos do indeed prey on those who can least afford it. If you have ever been on a casino floor like I have, you will see more people on oxygen tanks than any local hospital. Still, this woman - Arelia Magarita Taveras - is not a 70-year-old confined to a wheelchair. She is smart enough to get her college degree and go onto law school. She should be smart enough to know better at the gaming tables.

She says she has lost everything - her home, her savings and her parents home - and for that I am truly sorry. However, no matter what mental illness she has, she needs to take personal responsibility for her actions like we all do. I doubt any of you would bring a suit against the Pennsylvania lottery because you bought a ticket every week for five years and did not win.

Finally, if she is trying to send a message and help others, why sue for $20M. She only lost $1M. That's the difference between making a statement and just trying to get rich.

Personal responsibility. It's not much to ask of our citizens. Sure, the little guy gets screwed a lot in our society and often needs to cry foul. However, when stuff like this happens and needless lawsuit ensue, it's not crying foul. It's crying wolf.

photo courtesy: Associated Press

Dinner with Friends

2008-03-10T01:21:00.001-07:00

There's nothing like dinner with friends ... especially good friends .. and especially when dinner is prepared by someone else. Our friends, the Nathensons, hosted a eight-course meal. It was an auction item we won as a group during an Animal Rescue League fund-raiser last year.

On a snow Saturday night, a trio of couples ( including Sharon and myself ) and two friends all gathered and dined on a delicatable menu prepared by Culinary Queens. The ladies pricked the wine combinations. I would love to show pictures, but our server is down for some reason this morning. Stuill, here's how the menu played out:

Course One:
Sun Dried Tomato Cheesecakes
with Basil Oil Drizzle
Wine:
Haute Cabriere,
55% Chardonnay / 45% Pinot Noir

Course Two:
Seared Scallops
with Roasted Garlic Sabayon
Wine:
2006 Carmel Road Chardonnay,
California

Course Three:
Culinary Queen’s Signature Salad
Wine:
2006 "J" Pinot Gris

Course Four:
Creamed Carrot Soup
with Basil Oil and Crème Frâiche
Wine:
2005 J. Vidal Fleury, Cotes-du-Rhone

Course Five:
Intermezzo Granita of Lime and Jalapeño

Course Six:
Grilled Salmon with Lime Butter
Beef Tenderloin with Port Sauce
Green Beans with Lemon Butter
Garlic Smashed Potatoes
with Caramelized Leeks
Wine:
Steltzner Cabernet Sauvingon,
Stag’s Leap 2004

Course Seven:
Lemon Sabayon in Pine Nut Crust with Honeyed Cream Sauce
Wine:
Ice Wine, Inniskillen

Course Eight:
Cheeses and Assorted Breads
Wine:
1970 Sandeman Port

I have to tell you: it was one of the most fantastic dining experiences I have had in quite a while. You have to undertstand. I spent the last moth buying a home, selling a home, moving and trying to help WTAE win the morning ratings war. I have not had a nice sit down meal in weeks. This was relaxing, pleasurable and - thanks to the wine - a little bit louder than most meals I have had.

Still, it's nice to have dinner with good friends and be able to talk about everything under the sun and, when it is all said and done, not have to wash a single dish. Sure it was pricey, but the money all went to the Animal Rescue League and the folks at Culinary Queens could not have been more professional and more engaging.

Doing Time

2008-03-07T04:13:00.001-08:00

Good day everyone. I just got out of jail.

No, really, I did just get out of jail.

I think I told you a while ago about this class I was taking - Leadership Pittsburgh - which was exposing myself and other professionals to the critical issues facing southwestern Pennsylvania. Yesterday, we focused on the judicial system - which included an afternoon in the Allegheny County jail.

While I have covered stories there, I have never been inside the jail. It was an amazing experience for myself and many of my classmates. Imagine a bunch of business professionals strolling into a pen area surrounded by immates locked into their prison cells. Many of the women in the class were justified in their nervousness. Many of them men were as well.

However, what really made us nervous was the references to the recent studies which indicate that the United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world. One out of every one hundred people in this country is in jail or prison - and there is a difference between the two. ( Think of jail as an overnight hotel and prison as an extended stay ).

Even worse, western states are building more prisons - and their construction estimates are based upon the literacy rates of fourth graders in school TODAY. Think about it. Education success of failure has now become an indicator as to whether people end up behind bars. Jails and prisons are also becoming home to more and more of the mentally unstable because state funded hospitals that treat such people are closing.

It's a difficult time when crimes rates are growing that we are incarcerating more of our citizens and the funding is not there to create the programs that will keep them out of prison. Prisons only treat the problem after it has become a problem, not before.

At the end of the day, I was able to walk out of Allegheny County Jail. The men and women inside that prison could not. Yet, while I had my freedom I was still in jail. So are all of us. Imprisoned by a system that sends millions to jail .. and has us footing the bill. Remember, it costs more to send a person to prison than it does to send them to college.

Blogging Break

2008-03-06T04:13:00.000-08:00

I've got a crazy day ahead ... too crazy to sit here and compose any rational thoughts. I'm going to take a blogging break and be back tomorrow.

Thanks everybody for your understanding.

The Circus Comes to Town

2008-03-05T03:59:00.000-08:00

Last night's comeback by Sen. Hillary Clinton - her victories in the Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island primaries - has guaranteed the best election story of our time will go on. It also guarantees the craziest campaign in history is coming to western Pennsylvania. As I said in the introduction, the circus is coming to town ... in the form of the race for the White House.

Get ready for six weeks of non-stop campaign ads and six weeks of visits from both Sens. Clinton and Barack Obama. The pair will be here so much, they may want to consider buying a residence. Get ready for six weeks of polls which will be drawn from the same groups of voters and somehow give two different views of the race. Get ready to see political spin the likes of which you have never seen before. Finally, get ready for mudslinging, infighting and flat-out insults.

Welcome to Pennsylvania
Senators Clinton & Obama prepare to battle in Western Pa.
( photo courtesy: AP )

However, also be ready to be educated. The Pennsylvania primary has been going on for years and yet very few Pennsylvanians know what it's about and how it works. are about to get the civics lesson of a lifetime. We will learn about delegates and superdelegates. We will bear witness to how primary politics work. We will see, first-hand, how campaigns fight for our vote. You will also see the national TV networks invade our state and witness how they present Pennsylvania to the rest of the nation.

And when it's said and done, will we have the nominee for the Democratic party? I doubt it. Pennsylvania will be key, but considering the way this election has unfolded I think the state will point the Democrats in the right direction rather than decide the winner.

Whatever happens, I am excited to see this race come to our hometown. I think it will be one of those great things to observe. But will it choose a champion on April 22? I tend to think, six months from now, it may have no more significance than Super Tuesday did last month.

With that, raise the big top ... and let the circus begin.

The Curious Reaction to the $102M Contract

2008-03-04T01:15:00.000-08:00

Pittsburgh's football future is secure - at least at quarterback.

Ben Roethlisberger agreed to the richest contract in Steeler history -- a reported $102M. It's a staggering sum by any stretch of the imagination and while it is unprecedented in Pittsburgh, he becomes the 6th NFL passer to break the $100M mark -- a club that includes the currently incarcerated Michael Vick.

However, today's blog is not about breaking down the QB's contract nor whether it will help or hurt the Steelers in the long run. This is about the reaction of you -- the average resident -- to the windfall and what it means to you.

After covering sports for more than a decade, it was always curious to me how fans internalize and personalize the money that athletes make. The same held true yesterday. There were people saying it was too much money and that Ben was not worth it, or how can one man make so much money.

First of all, when Ben says it's not about the money, it is about the money. No professional athlete does this for the love of the game anymore. Even Tom Brady, who took a pay cut to help his team sign other players, has a $60M contract.

Second, if the team is paying Ben $102M, how much do you think the Rooneys are making? People, let's remember the Steelers are a profit-making venture and they would not take a loss to keep anyone. Owners in general who pay out these huge salaries can afford to do so. Thus, let's not demonize the athlete with the small window of opportunity who wants to cash in. If someone offers you $102M, what would you say?

Third, the question always comes up: is anyone worth $102M? Who am I to say? As long as someone is willing to pay $102M, then I guess there is someone worth the money. Look, it's not your money. I don't care if you are a season ticket holder, the money is not yours to spend and if you are offended by the amount of money these players are getting there is a way to stop it. Do not go to games and do not watch on TV. That would bring salaries down in a hurry.

Finally, our priorities have always been a little out of whack as a society. We live in a world where we pay the people who play games more than those who care for our children eight hours a day. Something about that ratio doesn't seem right, but I doubt it will ever change in our media- and entertainment-driven culture. I just don't see anyone paying a teacher -- no matter how good he or she is -- $102M.

Adventures in Moving

2008-03-03T01:20:00.001-08:00

No matter how many times you do it and no matter how well you think your system might work, it never goes off as planned. It's always trying, tedious and tiring. It can be frustrating, agonizing and soul crushing. But when it's all said and done, it might be one of the most satisfying feelings you will ever have in your life.

I'm talking .. of course .. about moving.

As I mentioned before, Sharon and I decided ( at the ripe old age of 40 ) it was time scale back and live a simpler life. We hardly used our home - and when it came down to actual time spent there - it was Boobaloo who wound up spending most of the time using it.

So we found a townhome and decided to try and move most of our earthly possessions there in one day. The move itself wasn't the hard part. The movers did a great job and didn't damage anything over the seven hours of moving us from one home to another. The hard part was unloading, unpacking and putting away everything. I still think Sharon is working on the kitchen even as I write this.

As you all know, the challenge in moving isn't actually packing up. It's emptying boxes and putting things on shelves, in closets and where it's supposed to be as quickly as possible. That maybe an on-going experience for some people but I like to get it done as soon as possible. Adding to that - we had the painters in the house, the cable TV installation guy and the steady parade of new neighbors. Suffice it to say, it was a challenging weekend.

We finally finished up the upstairs portion of the house yesterday afternoon .. and the living room is getting there ... and I afraid to even go down to the basement to see what needs to be put away. I don't think I even mentioned the steady piles of boxes that we have unpacked that are now lying in my garage.

OK, enough with the complaining. Despite all the drama, there is still something special about moving into a new home. Whether it's your first, or in my case my 5th, there's an excitement and optimism when you put up stakes in your new place. You dream about what this place will become and you look foward to the memories that you will make. Most of all, you create a space that is uniquely yours.

Well, it's time to go back to work .. and then get home and get back to unpacking. I figure we'll have this done by week's end although Kelly tells me when it comes to home improvement, you are never really done.

Great.

Pittsburgh #1 Way To Wake Up ... Again!

2008-02-29T03:59:00.000-08:00

Thank you! Thank You! Thank You!

According to the lastest February ratings, Channel 4 Action News this Morning is once again Western PA's favorite way to wake up! All of us here on the morning crew are excited, but we also want to thank the biggest reason for our succes - you! Whether you tell us on-line, or you just make the choice to click on WTAE in the mornings, we really appreciate the fact that so many of you make us a part of your day.

While we do our jobs for a variety of reasons, we are also a business in competition with other stations for your viewership. It's a competition we like - and every day, we battle to win that coveted top spot in the ratings. It's a battle that gets tougher every year.

Once again, from Melanie, Kelly, Demetrius, Ashley, Ari, Marcie, the many working behind the scenes daily that you don't get to see - and yours truly - thanks once again for allowing us to maintain Pittsburgh's top spot in the mornings.

Have a great weekend! See you on Monday ... and have that cup of Joe ready to watch us.

A Revealing Moment with Myron

2008-02-28T00:46:00.000-08:00

This website is full of tributes, memories and moments -- all about the late Myron Cope. There's no doubt that just reading the viewer e-mails and seeing the video tributes that Myron was more than a broadcaster to the people of Pittsburgh. He was the Steelers. He created the image, the trademarks and the traditions that have become part of Pittsburgh's football identity.

So I wondered, how could I pay homage to Myron. Sure I knew him professionally and spent personal time with him, but those stories are better told by the likes of Sally Wiggin and Bill Hillgrove. I could tell you about his life, but after yesterday's coverage I doubt there is anyone in the city who could not recite his achievements.

So let me share with you a question I asked Myron -- and his telling answer. I visited Myron at home one day and was working on another story where I just needed a quote from him. While we were waiting for the photographer to get set up, I looked at the walls of his den. The walls were covered with various magazingc covers and newspapers with his image on the front.

While gazing at his collection, I asked him a personal question. I wondered if he thought his unique personality and style would work today -- if he was just starting out. Myron did not hesistate. He said no. He said why would anybody hired a short strange looking man with a voice like his?

His response was telling .. and quite true. In a world where there is somewhat of a uniform look and a sense of homogenization, Myron's style would probably not get him a job on the airwaves today. He never had the polish, wore a suit and tie with somewhat of a disdain and was never much for makeup. He could write, but his unique use of the English language would frighten general managers and English teachers alike.

No, Myron is the last of his generation: a character with character. A broadcaster who told it like it was and won over an entire city in the process. A creative mind that saw his role in a way that was very different from traditional broadcasters. No, there will never be another Myron Cope. Maybe, in a small way, that is a good thing. It allows us to truly realize how luck we were to have this one-of-a-kind talent in our hometown.

Late Night Channel Surfing

2008-02-27T04:33:00.000-08:00

More than a few people have asked me what my favorite TV show is. The truth is when you work the hours I do - and that means sleeping between 7p-1a - you just don't get to watch a lot of prime-time TV. I'm also not someone who TiVo's a program only to watch it later. I just don't have the time.

So what do I watch? I'm glad we actually re-broadcast Channel 4 Action News at 11 so that I can see what I missed from the evening before and be prepared when I arrive at work at 3:30am. Still, I just don't get out of bed and watch the news. I'm a slow riser, so here's a sneak peak at what I was saw as I flipped through the channels and tried to force myself out of bed at 1:30am.

1:30am: ESPN News
It's my one chance to catch all the game hilights from the night before.

1:40am: CNN/Fox News/MSNBC
I just could not stay up for the Barack Obama/Hillary Clinton debate

1:50am: The History Channel
Look, I'm a sucker for a well-done modern documentary.

1:55am: Sci-Fi Channel
I have always been a big "Twilight Zone" fan and there's nothing better than the conclusion on an episode. It's like having dessert while skipping dinner.

2:00am: Encore, HBO
My two pay movie channels and - occassionally - they will actually show a movie I haven't seen.

2:05am: On Demand
Gives me a chance to watch the lastest episodes of my one guilty pleasure - "InTreatment".

Yes, it really does take me 35 minutes of channel surfing before I get my lazy butt out of bed.
Then, it's off to the shower and time to get ready for work. I'm usually grabbing some orange or tomato juice while watching our late news re-broadcast at 2:35am before heading off to work.

And who says there's nothing good on late night TV?

An Unspoken Threat

2008-02-26T04:02:00.001-08:00

It's been quite a week for the New York Times. From the reach of a story suggesting a romantic relationship between Senator John McCain and a lobbyist who graduated from IUP to another piece hinting that more and more Americans are giving up golf ( if that is true, why aren't the greens fees going down as well ). Monday, another story that at least initially looked to me like it was trying to spark fear and create a story where there was none.

The piece, entitled In Memories of a Painful Past, Hushed Worry About Obama, essentially says given the proximity Senator Barack Obama is to clinching the Democratic nomination that suddenly has made him a target for assassination. The comparison is made to a couple of young charismatic leaders like Obama who were gunned down 40 years ago: Dr. Martin Luther King Junior and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Obama - to his credit - says he's not worried citing the fact that neither King nor Kennedy enjoyed the Secret Service protection he has had since last May.

However, upon reading the article, there was some substance behind it. It spoke to the fact that some in African-American community would not vote for Obama out of fear for his safety. That is something I have heard from my elders and those around during the 1960's. Also, I realize there is hatred everywhere and it's no surprise this fear is now coming to light in the press as the candidates campaign in Ohio - which according to the Anti-Defamation League - has the highest amount of hate group activity in the country currently.

While I do not fear for Obama's safety, I'm not a Pollyanna in the ways of the world. Yes, the threat is there and the threat is greater for Obama than Hillary. That's not sexism, that's being honest. Rarely does a woman's grab at power on a national level incite the kind of violence we have seen when African-Americans make a run at office.

At the same time, I think we cannot let that fear dictate our lives. Obama faces the same challenge that the civil rights leaders of the past faced: trying to push for a change in an atmosphere where there are those who want to protect the status quo. Despite Obama's popularity, he is still seen as black by many Americans and the worlds of Governor Ed Rendell, though not popular, do hold true. There are those who simply will not vote for a black man for the Presidency.

But never should we let fear take control our lives, whether we are fighting to become President of the United States or standing up to injustice in our own neighborhood.

photo courtesy: Associated Press

Roasted!

2008-02-25T04:07:00.000-08:00

Friday night, I attended one of the five best events I have been to in my life -- and that takes into account a lot of events over the years. I bought a ticket to the celebrity roast honoring Jim Krenn on his 20 years on WDVE.

I consider Jimmy a friend and one of the nicest people on the planet. True, he never answers his cell phone and I don't think I have ever seen him drive himself to anything, but deep in his heart, he is a caring and concerned individual whose dedication to his wife and pets is commendable.

I wondered how this "roast" at the Lexus Club at PNC Park would go. I mean, how do you roast somebody who everyone likes? More to the point, how do a group of celebrity roasters rip on Jim when they themselves have no experience in actually "roasting" someone?

Channel 4 Action News Sports Anchor Jon Burton "roasting" WDVE's Jim Krenn

Much to my amazement, it was not only a fun time, it was laugh out loud funny. Part of the reason I was doubled over in laughter most of the night was because this thing got raunchy in a hurry. Nothing was out of bounds and if you did not know George Carlin's legendary "7 words you can't say on television", you certainly knew them by heart at the end of the evening.

While it would be both impossible to remember and unwise to repeat what was said, I can tell you there more than a few great lines from those on the dais: DVE sports guy Mike Prisuta, the PG's Gene Collier, DVE DJ Sean McDowell and comedian Billy Gardell just to name a few.

Jon Burton managed to poke fun at everyone -- including myself -- without saying one naughty word. Sally Wiggin did the same, though you could tell she was walking on eggshells. Perhaps the funniest bits of the night were on tape: Joe DeNardo and DVE newswoman Val Porter were showed no mercy in skewering Mr. Krenn.

But perhaps nothing caught me by surprise quite like the performance by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. Not known for his humor and often monotone in his daily delivery, the mayor put on a show for the ages. While his script was likely written in advance by someone else, his delivery was so good -- and his willingness to joke about his own missteps so shocking -- that the mayor may have won himself some street cred.

Overall, it was truly a night I wish you all could have been there. It also reminds me that I doubt I'll be roasted when I hit my 20 years of service to WTAE. While I'm sure people could find plenty of ways to tease me, I doubt I will be as beloved as Jim Krenn.

Happy 20th Jimmy!

Morning Show Hunkers Down

2008-02-22T06:16:00.000-08:00

If you happened to catch any of the 4.5 hour extended winter weather extravaganza that was this morning's broadcast, you know the winter weather dictated the direction of our program. Since we didn't know how bad it would be coming in - and how long we would be on the air - the morning show team decided to be ready for the worst.

That means bringing breakfast. Here's what we dined on during the course of the morning news:

Ashley's DiParlo's all-world sticky buns. They didn't last long.

Kelly Frey's Cheese, Sausage and Triscuit Tray

Who says you can't find good friend chicken at the store? Melanie Taylor did.

Who is that trying to hide behind that chicken wing?

Meteorologist Erin Kienzle posing with producer Steve Hadt's corndogs.

All the food was yummy and well-consumed during the course of a long morning. And if that was not enough, our news director Bob Longo brought in bagels. All I need now is a cup of coffee and I'm ready to hit the sack.

Have a great weekend.

Parents, This One's For You

2008-02-21T01:05:00.000-08:00

There was a time I thought $100,000 was a lot of money. Apparently, that is not the case.

Parents, those of you with kids planning to go to college, listen to this: Stanford University is planning to eliminate tuition for students from families that make less than $100,000 annually. The prestigious private institution also says it will pay most of the room and board costs for students from families who make less than $60,000.

Stanford University ( courtesy: Stanford University )

Let me say this again. They plan to eliminate tuition costs for families that make less than $100K. When asked why, the school said it was concerned about the fears of middle-income families when it comes to paying for their child's education.

I say "bravo" to Stanford which instead of offering rhetoric is acutally doing something rather novel about the high cost of education. But don't cry for this prestigious west coast college. Stanford's tuition is about to rise to$36K next fall and room & board will hit about $11K.

It scares me when I hear about the cost of college today. Not having kids at present, it's not something on my radar, but I sit there in stunned silence and wonder how in the world families can afford college. I'm not just talking about Stanford either. I'm on the board of trustees at Chatham University and we constantly struggle with the issur of how to keep education affordable when tuitions nationally are climbing into the $30K range annually. Suddenly, I feel blessed I was able to attend school - Ohio University - out of state and spend less than $30K for the whole three year experience.

I'm not writing this to speak out on the high cost of tuition and make some great plea for a cheaper education for our young people. Just thought I would share this little tidbit in the great tuition debate. Food for thought on this Thursday morning.

Your Product Here

2008-02-20T04:09:00.000-08:00

Before my lastest entry into the blogosphere, I have to give a big thanks to a guy named Bill who e-mailed me this morning. He noticed by blogs have been taking on a more serious tone lately. I had not noticed - and sometimes the issues of the day dictate a more serious look. Still, I'm a pretty easy-going person so let me lighten up a little bit.

If you were watching today at 6:35, you saw our daily conversation with Robin who sent us a little present: a box of tissue as part of an inside joke since Kelly had complained the day before we had no tissue on the set and we were left with just toilet paper to blow our noses. The box I pulled out on the set was Kleenex brand.

That bit of fun - along with a story Ashley did a bit earlier on making money on your blog by endorsing products got me to thinking. I could actually use this bit of communication technology to endorse prodcuts. Now, of course, I wouldn't but when I think about my daily life, so much of it is sponsored that I know some company would pay me if they knew how many people were reading this blog on a daily basis.

Think about it. I get and shower using ( bleep ) brand of soap and ( bleep ) brand of toothpaste. After I put on my suit made by ( bleep ) and toss on my ( bleep ) style watch, I go downstairs and have a glass of ( bleep ) orange juice while I look at local papers on my portable ( bleep ). Then, I hop in my car and drive my ( bleep ) towards WTAE and once I arrive, I make ( bleep ) brand coffee before heading to my desk.

See. Your whole world is just one big commercial. It seems like I'm letting an opportunity to cash in big pass me by. Then again, I didn't get into blogging to make money and I doubt anyone would use a certain product because I use it.

Although I will leave you with this: If you are curious as to what product I use and why, I'll be happy to respond to your e-mail. No charge.

Why Apologize?

2008-02-20T01:16:00.000-08:00

I apologize.

It's one of the more unusual practices in this country. The apology. While Americans are quick to villify those who make mistakes and miscues ( i.e. New England Bill Belichick, Senator Larry Craig, etc ), we somehow have always been swayed by apologies. While this may sound like an exaggeration, it seems to hold true: You can do anything short of murder in this country and be forgiven if you apologize.

But recently, apologies are not what they used to be. Take a look at the apology below.

I'm sorry. I did not mean to offend anyone and I'm so sorry for all the pain that I have caused my friends and family. Please forgive me.

This is not an apology from any one person, but rather a summation of some of the recent please for forgiveness I have heard from public figures. What's wrong with it? Take another look. Notice the apology lacks one crucial ingredient: The act that led to the confession of guilt. There is not one indication of what the person did to warrant the apology in the first place.

That's my point. People make mistakes or say the wrong thing. That's going to happen. That's life. The problem is when the apologize, they hardly confess to their sins. They say they are sorry for putting their friends and families through so much pain and public humilaition, but they never actually apologize for the act itself.

I'm so done with apologies, unless they are done right. Look, if you have done something wrong, confess to it and be specific and be done with it.

Once again, I'm sorry if I misled anyone or any on my statetments were misconstrued.

I do not want to hear the politically-safe response to your sins. Just own up to it and be honest. However, I trust our next major public apology ( Michelle Obama's is probably on the way for her admission that she is "proud of America for the first time in her life" ) is going to be another non-apology apology.

Sorry for bending your ear and venting.

Happy 40th to the Neighborhood!

2008-02-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

I like to think I have a unique view of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood that many of you do not have. While Fred Rogers TV show is as much a part of Pittsburgh as Steeler football, I did not know that until I moved here.

Mr. Rogers Neighborhood was one of my favorite shows as a child. I loved the trolley and grew up watching human characters like Mr. McFeely and puppets like King Friday become part of my daily routine. When I was a tot living in other parts of the country, I never thought about where Mr. Rogers Neighborhood was produced. All I knew is that every afternoon my home became part of the neighborhood through the magic of TV.

While Pittsburgh holds the honor of being home to this unique series, it belongs to the entire world and every child over the past four decades feels as if Mr. Rogers is their neighbor. I think it's when you grow up with the show outside of Western Pennsylvania, you truly appreciate the impact of the program.

Since arrivng here, I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Rogers several times before his death. However no meeting will rival my first encounter with this gentle soul. It was an event at the Children's Museum which I hosted in the late 90's. It was to honor Fred Rogers and I must admit I was a little nervous meeting my childhood friend. When I went to introduce myself, Mr. Rogers not only said he knew who I was, but was a frequent viewer of channel 4.

Wow! Not only had a I met Fred Rogers, but he knew who I was! I called my parents as well as my friends who were not from Pittsburgh and told them all about it -- and they were impressed. Not only impressed with the fact I had met Mr. Rogers, but also the show originated from my new home of Pittsburgh.

On the day he died, I was so sad. His infleunce on my life helped me to come up wtih an idea -- and produced it for on-air that day -- showing Mr. Rogers passion for sports. I found video of him skating at a Pens game, tossing out the first pitch at a Pirates game and .. of course .. his legendary episode with Steeler receiver Lynn Swann.

Let's all celebrate on this 40th birthday of is creation! Mr. Rogers left us a lasting legacy of childhood lessons that many of us carry on into adulthood ... and each day, we should ask others the question that he asked us each episode.

"Won't you be my neighbor?"

Reassessing Rendell's Comment

2008-02-18T04:03:00.000-08:00

There was a time where public figures could get away with saying something controversial and there were few - if any - repercussions. A time before every statement was run through the political correctness prism to see if it would offended any group or demographic.

That is not the case anymore. Any mis-step, any wrong word or anything with the possibility of being controversial will be pounced upon by today's electronic media. If not, there are bloggers and amateur journalists more than willing to take the quote and run with it.

The reason I bring this up is because of a comment made my Governor Ed Rendell last week. A quote that kind of slipped under the rader when it was first said, but gained some steam last week when former gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann took issue with it.

Rendell said that he believed there were Pennsylvania residents who would not vote for Barack Obama because he is black. Swann, during an interview with our own Sally Wiggin, was upset the governor would even bring up the possibility.

Let me say this: I think Swann should be upset, but not for the reasons you might think. Rendell's assessment is hardly news. Anyone who thinks that the voting electorate is color-blind needs to move out of Disneyworld right now. In a country where people are actually swayed by celebrity endorsements or the choice of tie worn by someone running for office, it should shock no one that people will not vote for a candidate because he is black. There are people who won't vote for Hillary Clinton because she is a woman. Even if one of them is truly the best candidate.

My outrage comes from the fact that Rendell should not be saying this when he has already endorsed Hillary Clinton. In light of Rendell's support for Hillary, his comments about Obama amount to mudslinging of the worst kind. If Rendell did not suport any candidate, his comment would not only be a fair assessment, but a brave stand as well. He would be speaking to a subject few white politicians dare to tread.

I guess any questionable comment - no matter how slight - will get extensive coverage. All you need to do is look at the "pimping out" comments from an MSNBC reporter when describing the campaign efforts of Chelsea Clinton. Some comments deserve criticism because they are thoughless and hurtful. But Governer Rendell's assessment does not fall into this catagory. If we look at the context - as we should every controversial statement - we would see that Rendell's greatest mistake was supporting the other Democratic candidate before making his statement.

photo courtesy: Associated Press

Cleaning Out the Thought Closet Once Again

2008-02-15T01:09:00.000-08:00

So much to talk about before I head off to Winterfest for the weekend, so let me kind of send you a list of stuff that's on my mind before I call it a week.

SI Swimsuit
I have been overwhelmed by the number of e-mails I received regarding my comments about the SI Issue. Many of you think I'm right about the swimsuit issue, while many others believe that I have joined the ranks of the cavemen .. and this difference of opinion is spilt along gender lines.

Let me just say this: I understand those who are offended and I agree with you to some extent and perhaps I should take a different look at what this issue is really portraying. As for me being a caveman, I'll let those of you who wonder how I feel about women take a look at my bio on this website. Then, you will be able to see where I fall on issues related to women.

Steroid Hearings and "Spygate"
Second only to the swimsuit issue, I was deluged with e-mails about those Congressional Steroid Hearings. I should send these e-mails to Washington because there are a lot of upset people out there. The waste of time and money over an internal baseball matter is ridiculous and hardly helps the millions of Americans dealing with "real" issues crucial to their survival.

The only thing more offensive that the hearings was Senator Arlen Spector's pursuit of "Spygate". Now, he's saying the Steelers were spyed upon and insinuating that Pittsburgh's AFC title game defeats may have been influenced by pre-game videotaping. I think this smacks of playing to your constituents and, once again, wastes valuable time and resources on what I believe is not an issue affecting American life and a past that cannot be changed.

Older Women Behaving Badly

I know 60 is the new 40, but what is going on with these mature actresses? First, it was Diane Keaton dropping the "F-bomb" on "Good Morning America". Now, it's Jane Fonda's turn. On "The Today Show", she uttered perhaps the worst of them all. The one word that if a man said it to any woman, would instantly guarantee his death right there on the spot. In light of these offensive comments, suddenly the SI swimsuit issue looks wholesome.

Campus Shooting at NIU

Once again, America is going through an all-too common practice today. The mourning of college students killed in a senseless shooting. The candlelight vigils have already begun as we once again are left to wonder why someone would kill five people for no apparent reason. Once again, we are going to wonder if our campuses are safe and we are going to put these places of academic freedom under temporary lockdown. We know the drill ... a drill that has become all too familiar.

This week has been filled with talk of steroids in baseball, spying during a football game and whether scantilly-clad models are good or bad for the image of women in this country. Leave it to a tragedy like this to remind us what is truly important and what out lawmakers should really be focusing on. This is what really matters.

A Spirited Discussion .... and a Stupid Debate

2008-02-14T00:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Now that I have the love out of the way, let’s get to the hate. OK, hate is too strong a word in this case but my blog from Wednesday ignited quite the firestorm of debate. While my feelings about the SI swimsuit issue resonated with many of you, there were more than a few women upset that I could look at the publication as anything more than pornography.

Some felt it objectified women; others took the swimsuit publication as a personal insult. I will admit that – as a man – I can not say what would be offensive to a woman any more than a white person can tell me where the N-word is offensive or not. That being said, I still think it’s simply an entertainment publication and should not be considered a social statement on the status of women in general. I’m mean we’re on the verge of electing a woman for President. Which do you think is the greater indicator of where we are as a society when it comes to sexual equality?
One thing we can all agree with is insulting and offensive is what took place on Capitol Hill Wednesday. In one room, legislators grilled a baseball pitcher and his former trainer about whether one injected the other with steroids. Down the hall, one of Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senators questioned the commissioner of the NFL about an investigation into one team stealing another team’s signals.

I’m going to try and be as calm and rational as possible, but I am mad as you know what about this. Here I am paying taxes – and a ridiculous amount – as a citizen of this country and I’m watching the people I elected and I pay hold hearings into how professional athletes conduct their business. Are you kidding me? We are at war, heading into a recession and running out of natural resources and Congress has nothing better to do than run a dog and pony show for the cameras? Give me a break.

Let’s say I buy the steroids argument because it’s a national “health” issue. That being said, why the Senator from my state is extending his investigation into how the NFL polices its players’ on-field activities is beyond me. Senator Specter, if you want to be a referee just say so – otherwise this “spygate” matter is not your concern and does nothing to make my life or the life of your constituents better. What’s next? Are you going to investigate whether pro wrestling is on the up and up?

One local politician asked me why people are so cynical when it comes to those in public office? The answer was as clear as day on Wednesday. We don’t trust our leaders because they tend to be out of touch with what’s important to us as a nation. Yes, we love sports … but we think you could spend your time better by working to make our lives better, not our games.

Cover Story

2008-02-13T04:11:00.000-08:00

Just got my new Sports Illustrated in the mail .. and if you know anything about "SI", you know why I'm blogging about this issue.

The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue is part-publication and part-phenomenon. No single issue of any magazine in America sells more copies than the annual SI swimsuit issue -- nearly $40M worth of publications. It's over 200 pages and nearly half of those are advertisements.

So why is the maagazine such a big deal? Take a look at the over of last year's issue below:

I thought I would show this one rather than this year's version for a reason. While the issue is popular, it also the source of noth consternation and controversy. It's easy to see why from a distance. Scantilly-clad women lying on a beach in some tropical location. This year's cover shows the model without a top, covered with only a large necklace. While it's sexy - and sex does sell -- there are many who think the issue simply objectifies women.

When SI started publishing this annual issue back in the 1950's, the reasoning was very sound. There isn't much going on in sports during the month of February and SI need to come up with something new. It was an instant hit and over 50 years later, as many women buy the issue as men.

Folks, I don't know what the big deal is. I have never found the issue objectionable or - as some extremists might say - pornographic. Yes, there are beautiful women wearing swimwear and - as a guy - I find that attractive. Why not look at beautiful women? They are models and this is what they do and they are there to be looked at. To be honest, I can't tell what the difference is between the SI swimsuit issue and the Victoria's Secret catalogue.

In the end, I think people just need to realize - as I do - that this is fantasy and not reality. It's entertainment and not exploitation. As a reader, it's nice to escape to a tropical place and enjoy the view for a few minutes. But when I'm done looking at the pictures, ( I don't read the articles inside) I return unaffected to my life and my wife who doesn't wear a bikini.

At least not this time of year.

Still, it's a nice read on a cold, snowy day.

Marathon Morning

2008-02-12T06:18:00.001-08:00

"Good Morning America" fans may have been a bit disappointed.

Those normally tuning into see Robin, Diane, Sam and Chris were greeted instead by Kelly, Melanie, Demetrius and Andrew. Channel Four Action News this morning extended its hours to cover this multi-part winter storm that landed on Western Pennsylvania this morning.

It's not something we normally do, but circumstances were far from normal. A snowstorm drop 5 inches of snow overnight and led to ridiculously long delays. Then, just as the roads were getting clear, round two of snow showers and what Demetrius calls "frizzle" arrived by 9am.

You have heard our title of "Pittsburgh's Official Winter Weather Station". We take that title very seriously and that's why we extend our coverage when the weather turns. There is nothing more important and more serious than when severe weather hits.

Of course, it also takes some determined people to do nearly five straight hours of live television without a script. We have quite a team in the morning, and with the emergency edition of Erin Kienzle and phone calls from our reporters and even our news director out in the field, we were able to tell viewers what was happening and what to expect.

For Kelly and me, our job goes from being anchors who tell you what's what to a pair of air traffic controllers who direct traffic and add color to the commentary coming from many sources. While it may look easy, it's a demanding dance for the two of us. TV news anchors are seen as people who simply read a teleprompter. Nothing could be further from the truth on a morning like this. We tossed out the script after the first hour -- and basically did TV without a net for the final 3.5 hours.

That being said, I love it when we cover an unfolding story like this. It reminds me of my days doing play-by-play of a sporting event, only it's much more serious and people really depend on the information. It's days like this that I know I made the right decision by switching jobs.

Somewhat Sorry to See the Strike End

2008-02-11T04:02:00.000-08:00

Sounds like the Hollywood writers strike is finally coming to an end. The two sides have tentatively agreed on a deal to make sure the writers get their cut of the lucrative DVD and Internet sales market. While, of course, I'm always happy to see the "little" guy get his fair share of the pie, I'm somewhat saddened the strike appears set to end. Saddened for two very distinct reasons.

First, the lack of new creative stuff and new shows coming out of Hollywood has actually helped those of us in the TV news business. While reality TV shows make be the rage on the networks and on cable, there is no better reality show than your local newscast. Nothing is more real than the story of real life - and many of the cable news channel have seen a spike in their ratings as they go non-stop telling the compelling real story of the race for the White house.

Second, and on a more personal note, the return of new production of TV shows fills a void in the lives of Americans. A void I think many people filled with other actvities. Now while I cannot prove this, I get the feeling that because we - as a nation - weren't setting our lives by the final episode of "Lost" or some other program, we found other things to do. I know it was somewhat liberaing not having to worry about catching the next episode of my favorite shows - because there was no next episode.

We spent time away from the TV and perhaps spent more time out of our homes. While TV is what pays the bills in my world, I don't think we should let it run out lives. We need to get away from the tube and the TV screen and enjoy life rather than sitting on the coach and watching it.

photo courtesy: AP Photo

Where Things Used To Be

2008-02-08T04:35:00.000-08:00

I have always found Pittsburgh to very different from most cities in America. Of course, its people separate it from the rest of the country, but also its quirks. None more so than the way natives give directions. Here's an example. The Pittsburgh Chop House ( which I featured in "Check It Out" ) opened last fall. When they began advertising, they gave the location in what I call a "Pittsburgh" way. On the TV spot, it says it's located at the site of the Old Red Bull Inn.

Now this may be a small thing, but I find the Chop House is not alone when it comes to identifying what used to be there to indicate where something is. I did a story about two more restaurants weeks ago located at the new Piatt Place building downtown. Someone asked me where it was and even after giving them the address, it did not register. Finally, I said they are located in the old Lazarus building. The light bulb came on after that.

I'm not sure why - as Pittsburgh residents - often identifying where things are by talking about what used to be there. It's kind of like that on-going joke where someone gives directions and uses the nearest Sheetz as their starting point.

Some would say we do this because we don't want to let go of the past. I think we often refer to the past because, for the majority, this is where we have spent our lives and putting a new business in an old location does not take away what was there - at least in our minds. This is what makes our town so special: The fact that we have not forgotten about our past, even when something new takes its place.

Forecast: Cloudy

2008-02-07T04:02:00.000-08:00

I call it a "brain cloud".

That feeling you have early in the morning when you work the hours I do and never quite goes away until you see the sun.

Rising at 2am is not something you ever get used to, but I figured my biggest problem would be lack of sleep and an excessive case of yawning on this shift. Well, sleep is an issue -- and I do find myself yawning when off-camera. But there is somthing else - this "brain cloud" as I call it - and caffiene is can only do so much to relieve this temporary condition.

It's that feeling that you are just not there when you are at work. It's like you are reading the story on camera but instead of you reading it, it's like I'm a third person in the room watching myself reading the story. Maybe you don't see it at home, unless those times when I flub reading a story.

I find what gets me through these "cloudy" mornings is excessive banter with my co-horts. Whether it's on camera with Kelly, Mel and Demetrius ... or off camera with our floor director. Still, no matter how much sleep you get the "brain cloud" will still be there. Maybe not all the time, but occassionally.

I'm not complaining or seeking sympathy. Just thought I would let you inside the morning show and who knows, maybe I will get a call from Pitt or some other medical group which maybe studying this condition.

The Purge

2008-02-06T04:06:00.000-08:00

I'm a pack rat ... and I admit it.

From the helmet I wore during my high school football days to every t-shirt that has ever been given to me at every event, I have this habit of holding onto things I don't use. Sharon has gotten on me about this for years -- and deservedly so. At one point, I had 150 t-shirts in my closet which I had never worn. As you might notice on the morning news, I tend to wear the same things over and over again while other ties, shirts and suits sit in my closet unused.

But we also have another tradition in my household - the purge. Everytime Sharon and I prepare to move - and this will be the fourth time since we got married seven years ago ( Our friends have our address in pencil in their address books ) - we clean out the closets and basements. Our rule is pretty much like many of yours -- if you don't use it inside of two years, get rid of it.

So we spent the weekend combing through our "stuff" and wound up having more than a carload of collectibles to get rid of. Clothes, books, dishes, travel bags and various other items. However, instead of throwing it all away, we also choose to donate. We usually take our things to Goodwill or the Salvation Army or some other organization which can take these things and give them to families that truly need them. It's a great feeling to know that your hands-me-downs are going to help others.

Of course, not everything goes to charitable organizations. I had a stereo I haven't used in years and a golf bag which was collecting dust in the basement. So I donated that to Demetrius figuring he could use the stereo -- and he is an aspiring golfer.

I also had crystal vases and trays that I wanted to get rid of so I brought them to the station hoping Melanie Taylor might want them,. Turns out the Mikasa crystal matches a set that Kelly had -- and you have never seen someone so excited about getting someone's cast-offs. At least I now know all my discarded items have new homes which will appreciate them.

Sharon and I are now purged - until the next move.

Son Says Goodbye To Father

2008-02-05T01:16:00.000-08:00

"I love you."

Three words I plan to call and say to my dad when he wakes up later this morning. Three words no son can say enough to his father. A painful lesson I learned once again this week.

Mark Ross is a very good friend of mine from Beaver county. As a son, he had an extremely close relationship with his father Richard Ross. Known to everyone as "Butch", Richard made his mark on the sporting world as the football coach at Hopewell High School. Back in the mid 70's, he saw the potential in an undersized player, moving him from defense to offense. That player went onto success in high school, a Heisman Trophy and a national championship in college and a Super Bowl championship his rookie year in the NFL.

His name: Tony Dorsett.

But Butch's real impact was much closer to home. Not so much as a coach, but as an example to his son, Mark. He was a father who was there for his son. A father who shared his time and his life lessons with his only son. In return, Mark made his father more than just a man he visited on holidays and weekends. In my time with the Ross family, I have seen the two working together to raise money for scholarhsips for Beaver County athletes, supporting athletic events in the county all while showing what a father and son work together as partners as well as family members.

Butch Ross will be laid to rest Thursday. The viewing is today in Aliquippa. I will go and pay my respects to this man in two ways. I will express my condolences and the funeral home to the family ... and I will call my father. I will simply say to him "I love him".

Three simple words.

Three simple words that express so much.

Three words I cannot say often enough and need to do so because I never know when that day will come when I will be unable to say those words to him.

Old Media vs New Media

2008-02-03T07:54:00.000-08:00

A local blogger known simply as "Rachel", author of thatnight.net , is up for a "Bloggie". For those of you not following the latest cyberspace happenings a "bloggie" is the blogosphere's verion of an academy award. She's up against competition from across the country -- and here story is told by our own Ashley DiParlo here on our website.

I have met Rachel and interviewed her as part of a story that I did last fall on local bloggers. What suprised me when both my story - and Ashley's piece - went on-line and on-air was the reaction from blog readers. Here's just a sample from thatnight.net:

"I'm glad Pittsburgh is trying to be hip to new media. It should. Why this is a great city to live in".

"I think WTAE is the only local station to actually take a chance on reporting blogging."

"I'm glad they did a nice interview and weren't like "what's this weird thing you do online?""

I'm not doing this to toot WTAE's horn as the only local station covering the on-line universe. Quite the contrary. The point I hope to make here is something I discussed with a friend of mine the other day who also works in TV. The total disconnect between the old media and new media.

Old media ( TV, radio, newspaper ) and new media ( internet, blogging ) are different ends of the same spectrum, but listening to people on both sides you would think there would no way we were even located in the same universe much less the same business. There are many in old media who see new media as taking a cut of their action and trying to force them out. New media sees the old as "the establishment" and are distrustful of the messages they send. It's true, old media does use a filter but that's only because we broadcast to a larger audience. Of course, new media is so narrowly-focused, they can say just about anything they want to do and don't have to worry about repercussions .. for the most part.

I guess I was just stunned how a TV report which attempted to give a fair and unbiased view of new media was received as both a shock by those in the blogopshere. Of course, there are those who are going to be suspicious of why a TV station would promote their direct competition. The answer is that - at least in my mind - we are not competition. We are just looking at similar areas of concern from different vantage points. I believe the new media is the best way to take the temperature of a town or community. That's why I read them with regularity and - I don't mind saying - get some of my best story ideas from them.

After all new media members, I am now one of you.

The Best Team Ever?

2008-02-01T00:54:00.000-08:00

Super Sunday. My favorite day of the year, but the pressure is on to make my Super Pick. If you will indulge me, I'm going to put back on my sportscaster's cap for a few moments and tell you who's going to win and why.

After much debate, I agree with Plaxico Burress and his pre-game prediction. The difference between the two teams will be six points, but it will be the New England Patriots prevailing 30-24. The issue I'm sure all of you are wondering about is whether after this win, will the Patriots be the best team of all-time.

That's the debate in many circles -- especially here in Pittsburgh -- where we believe to this day that there has never been a more dominant team than the Steelers of the 70's. In fact, there is a universal feeling in this town that the Steelers best team during that decade didn't even win the Super Bowl - the 1976 Steelers.

However, if New England wins, I don't believe there is any question that the Patriots are the greatest team of all time -- for one season. The key phrase being "for one season". New England will have gone 19-0, something no team has ever done - not even our beloved Black and Gold. It's even more impressive because unlike the Steelers who had 22 players play on all four title-winning teams, the Patriots will have just four players who have competed in their four Super Bowls this decade.

I know Pittsburgh fans will hate this because they hate the Patriots. Instead, the anger should be directed at your team for not being able to beat the Pats. It's less about hating what the Pats represent and more about being jealous when it comes to what they have accomplished.

I grew up one hour from Foxboro, Massachusetts, but I'm not a Pats fan. Still, I have never seen perfection in my lifetime. I would like to see it. Just this once.

A Super Week

2008-01-31T01:11:00.000-08:00

Watching the festivities surrounding Super Bowl XLII in Phoenix this week reminds me of my trips to the Super Bowl. I have always been a big fan of "Super Sunday" and I have had the fortune of going to the NFL"s title game - and the circus that surrounds it - twice. Contrary to public opinion, the local Pittsburgh TV stations do not go to the big game every year. It's expensive and - as we have seen during the week - there is little local interest until Super Sunday.

That being said, I have been twice and both times the Steelers have played in the contest. However, the two experiences were vastly different. Figure this out: I was at the only Super Bowl the Steelers lost - and had a great time. Then, I attended the Super Bowl that gave them the "One for the Thumb" and had a miserable time. However, I judge the Super Bowl experience not by the game but rather by the entire week. In the end, the game is really an afterthought.

At Tempe, Arizona the morning of Super Bowl XXX ( January 1996 )

Super Bowl XXX was in Phoenix in January of 1996. It was the finale of my first season covering the Steelers. I remember it was the first time the game was played in the desert and that experience of playing the game in a new location only added to the excitement. The weather was great and I got a chance to visit places like an Indian reservation and party at Merril Hoge's pad in Scottsdale. I remember I was mobbed for autographs outside the media center because everyone thought I was an NFL player ( again, it was 1995 and I was 26 ).

The game will standout in my mind for two reasons. One, it seemed like a Steeler home game with nothing but terrible towels waiving in the stands - stands that started shaking when the Steelers made their comeback. Stands that shook so hard that Sally Wiggin, seated next to me, started grabbing my arm and squeezing real hard. The other memory? The Steelers really should have won the game. But after it was all said and done, I turned to Sally and said "Don't worry. We'll be back."

Little did I realize that a decade would pass before Pittsburgh would reach the Super Bowl .. and when they did, it was in Detroit. No offense to Jerome Bettis, but Detroit might be the worse place to hold any winter event much less the Super Bowl. Wait. Check that. Siberia would be worse. It was cold and there was very little going on around the city. Heck, we were in Pontiac most of the week with the team at their hotel. Pontiac has a hotel, a car making plant and a store that sells soup ... and that's it. Quite a change from the desert paradise of a decade earlier.

The Steelers did win .. although the game wasn't much to write home about. After all, Pittsburgh essentially made three plays to win it. But what stands out in my mind about that Super Bowl wasn't the game, but rather the return to Pittsburgh and the massive victory parade.

As for this year's game between the Patriots and the Giants? Who do I like? You will have to wait until tomorrow morning when the entire Channel 4 Action News This Morning makes their fearless predictions.

Empowerment Thru Shopping

2008-01-30T01:10:00.000-08:00

The news that a Save-A-Lot store may coming to the Hill District, giving the area a much-needed supermarket, should be welcomed news for residents and community leaders. However, they have concerns. They are hoping for more than a supermarket. They would hope it would have pharmacy and a bakery.

Now you may think this nit-picking, but imagine your local Giant Eagle or Shop-and-Save without a deli or a pharmacy or a bakery. Take it one step further. Imagine a grocery with only a couple brands of each product on the shelves. Try to envision not only a lack of selection, but also a lack of items to begin with -- and those that are on the shelves are of lesser quality.

This is the contention of many who study businesses which cater to the inner city. While Save-A-Lot has not been accused of this, there have been many other business over the years which have come into urban areas and sold groceries of lesser quality ( high fat and sodium content ) or offered a stunning lack of selection. Residents are reduced to buying whatever is being offered there because of it's proximity to their home and the fact that they can buy large amounts of food without worrying about how to get it home without a car.

It's no coincidence that urban areas made up of mostly minority residents have a greater concentration of check-cashing businesses than suburban areas. It's profiting upon a community's weaknesses. It's legal and - business-wise it can be justified - but it's what's described as "economic racism" and in the long run, it keeps the community from ever escaping a cycle of poverty and economic stagnation.

While I do applaud the efforts to build a supermarket for the Hill, I agree with the leaders there that it has to be more than just a glorified drug store where you can pick up a few items. It needs to be a full-service supermarket offering all the services that you and I take for granted at the markets in our neighborhood. It needs to bring the Hill closer to the American dream we all enjoy. Who knew that people could be empowered through shopping?

Test It Tuesday Returns

2008-01-29T01:01:00.000-08:00

I thought I would let you know about a new segment we're starting on Channel 4 Action News tonight starting at 5. Actually, it's not new but rather the return of an old favorite with a new twist.

You might remember a few years back, we did a segment called "Test It Tuesday" hosted by Susan Koeppen. Each week, she would take items that made all sorts of claims and put them to the test. From the pot that allowed you to strain pasta without taking the lid off to the voice-activated light switch, she would see if these products lived up to the hype.

Well, we're bringing "Test It Tuesdays" back - and guess who's filling Susan's shoes?

You guessed it. Now I admit I'm not Susan ( I think based on appearance you can see that ) and I doubt I'll be doing consumer reports for a national broadcast network after this, but I am someone who loves gadgets and gizmos. So now I'll be testing items each week with the help of you - the viewing audience. I'm inviting viewers to not only participate but also send me suggestions.

Since you are out there -- shopping, watching infomercial and occasionally buying things on QVC at 2 in the morning -- I invite you to send me suggestions of items to put to the test. Together, I think we'll not only have fun but also solve life's most difficult question -- does that thing really work?

So tune it tonight at 5 - and every Tuesday from here on -- as we put the latest and greatest gadgets, gizmos and products to the test. Also, be sure to look for the "Test It Tuesday" web page on this website. There, you will be able to see "Test It Tuesday" reports, read my "Test It Tuesday" blog and both suggest products as well as volunteer to help me test things out.

See you at 5.

No Coffee, But I'll Have One Satellite To Go

2008-01-28T04:07:00.000-08:00

Another first on Channel 4 Action News this Morning. I actually went through a two-hour show without a single cup of coffee. I consider this a major achievement given the time of day I get up. However, as I was making coffee for the crew, I just didn't have that "Java Jones" this morning. Even Kelly was wondering if I was not feeling well. Actually, I'm fine ... and I guess I'm just taking a break from the caffeine circuit. Then again, I have been feeling kind of weired recently. I didn't eat anything yesterday even though I worked out at the gym and hit golf balls for a solid hour at the indoor driving range at Neville Island.

I was thinking about having a cup though when I read about this: A U.S. spy satellite that has suddenly lost power, is out of control and could crash to Earth either next month of early March. What's worse is that government officials not only do not know where it's going to land, but also they are takings teps to - in their words - mitrigate any possible damage.

OK, am I the only one alarmed by this? I don't trust the government to get much right but I would hope they could keep a satellite from crashing back down to Earth - and possibly landing in my backyard or worse. I know the odds of that are long, but the fact that we should even be thinking about the possibility is frightening to say the least.

Maybe it's time to get back to my coffee routine.

Doing Your Part

2008-01-25T03:59:00.000-08:00

I think I have mentioned that this year I'm taking part in a unique program. It's called Leadership Pittsburgh and the goal of the year-long class is to expose local leaders from various fields to the problems and challenges facing our society. It happens through group discussion, visits to various organizations in Pittsburgh and lectures from various people in our community.

Thursday, my group heard from Saleem Ghubril. He heads the Pittsburgh Project which creates after-school projects that takes at-risk kids off the street and allows them to serve the needs of the greater community. He said something during our discussion that will stick with me for as long as Pittsburgh is my home.

(WTAE city skline backdrop, courtesy Matt Robinson & PittsburghSkyline.com)

Referring to the recent title bestowed upon the Burgh - "America's Most Livable City" - he challenged us to do our part to make the slogan a reality. While Pittsburgh is a great place to live for most of its residents, it can be a struggle and a nightmare for thousands who need public aid and assistance. An estimated 10% of city residents use human services. That adds us to thousands of men, women and children.

Ghubril's challenge is for those of us that can make life better for others to do so. Whether that means donating dollars to the causes we care about, volunteering one day a week to help a non-profit group which is committed to serving it's less-fortunate citizens or even spending a day serving as mentor to a child.

It's not what we do as citizens in this community, it's the need to do something. While we are a model city, even our civic leaders would admit that this is not a model without flaws. There are things that don't work .. and people who do fall through the cracks. I try to volunteer my time to raise dollars for organizations through my charitable work and appearances. After listening to Ghubril, I think I can do more. I sure we all can.

So let me challenge you, like Ghubril challenged me. Find something you care about - and get involved - and let's truly make Pittsburgh "America's Most Livable City".

A License To Fight?

2008-01-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

I have often wondered who commission all these studies we report about on the news. I used to think someone just sat in a room and thought, "Hey, I wonder whether couples who fight are healthier than those who don't".

Well, someone has actually done a study on that very topic.

The University of Michigan has tracked 200 couples over the last 17 years and found the mortality rate is twice as high among couples that do fight than those who suppress their emotions.

Looks like I'm headed to an early grave.

I'm the one in our marriage who hates conflict. I would rather let a problem fester than deal with it immediately - which is the exact opposite of the way I am at work. I hate to procrastinate.

Sharon, on the other hand, loves to talk things out. She's not afraid of sharing her feelings and concerns.

Now, while I feel there are way too many studies in the world, I do think this particular one gives all couples reason for pause. In the end, whether it's about your lifespan or just being happy, we all need to share our feelings with the people in our lives.

It's never an easy thing to be honest - especially with yourself. However, that might be the only way to find true happiness - whether it be at work or with your wife. With that in mind, maybe I'll try to open up a bit more - and maybe even get into the occasional shouting match with the Mrs. After all, I would like to be around as long as possible.

Selling .. and Scrambling

2008-01-23T04:57:00.000-08:00

I told you a few months ago about Sharon and I - and our attempt to sell our house amid the worse housing market in years. We wanted to move closer to the city because, even though we love where we live, after four years the commute from Washington county was just killing us .. especially yours truly.

However, real estate is one of those unpredictable things. Just last Friday, after more than a year on the market, someone came by our house and loved the look and made us an offer. We had the home under contract in 24 hours. Great! Then, a day later, a guy pulls up to the house in his white Mercedes and says he's interested in looking inside and buying. When it rains, it pours!

Now for the down side. Our buyer loves our little abode so smuch, theyt want to get into the home in six weeks. Since they are buying, who am I to say no. But the speed of the sale has Sharon and I in one of those strange situations where we have to find a place to purchase -- and fast! That kind of takes the fun out of casually shopping for a new home.

So where do we go ... and what will we buy? When you are under the gun, it makes you think about what is truly important. For us, it's about being close to the city and still being close to our friends. It's about convenience to I-79 & I-279 which takes Sharon to work and takes me into town. It's about a place where there is someone to do outdoor work and maintenance because I hate to mow the lawn.

But most of all, it's about finding a place to go home. I have been a nomad much of my life, always leaving half my belongings unpacked because I think I'm going to have to move at a moment's notice. I know it's kind of silly for someone who has been in Pittsburgh for 13 years, but that's my quirky hang-up.

Wish us luck as we engage in the speed round of house shopping. At least it's a buyer's market.

Last Word on the "Lynching" Controversy

2008-01-22T01:02:00.000-08:00

It was an on-going mini-series on my blog Friday.

I'm speaking about my reaction to the Golfweek cover photo showing a noose in reaction the controversy involving comments made about Tiger Woods by a TV announcer. The cover photo which somehow sneaked past the sensibilities of the Golfweek editorial staff.

As you might remember ( feel free to scroll down a few lines in case you have forgotten ), as a Golfweek subscriber I e-mailed a letter to editor Dave Seanor criticizing the choice of cover and cancelling my subscription. Well, about a half hour after that, Golfweek fired Seanor. I'm not taking responsibility for that. I doubt my single e-mail made a difference. Rather it was the collective e-mails of thousands of offended people.

Well, last night I received a response from Golfweek's new editor. Craig Horan acknowledged my letter and apologized for Golfweek's error in judgement. Golfweek went onto say that Seanor never viewed the cover in question before it went to print.Then, he asked me if he could use my letter - along with dozens of others - as part of a special issue due out this week apologizing for the cover photo as well on their website.

I never expected to hear a word from them .. and was honestly surprised that I not only received a response but was asked for permission to use my letter. I guess sometimes one lone voice is heard.

I'm thinking about e-mailing the oil companies next.

MLK Day Break

2008-01-21T04:31:00.000-08:00

Hope many of you are enjoying this three-day holiday weekend. I'm at work, but I still intend to celebrate the MLK Holiday .. by taking a day off from blogging. Don't worry, I will be back bright and early tomorrow morning with more musings on the world from my point of view.

Please enjoy the day off .. and please take a few moments - as I will - to remember the work of Dr. King and the sacrifices he made so that all of us are able to live in a more color blind world.

Fallout From "The Noose"

2008-01-18T08:13:00.000-08:00

Update, 11:14am: ( Associated Press ) Golfweek apologized today for putting a noose on the cover of its magazine to illustrate the controversy over a Golf
Channel anchor's use of the word "lynch" in a comment about Tiger
Woods. The editor responsible for the cover, Dave Seanor, was replaced.

I would like to say this was my doing - but it wasn't. I just think I was one of a growing number of voices who said "you are wrong". Nobody wants to see someone lose their job and one can only hope the next editor will be a bit more thoughtful in choosing the cover.

UPDATE

2008-01-18T06:44:00.000-08:00

Update: At 9:45am, I called to cancel my Golfweek subscription. I also sent an e-mail to the editors of the publication to express my feelings regarding the cover and to notify them of the cancellation of my subscription.

Did I Miss the Mark?

2008-01-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

Frequent readers of my blog have no doubt noticed one of the more popular topics of discussion here in race ... and racial issues. It's not because I'm attempting to stir up the pot or become the on-line alternative to Al Sharpton. I just feel that this forum allows me to cast a light an issue which is not discussed in a frank and public manner. Just like sex, we tend to have a bit of prudish nature as a country when it comes to discussing race.

While I am an African-American, I don't always have perfect "racism radar" and sometimes the most obvious issues will miss my attention. Case in point, the most recent issue of Golfweek.

As you know, I'm a big golf fan and get several golf magazines sent to my house -- and among them is Golfweek which covers the business side of my favorite past time. Yesterday, I got home and found the latest issue in my mail ... take a look.

Pretty startling, huh? I did a double take and went right to the article about Tiger Woods and the controversy involving the "lynching" comments of Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman. Since she made her inappropriate statements, she has apologized and been suspended - and Tiger has accepted her apology. The article in the magazine talked about the stir her statements caused.

Fine.

However, the cover photo of hangman's noose was over the top. Even the editors of the magazine admit the image was "arresting" and would "draw attention to an issue that deserved some intelligent dialogue". That being said, editor Dave Seaanor actually said he was "overwhelmed" by the negative response.

Hello! Didn't anybody on the editorial staff see the problem in publishing this cover? I can't believe a magazine that did a thoughtful piece about the controversy couldn't see the storm it would create with it's cover -- which they know was designed to sell magazines. To be fair, just last week the magazine had a pill on the cover for it's story on drug testing in golf. Boy, I long for the days when they actually put golf on the cover of the magazine.

I guess I should have been more outraged as well. While I was startled by what I saw when I opened my mailbox, I should have been angry. I guess being African-American doesn't mean every racial issue strikes a chord. Maybe it's because nothing surprises me when it comes to level of insensitivity in our society. That's no reason to be tolerant of this sort of stuff. There are many ways to get my attention -- good writing being one of those ways. However a noose - given the racist connotation it now carries - placed on the cover of a publication I go to for information about something that gives me pleasure is both insulting and offensive.

I will be cancelling my subscription to Golfweek as well as sending a detailed letter to the editor expressing my feelings towards the magazine and the cover they chose. Seanor says he expected some canceled subscriptions. I just wish he had also expected this backlash when he chose this "racist" cover photo - and that is exactly what it is.

Burning the Candles at Both Ends

2008-01-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

I know many of you that watch the morning show might also get home in time for the 6pm news. If you are one of those people, you may have done a double take last night and asked the following questions: Was that Andrew Stockey sitting next to Sally Wiggin .. and was he wearing the same suit and tie he had on this morning? The answer to both questions .. is yes.

It's not the first time I have done the morning and the evening shows. This time, Mike Clark was a bit under the weather so I came back later to anchor the 6pm broadcast. This morning, I'm paying the price. I'm exhausted and - after staying up late talking with Sharon about vacation plans - I'm going on four hours sleep. I'm also going on adrenaline.

There is nothing like an adrenaline rush to get you going. When I was younger, I got that rush from playing football .. and as you can see below .. I had a little bit of success as a running back. When you get older and your playing days are long done, you need to find something else to excite you. For me, it's that rush of working in the non-stop world of TV news.

photo courtesy: My Dad

From anchoring the live show for two hours every morning .. to going out and shooting a story during the day about security in Market Square .. to coming back and anchoring the 6pm news, it was a non-stop day of excitement. I didn't even mind returning those phone calls.

Plus, I figure I will have time to sleep this weekend. So if you see doing the 6am and 6pm, don't worry. Know that I'm having fun because I'm doing something I enjoy and something I know I won't get to do forever.

By the way, digging through the old photo file I found another picture from my past:

It's me hanging out in high school with two of my dear friends at the time. Heather, on the left, is a mom living in Massachusetts and Ann, on the right, is married and has a home business in New York. I thought it was a cute picture of three friends before we left the bubble of high school and embarked on life in the real world.

A Waste of My Tax Dollars

2008-01-16T00:58:00.000-08:00

First up, thanks for all the coffee suggestions. I never knew there were so many different types of coffee .. or flavors. I think I may take up coffee sampling as a hobby and try to surprise the folks here each morning.

Now, onto today's post, and I have decided not to pay my taxes this year.

No, I'm not doing a Wesley Snipes here and acting as if I don't have to pay taxes - and chances are I will end up giving my share to the IRS anyway. But if I could, I would not give the government a dime after what I witnessed on TV yesterday. You probably saw it as well.

The congressional hearings into steroids in baseball continued on Capitol Hill. Another great use of your tax dollars at work. What is the world is congress doing getting involved in this steroid issue? There is a war going on , the economy is tanking and we desperately need campaign finance reform and where does congress decide to spend its' valuable time? Asking whether or not baseball players cheated a decade ago.

It's a game, not life and death and at the time those drugs were not illegal. If congress really wants to be involved in stopping the use of drugs, how about focusing on the drug problem that is killing young people in the inner city instead of the drugs used by millionaire ballplayers to hit the ball better?

I cannot believe my elected officials have nothing better to do that focus on whether someone cheated in a game. If that's the case, when will they hold hearings into the sport of wrestling? Ladies and gentlemen, it's entertainment and nothing more. Baseball is just a game and to spend congressional manpower and hours on what amounts to a cheating scandal seems not only a waste but also an insult to those of us in this country with real problems.

OK, I will pay my taxes so I won't get into trouble. However, I'm doing it under protest

Coffee Talk

2008-01-15T03:59:00.000-08:00

First up, let me apologize for being off yesterday. I really was not feeling well and the only reason I apologize is because I rarely get sick. I can count ( on one hand ) the number of sick days I have taken here at WTAE. I hate being sick but I hate missing work even more because there is this incredible feeling of guilt when you are laying in bed instead of being at work.

But upon returning, I learned something that made me feel even more guilty - there was no one here to make the morning coffee. No coffee for a show I semi-seriously say is "powered by caffeine". I don't know how it happened but I somehow became the designated coffee maker on the morning show. Kelly, Demetrius and our producer Jennifer will all indulge in a cup of joe once I make it. I don't know how they got through the morning without it.

That brings up another issue. The coffee itself and that is where I need your help. We have gotten into a coffee rut here. Because I wind up buying the coffee, I usually buy what I know which means Columbian Roast, Hazelnut and French Vanilla. I think it's time for us try something new - but I don't know what flavors are out there or where to go to score a pack. If you all could be so kind as to tell me your favorite flavors and where you go to pick them up, I know the entire morning show would appreciate it.

Jennifer Sloan ( right ) with our former producer Dana Brown

The other bad thing I realized once returning from my day off? Today is our producer Jennifer's birthday. I know she told me but in my misery I had forgotten. She got some lovely flowers from her dad - and some cards from our crew here. So let me take this opportunity - and please join me - in wishing Jennifer a happy birthday.

See, this is why I do not like to take a sick day. You miss so much. Even the e-mails have stacked up.

Photo Courtesy: "In other words ..." ( Dana Brown's blog )

Toilets and Taxes

2008-01-11T04:09:00.000-08:00

Inspiration can be found in many places ... even your public restroom.

New York City unveiled a new hi-tech outhouse Thursday. We showed it off on channel 4 Action News this morning. It's a self-cleaning toilet which is available for just 25 cents. For that coin, you get 15 minutes inside the facility to do your business.

After 12 minutes, you receive a 3 minute warning before the door opens. Once 15 minutes have expired you had better be out of the outhouse because the doors then close and the automatic cleaning system kicks in. That means an impromptu shower if you are still inside. 20 are slated to be installed all around Manhattan.

While we did joke about the concept that seems "a-head" of it's time ( pardon the pun ), it did have some merits which may benefit us here in Pittsburgh. OK, stay with me here but the city of New York anticipates the 20 toilets will generate $1 billion in revenue over the next 20 years!

Imagine if we had a similar system in Pittsburgh? Install ten of those toilets and let's say they did half the business the New York potties do. That's still a quarter million dollars and that's revenue that could be used to replace some of the taxes we currently pay. Money that could be used for the Port Authority instead of 10% drink tax. Money that could hold the line on property tax increases. Money that could be used to keep the city and country from instituting other taxes.

OK, maybe I'm dreaming here ... but it's that kind of creative thinking that will bring an extra billion to New York City every year. Who knows what you might be able to come up with when you spend a few quiet moments inside a commode ... public or otherwise.

Getting Plugged In

2008-01-11T00:58:00.000-08:00

It's confession time once again.

I do not pre-read all the scripts before getting on the set in the morning. Now, don't panic. I do read all the scripts I will be reading during the two-hour broadcast, but I still want to be genuinely surprised by some of the stories in the show. Thus, I don't read over Kelly Frey's material and I never read what Ashley DiParlo has for the day's "Plugged In" report.

In the very short period of time since she joined our morning team, I have grown to love her "Plugged In" reports and look forward to being enlightened every day. I think it's because in the past year, I have become somewhat of a "tech geek" myself - reading up on the latest gadgets and gizmos due to hit the marketplace. I also like to take a peek inside her blog in case she has some extra tech goodies for me.

We always hear that technology is for the young - and as we get older, it gets harder to learn about the newest phones or digital devices. I think the opposite is true. As we mature, we need to use and stay current with the latest devices because they make this ever more-complicated world much easier.

In the past year I have purchased an iPod as well as an iPod touch with wi-fi, and while I have not bought the latest phone or Blackberry, I know when my contract anniversary kicks in and I get that free upgrade, I'll know exactly what to buy. I can honestly say that Ashley is able to dig up something that I will find interesting or provide a "wow" factor every morning. It also depresses me to some extent, because I know that whatever I end up buying, she will tell me two weeks later about something better and faster. Such is life in the world of rapidly changing technology.

Under the Radar

2008-01-10T01:07:00.000-08:00

How did this one miss the national headlines? Maybe the only reason I knew about it is because of my passion for golf .. and the fact I actually watch the Golf Channel.

Kelly Tilghman is the lead play-by-play person for the Golf Channel's PGA telecasts. She is the first woman to hold such a position on a national level and, as a former college player at Duke, she is knowledgeable and insightful. I love watching her and former PGA player Nick Faldo each week covering the PGA tour.

However, when you are on the air for six hours unscripted , you occassionally may say something you shouldn't. Tilghman probably crossed that line - and then some,. When Faldo commented during last Friday's broadcast that for young players to challenge TIger, maybe they should "gang up ( on him ) for a while". Tilghman, in an attempt to match wits Faldo added "lynch him in a back alley".

Tilghman is friends with Woods and has aopologized to Woods who, through his agent, says the matter is now a non-issue and he did not think there was any ill intent. On Wednesday, the Golf Channel went one step further and suspended Tilghman for two weeks.

OK, here's my question: How does Don Imus' comments about the Rutgers womens basketball team and their appearance spark a national firestorm one year ago while the suggestion of outright violence by Tilghman become nothing more than a blip on the national radar? I think the difference here is that Imus had a history of questionable behavior while Tilghman, by all accounts, has been above reproach. In fact, several PGA players spoke glowlingly about her on Wednesday.

As for me, I guess I'm always kind of curious what sparks outrage among the American people. The "ho" comment started a national conversation while a comment about the most heinous of racial crimes is already yesterday's news. Not offering an opinion here. Just a observation.

Photos courtesy of the Associated Press

The Truth Behind the Curtain

2008-01-09T00:57:00.000-08:00

Let me promise all of you that I will not turn this into a political blog but the NewHampshire Primary results from last night are worthy of comment.

I'm one of those people who take a guilty pleasure in watching all those political pundits and so-called experts fall on the their faces and miss the mark in their pre-election predictions. While they are also in the media like myself, they engage in speculation - not present the facts as we do during our local newscasts. We report what has happened, not what we think is going to happen.

That being said, they all predicated Hillary Clinton was going to lose - and lose big in the primary. I am not reveling in the fact Clinton won, but rather that the voters actually got to have their say and what they said was different from what the "experts" told us it would be. It proves the process still works - and the ultimate power rests with the voters .. and not the pollsters. I hate being told by the "experts" how I will vote. Isn't that my decision?

However, there was one "expert" that floated a theory on last night's results which resonated with me. Senator Barack Obama was supposed to be a big winner last night - carrying the success of his Iowa win to New Hampshire. So what happened? A political strategist on MSNBC suggested that the mostly white state of New Hampshire had gone for Clinton because - until the very public caucuses of Iowa - they are voting in secret in New Hampshire. Essentially, folks in Iowa had to be committed to their opinions before the vote because he entire process was out in the open. In New Hampshire, voters could go in any direction they wanted to because they were behind the curtain and inside the voting booth.

Does this suggest voters in New Hampshire are racist? No. What it does suggest is that the entire process of polling is - at best - guesswork - because there are so many new voters this time around that it's impossible to predict how people will vote. What is certain is that behind the curtain, people will be honest with themselves - and when they walk out of that booth and engage in exit polling, they don't have to be honest.

The Tears of a Candidate

2008-01-08T01:19:00.000-08:00

IN 1972, the campaign of Democratic candidate Edmund Muskie came to abrupt end when on a snowy day in New Hampshire when he emotionally tried to defend himself from personal attacks. He spoke amid a snowstorm and snowflakes were hitting his face during his emotional statement. To the untrained eye, it looked as if Muskie was crying. That was it for Muskie's presidential bid. How could America ever elect a President who cried or showed emotion?

Fast forward to 2008.

Once again, we are in New Hampshire and witnessing another emotional moment. Only this time, it's Hillary Clinton who appeared to be on the verge of tears when asked about how she was holding up during these grueling days of campaigning. Her answer and her emotional display has become the buzz in political circles and the lead story on all the news broadcasts.

But instead of it being the downfall of her campaign - a la Muskie - some are wondering if this is the turning point for her suddenly slipping Presidential bid. It's amazing to see how far we have come as a society that we are not only seriously looking at a woman as our next President, but we are also looking at emotion as a strength rather than a weakness.

However, in showing both our partisanship as well as our cynicism, there are many wondering aloud if the whole thing was a calculated move on the part of Hillary's camp. A last desperate attempt for votes and to appeal to the human side of New Hampshire voters.

I don't know and I don't care. However, I will say this: I want my candidates to show that they are just like me. That means sometimes showing their frailties, whether it be sadness or anger. I want to know that - in some way - perhaps my leaders feel the same things I feel when confronted by great tragedy or great joy.

I'm not saying I'm voting for Hillary Clinton based upon what I witnessed. I'm merely saying that I wish more of those running for office would drop the shield of the standard blue tie and the canned stump speeches and really tell it like it is. Really tell me how you feel instead of telling me what you want to hear.

Photo Courtesy: ABC News

Birthday Wishes & Christmas Greetings

2008-01-07T01:12:00.000-08:00

One of the cool things about having your own blog is that you can always send a "shout out" to anyone you want. Can't always do that on TV without coming across as self-serving and perhaps a bit pompous.

With that in mind, I want to wish my wife, Sharon, a Happy Birthday. Being a smart husband who wants to be welcomed back into his home at day's end, I'm not going to say how old she is. Let's just say she has lived a lot of life but still has plenty more ahead of her. I do want to let her know that while birthdays are often for looking back and reflecting on what we've accomplished and where we've been, they should also be about looking forward to what lies ahead. Remember honey, we can only affect the future.

She is also a Christmas baby. January 7th is Christmas in the orthodox church and my wife's is Serbian. She usually spends the holiday with her family in Vegas, but it's not always convenient or possible due to the holidays and out work schedules. So on behalf of both of us, we want to wish our "mama" and "tata" ( Sharon's mom and dad ) "Hristos se rodi" ( That's "Merry Christmas" in Serbian ).

The Curse Of Steely McBeam

2008-01-04T01:09:00.000-08:00

Hey, can you keep a secret? I don't want to get everybody too fired up, but there is a playoff game at Heinz Field between the Steelers and Jaguars. Just thought I would let you know.

I'm semi-serious about this. The NFL Playoffs are back at Heinz Field for the first time since 2004 ... and it's Pittsburgh's first postseason game since winning Super Bowl XL. However, you would not know it by the atmosphere surrounding the city this week.

Have you seen any of those "Go Steelers" signs that usually hang outside businesses and homes? I don't see "NFL Playoff" banners and I have not heard much in the way of Steelers talk on the radio. Sure, there is a pep rally today - but that is being organized by the city and county. What makes Steeler playoff runs so much fun is the grass roots rooting for the team - and I'm not seeing that this week.

Need more proof? Head over to eBay where tickets can be found en masse. I know more than a few folks who are season ticket holders and they have decided to sell their seats, assuring all of us slated to be at the game that it will be amateur hour.

Why the malaise? A combination of high expectations and a bad football team. Is it the knowledge that Jacksonville beat them already ... and even if they do win, the New England Patriots are waiting in the wings?

I know why Steeler Nation is not fired up for this game: Steely McBeam. The team's new mascot was the start of this downward spiral. Looking less like a fearsome symbol of Steeler might and more like a cartoonish caricature of Bill Cowher, the mascot has been ridiculed by fan and foe alike. They used to say during the glory days that there was one league for the Steelers and another for the rest of the NFL. With Steely McBeam and his foam beam strolling the sidelines, the Steelers have been brought down to the level of the rest of the league.

Of course, this could all be cured if the Steelers somehow win the game. Then again, expectations would be sky-high, only to be pummeled by the Patriots ... and let me be the first to go on the record and say the Steelers will not beat the New England Patriots if they somehow get past the Jaguars.

Finally ... Someone Actually Gets to Vote

2008-01-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

Never been to Iowa.

Rarely, if ever, have looked at a map of Iowa.

Usually don't figure the state of Iowa into my thinking.

However, today, Iowa will have the first say - and perhaps the most important - as to who I get to choose as my next President.

The Iowa caucuses are set to take place today. After months of what amounts to the political version of forelplay, there will be an actual vote this evening. It has been the focus of the longest - and most expensive -- Presidential campaign in U.S. history for months now. The dozen or so people running for the Presidency have poured their time and millions of dollars into this state with the hopes of winning - or coming in second - and using it as a springboard for success.

I understand the race for the White House has to begin somewhere, but why Iowa? Why in a state that hardly represents a cross-section of this country. Why should a small sample of middle America narrow my choice for Commander-in-Chief?

Would I vote for Ron Paul? Might I select Bill Richardson? Who knows? I'll never get the chance to consider these candidates because Iowa - and its fellow small state New Hampshire - will narrow the field before I ever get to vote.

There was a cartoon done by one of the great political satirists of our time - the late Herbert Block. "Herblock" - as he was known - penned a cartoon years ago which showed two men eating apples out of a bag while a group of people stood and watched with sad faces. The men chomping down on the apples represented Iowa and New Hampshire ... and the apples represented Presidential campaigns. That's kind of how I feel today. Someone is gobbling up the apples and leaving me the cores .. and there's something rotten to the core about that.

One more thing ...

You might know that I rarely criticize those who criticize us in the media. Getting ripped by the so-called "critics" is just part of the job. However, one recent criticism left me no choice but to respond.

Frances Monahan is the TV critic for the Pittsburgh City Paper. Her usual job is to take some of the stories the local stations do and poke holes through them like a pinata. That's fine with me. Local TV takes its lumps and that's just part of the game. But a recent entry left me a little bit disturbed. I share it with you:

... speaking of the defunct blogs and the blogs we wish were defunct, WTAE's web site ( the pittsburghchannel.com ), will stop publishing online blogs written by its "talent" pool, as this defeats the purpose of showcasing the "talent" in the first place.

To be fair, she did complement Bob Mayo's blog, which I agree is excellent and informative. However, for someone who works in journalism ( a business that relies on the first amendment ) to advocate the removal of another form of free speech is wrong. Look, I never said this blog was supposed to be a deep, insightful look at the pressing issues facing Pittsburgh. It's just me - a regular guy - expressing his feelings about the world around him.

Frances ( who I have never met ) get a grip: It's just a blog. A way for me to speak beyond the soundbites of TV news. Whether I have "talent" or not when it comes to writing is irrelevant. It's me being honest and judging by the world around us that truly takes talent. Censorship should never be an option -- especially when the call comes from a journalist.

A New New Year's Tradition?

2008-01-02T01:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

My January 1 tradition usually involves the couch, the remote and the refrigerator. For years, I would dedicate this day to watching the college football bowl bonanza - a football fan's dream come true. But this year, I never did get around to watching football. Something stole my attention.

Hockey.

That's right, hockey. I did not watch much of the Rose Bowl, none of the Michigan-Florida showdown in the Capital One Bowl and didn't bother staying up to watch the Sugar Bowl. My attention was stolen away watching the Winter Classic - the NHL's most-inspired idea. Imagine playing a hockey game outdoors and inside a football stadium. The Penguins and Sabres did just that one New Year's Day in Buffalo.

Now, I'm not going to break down the game - that's why we have sportscasters at channel 4 - rather I'm going to tell you why this idea wound up being the most creative thing I have seen in years and the reason why I attend to renew my love affair with hockey.

Just like the players on the ice, as a kid I would skate on a local pond and play a game of pick-up hockey with my friends. Sometimes it would snow, but that only added to the atmosphere. To watch the pros do the same thing - in a snowstorm at times - did more than remind me of my youth. It made me believe in the error of big money athletes and egos, that players really are kids at heart and put them in an environment like Tuesday in Buffalo, the kid will come out.

71,000 showed up to see the spectacle - and none of them left. They tailgated both before and after the game and they showed an entire nation - on TV - that hockey is more than a fringe sport. It has a loyal following that every now and then needs to be reminded why the game is so great.

I had lost my passion for hockey over the last few years. Maybe because the season is so long or perhaps the team wasn't very competitive until Sidney Crosby showed up. But after watching the Winter Wonderland on my screen, I want to pick up a stick and play again ... and I want one of those baby blue Pens jerseys.

Most of all, I want the NHL not to drop the ball on this one. They have captured the imagination of the country and reinvigorated hockey fans - both passionate and passive. They need to make this an annual event - a New Year's Day tradition. Just like the Thanksgiving Day NFL games, hockey outdoors on New Year's will be must see TV .. and take it to other cities. Let Minnesota host it one year, Chicago the next and perhaps even Pittsburgh.

The NHL has come up with a winning idea ... and maybe the first steps in making hockey a relevant sport in this country once again.

2007 .. The Stories I Remember

2007-12-31T03:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It's hard to believe another 365 days have come and gone ... and there have been many moments worth remembering. I thought I would share with you my view of 2007 from the point of view of the stories that I covered. Stories that stuck with me.

Steelers Like Mike .. and so did I

I usually do not brag, but I'm going to pound my chest one final time. I can since I was the "only" member to the Pittsburgh media (sports or otherwise) to predict Mike Tomlin would be the next Steelers head coach when the team narrowed its focus to four candidates. I did it right here on this blog ... and I felt hiring Tomlin was a no-brainer. He was Bill Cowher 15 years earlier. I knew he would be a good fit - and after meeting him and seeing him go 10-6 in his first season - I'm even more sure.

A Phone Bill Becomes a Blogosphere Hit
A simple write-up in the USA Today one summer morning turned it a story idea. A young Pittsburgh woman named Justine Ezarik received a 300-page iPhone bill -- and did a video blog about the waste of paper. I tracked her down and interviewed her. What started as a local interview became an Internet hit .. with my one-on-one discussion with her being viewed over 2 million times on YouTube alone. She has gone on to become an Internet star .. and my interview became the most viewed in the history of our website.

Behind the Scenes with the Candidates
I always wondered how candidates get ready for these televised debates. The question became the foundation for a story ... and thanks to the willingness of both camps, I was able to spend time behind-the-scenes with mayor Luke Ravenstahl and republican challenger Mark DeSantis. While I have been openly critical of the mayor at times, I was blown away by his pre-debate preparation which did not involve mock debates. He simply sat down and reviewed bullet points. In the end, his performance did enough to convince voters he should be mayor.

Changes at Channel 4
It's the story behind the scenes. When people you work with move on ... and other take their place. Of course, we will miss meteorologist Don Schwenneker. "Big Weather" will be a big hit in the Windy City. On the morning show, we said goodbye to executive producer Dana Brown - a young woman of fantastic talent who is well on her way to becoming a network producer. This fall, she left for our DC bureau. Her replacement, Jennifer Sloan, has not missed a beat. She brings the same kind of enthusiasm Dana did - but with a fresh perspective. It's why our morning newscast was #1 from the start of the year through to New Year's Eve.

Robin Roberts Battles Breast Cancer
We have never met face to face, but we spend almost every morning talking for at least a couple of minutes. Robin Roberts of "Good Morning America" - and her daily chats with Kelly and I - have become one of the popular parts of our program. That's why we were so stunned when she told us one morning she had breast cancer. However, the honestly and frankness she displayed during her diagnosis has served her well during her treatment. She is an inspiration to all of us and we pray for her - and the millions of women who bravely battle this deadly disease.

The Trouble with Turf

I knew it was bad while I was reporting live from Heinz Field before the Steelers-Dolphins game that Monday night. Feeling my feet sink into the newly-sodded turf at the stadium. The rain didn't help. What followed was a quagmire of indescribable proportions - and suddenly I was doing story on the turf at Heinz Field. Please - for the love of football - some install field turf next season and let's stop talking about turf.

The Pierogie Race

Look at the Pierogies in costume. Look familiar? I don't blame you if you could not guess the Fab Four was myself, Kelly, Demetrius and Melanie. We came up with the idea of putting on the costumes and taking part in the traditional race at PNC Park. The best part? No one knew we were under those costumes - a fact that hit home when someone heckled me for not winning the race and I could not say a word. By the way, we let Melanie win.

Have a Happy New Year .. and I will talk to you all next year.

Hey Brother, Can You Spare Bus Fare?

2007-12-28T01:02:00.000-08:00

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know I have few pet peeves. Aside from the glorification of no-talent young starlets who get into accidents and use drugs, I can pretty much deal with anything. However, last night on the streets of Pittsburgh I was reminded of the one thing that drives me crazy. And it happened not once, but twice.

I'm walking down the street Thursday afternoon when a guy tries to get my attention while I'm on my cell phone. I put it down for a second and he says, "Hey brother I need bus fare". I keep walking and get back on my cell phone. As I'm walking away, he starts shouting "you the guys on the news". After several shouts, I finally wave my acknowledgement and move on.

Fast forward to last night on the South Side. I'm shooting a segment for the 11pm news, when some guy who's not all that together yells at us "put me on the news". Then, he proceeds to come up and tell my photographer and me about a fight with his old lady and shows us what he says are stab wounds and not to worry about him. Then, of course, he asks for bus fare. I politely tell him no - twice. He leaves saying as he walks away, "Why aren't you helping a brother out?".

For the uninitiated, the term "brother" is a term meaning that he is black and I am black .. and because of that connection, I should help him out by giving him money for bus fare. Now, these may seem like isolated incidents but it happens to me almost every time I'm downtown. At least one "brother" will ask this "brother" for "bus fare" .. and usually it's a person who looks able enough to be working or at least be able to earn bus fare on their own.

Folks, I am a compassionate person and give money to those less fortunate through charitable contributions or volunteering my time. You can look at my bio and see my list of charities and causes. I have people who can vouch for me on this score as well. However, I am sick and tired of men coming up to me asking me for money, believing that because I am black ( and the "brother" reference makes that point ) somehow I should give them money because I am helping out my people. To use this line of logic is not only insulting but also unfair to the thousands who could use my help and any financial contribution I could make. I consider it a low-level "guilt trip" and I'm not interested in getting on board.

I wish there was a way those who accost me ( and that is the way I see it ) would read this blog and understand my frustration, but the truth is they do not have access to computers or the internet. If they did, perhaps they wouldn't be asking for bus fare .. especially from me.

Swin Cash: She's Money!

2007-12-27T04:00:00.001-08:00

It's a phrase that was popular during the 90's .. and I think it applies to a woman I met exactly ten years ago. A woman who was but a teenager at the time, but has become a woman of exceptional talent and success. A woman who has become a person an entire community can count on. A "money" performer.

Swin Cash is well known to many who play high school sports in this area. During the 90's, she was the best basketball player in the area and only Suzie McConnell-Serio matches her locally on the accomplishment scale. Swin has won a NCAA title, 2 WNBA crowns and one gold medal.

But it's off the court where she excels. She has become both a model and TV broadcaster. She has become active in the Boys and Girls Clubs. She wants to work with the likes of Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch to bring economic development to her depressed hometown of McKeesport .. and now she has started her own charitable concern: Cash for Kids.

The goal of the organization is simple: Funding other programs to keep kids off the streets. However, her organization is also setting the example as she gives back to something near and dear to her heart: Harrison Village.

The housing complex where she grew up and first started playing ball is in desperate need of repair. So she is funding the renovation of the basketball and softball areas as well as building a refreshment stand with restroom facilities. (Watch The Video Report Here)

Part of that fundraising effort will include a New Year's Eve party in West Mifflin. You can find more about that event at her web site, swincash.com.

On a personal note, I have gotten to know Swin over the years and from our first encounter - when I made her student-athlete of the week in 1998 - I have always thought she was bound for great things. Since then, she has met movers and shakers like Oprah Winfrey and Denzel Washington, but she has always been that little girl who never forgot where she grew up. Most of all, she has become what she did not have as a child ... an athletic role model. There were no female pro athletes when she was growing. Now there are.

Home for the Holidays

2007-12-26T04:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Sharon and I spent our holiday back home in Chicago at my parents' place. On Christmas eve, they hosted a dinner with included my mom's sisters as well as my brother-in-law and Sharon's cousin and boyfriend. Here are some the photos from the night:

Here's the Stockey family ( Andrew, Dad, Mom and Brian )

Sharon with her "sister on her mother's side", Maria

The Bey sisters ( Rae, Jean and my mom, Elzabeth )

It was special just to be home with so much family, but the moment that I will always remembered happened later that evening. My Dad showed all of us this DVD which had a film taken back in 1963. It was a two minute clip of my parents - at age 25!

They were just married and my father just got his CPA license ( an amazing a rare fee for a black man in 1963 ). They looked so young and so much in love. My mother was beautiful and my dad looked like a kid. They were in their kitchen preparing dinner and my dad grabbed my mom and started dancing - to what I have no idea since there was no volume. I could see on the TV behind then was President Kennedy speaking. While I have seen many photos of my parents as young people, I had never seen video of the two .. and it struck in a way that made me so happy and a bit tearful at the same time. Tears of joy I guess as my parents approach their 45th wedding anniversary this year.

May the magic of the holiday season touch you the way it touched me on Christmas eve.

Cutting the Cord

2007-12-21T04:03:00.000-08:00

It took 39 years .. but I finally cut the cord.

After Ashley DiParlo's "Plugged In" story about 2007 being the first year cell phone spending surpasses landline phone spending, I went ahead and got rid of my home phone. It wasn't easy. After all, since I was a child there was always a phone in my house and I always believed you needed to have a dedicated line in case of an emergency.

My cell ( and now only ) phone

But then, Sharon and I looked at our phone usage. First of all, I'm never home and she is

rarely there. Unless Boobaloo learns how to dial and has a group of fellow dogs he needs to

bark at over the phone, there is no one there to use it. Then, when we do check messages,

it's always some telemarketer or it's my parents ( for some reason, they just don't call me

on my cell phone despite my frequent requests ).

We both live in this mobile world and even when I'm at home, I'm on my cell phone. I just

like the convenience and people find it's easier to remember my cell number than my home

phone number. So today, I cut the cord ... and probably saved $60-$70 bucks. Now, I do

admit that I'm a little nervous. I mean what do I if someone is trying to reach me and my

phone is charging overnight? Perhaps it's channel 4 trying to get a hold of me in the event I oversleep. All I know is that it's time to take that daring leap ( some would call it daring ) and really join the 21st century.

I cut the cord a few times in my life. When I was born. When I left for college. Now, at 39,

one final cut.

Happy Holidays! I'll talk to you again after Christmas!

Career Implosion Made Easy

2007-12-20T04:02:00.000-08:00

A question: Don't you actually have to have a career before you can blow it up?

I ask this because of three recent incidents in the news which makes me wonder - and probably you as well -- what the heck were these women thinking.

Up first, Britney Spears' sister - Jamie Lynn Spears - who suddenly finds herself pregnant at age 16 from hr 18 year old boyfriend who she met at church .. and it was a surprise. Here's the biggest surprise for me: I did not know Britney even had a sister. Apparently, she plays some wholesome character on some kid's show .. although I have a feeling that job is out the window. What shocked me was all the media coverage of this - including people wondering what the impact will be on the kids of America? Here's what I think: The kids of America are smarter than to follow the lead of the sister of one of the biggest train wrecks in recent memory.

Then, there is Alycia Lane. I'm sure you don't know who she is .. but most of us in this news business do. She is an anchor at the CBS station in Philadelphia .. and she was recent;y arrested after an altercation with a New York cop which include her use of a derogatory term. After the incident, she placed a phone call to Governor Ed Rendell because they're friends and she needed somebody to talk to. Since then, she has been sent "on vacation" and her image removed from all station promotional campaigns. Here's the kicker: the woman makes $700K .. and this is not the first time engaged in questionable behavior.

Both these people were on their way to success when the self-sabotaged their careers by engaging in - at the least - questionable behavior and put themselves in messes of their own making. What really saddens me is that they will likely have careers beyond this moment of major misjudgement because that is just the celebrity-obsessed culture we live in. Meantime, a man who has done all the right things is being forced to end his career because of a questionable rule.

Ron Wabby is the long-time football coach at Brashear High School. In my dealings with him, I have always found him personable, kind and putting the kids he coaches first. However, after 30-plus years as a teacher, he has decided to retire. The kicker here is that he still wants to coach football but some rule in the Pittsburgh Public Schools forbids it because you must be a teacher to coach any sport at a city school.

I think in an age where good coaches are hard to find this rule is ridiculous, especially when you consider the coach in question has shown his credentials over three decades. In this case, it's red tape and questionable rules which are causing a good coach to call it a career .. and the biggest losers are the kids he once coached.

My First Murder .... Story That Is

2007-12-19T04:03:00.000-08:00

Not exactly the most relaxing of headlines, I know. Still, it's an experience that is worth sharing and thanks to the blogosphere, I can.

Monday after nine am, I was out on another story when my photographer Kathy Driscoll and I were sent to the Midtown Towers on Liberty Avenue. There we learned of a stabbing that had taken place at some point earlier in the morning. Upon arriving, we discovered the Medical Examiner's truck ( a.k.a. "The Meat Truck" ) came by to pick up the dead body. In the end, the man was stabbed by his cousin following some sort of dispute.

Let me not bore you with the case details. Instead, I want to share with you the feelings I had as I watched this entire thing unfold. This was the first murder story I had covered in person. while I never saw the body or the blood, I could sense the air of sadness. I did not know the man, but I could not help but be saddened by the knowledge that someone had been killed just 12 floors above me.

When the detective came out to address the media, it was somewhat depressing to hear him talk of this human life taken in such antiseptic terms: A middle-age black male found stabbed once in the chest and lying on the living room floor. The body found by the mother around 9am. The reference to the homicide being a "family incident". A dispassionate description of the final moments of a life extinguished before it's time.

I am not squeamish when it comes to the human body in death. I have done stories in morgues and have seen the recently deceased undergoing an autopsy. But I had never dealt with death by homicide ... and it can be quite traumatic. While we read about people being killed every morning on Channel 4 Action News, it never really hits home until you actually are there for the aftermath of one of these killings.

It's a shock to the system ... and then, the moment is over. As we left the crime scene, I noticed that the world went on. That people walked briskly from one place to another, conducting their daily business as usual. Unaware that 12 floors above them, a violent crime had taken some one's life. Such is the cycle of life .. and death is part of life. Even murder.

Majoring in Chemistry

2007-12-18T01:15:00.000-08:00

Confession time. The best grade I ever got in science in high school was a B. However, after a year and a half of doing this morning job, I guess I should have majored in science because according to viewers who take the time to stop me on the street, I'm getting straight A's in chemistry.

It's probably the nicest, and most common complement I receive from viewers and it happened again at a Christmas party over the weekend. The woman said, "I just love you and Kelly. You have such great chemistry". That sentiment was repeated at the gym the next morning as I was working out and the woman next to me said the same thing.

It's always nice to be complimented on your work, but you can tell people are seeing something more than just you on TV when they remark about the chemistry you have with your co-anchor. In our field, pairing anchor teams is a little like science: you toss two people together and see what happens. In my experience, one of three things is going to happen when you spend two hours together with someone every morning. Either you will become the best of friends, you work together professional and not passionately, or you end up wanting to kill one another.

Fortunately, in our case, we have become friends. I have learned more about outdoor gardening and home remolding than ever and Kelly at least appreciates the subtleties of hitting out of a sand trap. We laugh and joke, we complain and compliment, we share handshakes as well as hugs.

I think the key to chemistry in this business is the willingness to put aside your ego for the success of the team. I always try to play the straight guy and tend to follow Kelly's lead. She is a seasoned journalist and I'm new at this. At the same time, she allows me to be more relaxed and light-hearted, which makes for a much more upbeat program. It's the team concept that let's us succeed as individuals.

I always hope that no matter where I go or who I'm paired up with, I will always have some sort of chemistry with my co-anchor. I just wish I had figured out this chemistry thing back in high school, Then again, maybe I would be doing something else for a living if I had.

Fair-Weather Nation

2007-12-17T04:02:00.000-08:00

They bailed just after halftime at Heinz Field, giving up on any hope of victory once they trailed by 15 points. Afterwards they did nothing but make excuses - poor excuses - for a losing effort.

I'm not talking about the Steelers. I'm talking about a rather large group of their fans.

After covering the team for over a decade, I think I am more than qualified to talk about Steeler fans .. and how embarrassed I was by some of them on Sunday. Pittsburgh trailed Jacksonville by 15 points with more than 15 minutes to play on Sunday, but shortly after that go-ahead score there was a steady stream of Steeler fans who made their way to the exits. I found that smelling of fair-weather football fandom. Folks, remember these Steelers also trailed Cleveland by 15 points this season .... and came back to win. I know it was cold and I know it was windy (believe me, I've been to enough games and froze my butt off over the years), but still you have to wonder what some people are thinking.

I'm not sure what has happened, but there is now a seismic shift in the way Steelers fans support their team ... a manner that has changed since I started covering the team back in 1995. I'm not sure if it's because when they moved to Heinz Field and fans started congregating during games on the South End Zone plaza, moving them closer to the exits. It also moved many out of their bright yellow seats, giving Heinz Field that semi-empty look all game long. I guess since we have gone from Steel town to white-collar city, we should expect a change in attitude and fanaticism.

Maybe it's that desire on the part of some fans to have to be the first ones out, no matter the score, so they can beat parkway traffic and get home early ... early enough to see the conclusion of the game at home. I know when I was a sportscaster, a group of media guys would have a pool picking the time in the game when the first fan would leave. Each year, that time has become earlier and earlier.

Even worse, some of the "knowledgeable" football fans of Pittsburgh show just how much they don't know when they call into these post-game shows. I was watching one of these shows (on another network) and watched the host's pained expression as someone called in to insist Ben Roethlisberger should have been benched in favor of Charlie Batch because Ben missed two days of practice during the week ... and Ben had thrown three touchdown passes in helping the Steelers tie the game.

I'm not indicting all fans. Most are passionate about their team and, given the amount of money they spend on tickets, tend to stick it out for all four quarters regardless of the weather to support the Steelers. It's the other fans who show up late, leave early and then complain that this team -- which just won the Super Bowl two years ago -- doesn't do anything.

We demand a lot of our football team -- and rightly so. I just think the team should expect the same level of commitment from all its fans.

One Cool Relationship

2007-12-14T03:57:00.000-08:00

It's one of the cooler parties of the holiday season and one I never miss. WDVE pre-tapes it's morning show at Diesel nightclub on the South Side. They have been doing it for years and it's featured guests from the entire year as well as skits incorporating some holiday humor. Below is a shot of sports guy Mike Prisuta reciting a Steeler version of the "12 Days of Christmas".

WDVE and WTAE have a very cool relationship. I wouldn't say it's a formal partnership, but rather a good friendship. The morning team of Jim Krenn, Randy Baumann, Mike Prisuta and Val Porter have always invited WTAE folks to appear on their top-rated morning show ... and we have in large numbers. Jannelle Hall, Sally Wiggin, Jon Burton and myself always call-in or serve as fill-in anchors during the year.

WDVE Morning Team: Val Porter, Randy Baumann, Mike Prisuta & Jim Krenn

Aside from the great promotion ( for some reason every time I'm on WDVE, I get more feedback from people than when I do two hours of morning TV ), it's a chance to let our hair down and have some fun in a non-scripted, fly-by-the-seat-of-your pants format. Thanks to our friends at DVE for letting us be part of the party once again.

Hey, I wanted to point this out to everyone since I like to think this blog is not just mine, but ours. The City Paper featured this blog in their "Yinz Keep Blogging" section of this week's paper. No praise or criticism, just an entry from this blog and a heads-up to readers that this might be worth checking out. I'm sorry I didn't write something more exciting that day, but I appreciate the nod.

I also wanted to say "thanks" to everyone who took a few moments to write back and tell me how much they were moved by the story in Thursday's blog. There were more than a few people who told me the tale of growing older with parents moved them to tears. All that I hope is that it will make us think twice about our parents as they age ... and our responsibility to them.

Have a great weekend .. and good luck getting our holiday shopping done!

A Tale Worth Telling

2007-12-13T04:07:00.000-08:00

You probably get one of these in your e-mail a week like I do. You know what I am talking about. Those long format stories sent via chain letter with some sort of tale with a moral at the end. Then, the sender asks you to pass it on to ten friends. I usually delete them before I read them because most tend to get a bit preachy, but the one I received below from a friend in Beaver County struck a chord with me. Take a look:

A frail man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and 4 year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together every night at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the
glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl!

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making.

Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Interesting read. I don't need to tell you the moral of the story. I think it's pretty obvious. Something to think about as you head into the holidays to spend time with your family.

Engage Brain Before Putting Mouth In Gear

2007-12-12T01:04:00.000-08:00

It's one of my father's favorite saying. Though he did not invent it, the adage has stuck with me over the years. Engage brain before putting mouth in gear. Always think before you speak. In my current job, never has it been more important. When you spend two hours on live TV with a semi-scripted show, there is always tome to ad-lib and if you aren't careful, saying the wrong thing can land you on the unemployment line. It's like walking the high wire without a net.

The reason I'm telling you all this is because of what happened yesterday. Kennywood was sold to a Spanish amusement park firm. The sale is of significance because Kennywood is a local icon and anytime management changes, there is a fear of the unknown. Kennywood spokesperson Mary Lou Rosemeyer talked about the sale and, among her comments regarding possible changes. Mary Lou said, "The park's going to continue to be what it is, what we all love. We don't expect to see any changes. We don't think it's going to become a giant taco stand."

Mary Lou Rosemeyer, Kennywood Spokesperson

Well, you can just imagine in this age of instant feedback the amount of negative e-mails she received and the number we got right here at Channel 4. Later in the day, Mary Lou apologized for her ill-conceived comments. You can find her apology and a story the sale of Kennywood on the front page of our website.

I'm not here to vouch for her character nor criticize her for her comment. It's a shame one poorly chosen phrase would take the attention away from a very critical moment for one of western Pennsylvania's most important institutions. What I do want to say is that this is a local example of what cam happened when we don't watch what we say. On a larger scale, just ask Don Imus who lost his job over a less than well thought out comment.

The world has changed. No longer can you "joke" about things and expect no one to take notice. Just Monday night during a live broadcast of the Falcons game. Atlanta owner Arthur Blank nearly found himself in an "Imus" situation when he remarked about the possibility of Michael Vick returning to the NFL after serving his prison sentence for dogfighting. Blank said of Vick's conditioning that if he is not careful and winds up "eating fried chicken and fries" in prison, he could gain weight. There was a immediate firestorm insinuating that Blank had said "fried chicken" because Vick was black.

Look, I'm black and I like fried chicken and if someone told me eating too much would make me fat, I would not consider it a racial comment so let's get past that right now. Still, the point is such casual remarks in our multi-cultural society powered by instant communication can get one into deep trouble.

Rule of thumb for everyone: If you are not sure what you are about to say will offend someone or not, don't say it. Remember: Engage brain before putting mouth in gear. Words I live by every single morning. Words we should all live by, no matter what we do.

A Blog Break

2007-12-11T04:32:00.001-08:00

Sorry, everybody.

I have a busy day ahead with the North Shore Casino groundbreaking and various other duties - which include making dinner tonight - so I'm going to take a break from blogging today. Sometimes I find it hard to sit and think of things to talk about when I have so much on my mind. With your indulgence, I'm going to take the day off -- and try to blog again tomorrow.

Make it a good day and try to avoid the rain.

Cool Weekend

2007-12-10T01:05:00.000-08:00

Unlike Steelers safety Anthony Smith, I never guarantee anything .. and that includes the weekend. I never know whether it's going to be fun or a complete bore. This one wound up being pretty cool.

Friday, I had the honor of serving as emcee for the annual Ronald H Brown Leadership Gala at the Westin Convention which is presented by the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. While it's a chance to celebrate those working towards racial equality in Pittsburgh, it's also a chance for "Black" Pittsburgh to come together and share stories and renew acquaintances. There is a strong black community here and it's rare we all get to celebrate our heritage and success.

A photo at the Ronald Brown dinner. On the left is, of course, Sharon and on the right is my cousin Tracey. Bet you didn't know I had family in Pittsburgh?

One of the best things about being able to be a part of this is that I'm seen in a very different light by fellow African-Americans. As a news anchor, I'm viewed by many as a contemporary of theirs .. and that is exciting. But along with the praise comes to challenge of being more than just a face, rather it's about trying to do something to further the goals and progress made by those who have come before me.

Of course, the whole weekend wasn't pomp and circumstance. Sunday, my buddy Jim invited me to the Ray Mansfield Steelers Smoker on the south side. It's an annual fund-raiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs and a tribute to the late Steeler center known as "The Ranger". Steelers legend Andy Russell hosts the party - which essentially is a cigar party and auction during the Steelers-Patriots game.

I'm not a smoker, but I do like the occasional cigar and I actually smoked two last night. After sucking those down, I now know why I don't smoke. Boy, did I have a headache and a bit of a cigar buzz. Still, it was nice to have a night out hanging with the "guys" and watching football. As for the game, all I will say is that I'm not surprised the Steelers got stomped - and I think way too much was made out of that "guarantee" by Smith. I may not know a lot of things life, but I do know that no team was every motivated by something someone said in the locker room. If you need that to get psyched up for a game, that maybe you should find other employment.

The Topic Nobody is Talking About

2007-12-07T04:07:00.000-08:00

I think I had mentioned before I am taking a year-long class called "Leadership Pittsburgh". For 25 years, the program has helped to expose the next generation of leaders to the problems confronting western Pennsylvania. My class of 57 business professionals meets once a month to gain a better understanding of the issues around our state.

Thursday, we met at Point Park University to discuss perhaps the most critical issue of our time. The issue facing our region and our country which, if not solved, could turn this nation into a second-rate power. It's a ticking time bomb set to go off in the coming years .. and I have not heard the word uttered by a single candidate in the Presidential race.

Education

Our class heard from the superintendent of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, visited a local charter school and received some sobering statistics from the director of Pitt's Education Improvement Initiative. The bottom line? No matter how well your school district maybe doing, our region as a whole - and our nation as well - is falling behind.

As a country, we are being surpassed in academic standards and achievements by China, Japan and India. Consider this: 2.5 million students in China are studying English. 25,000 American students are learning Chinese. Who do you think is getting ready for the future? Locally, school funding in the state of Pennsylvania is among the lowest in the country. While we do have school districts that are thriving, we have way too many students who aren't making the cut at their own grade level - and it's even worse for minorities.

I came away from my day of education about education feeling frustrated, scared and overwhelmed. But I also came away believing that education may be the single most important issue facing our nation. Why? Because it involves the future of our country and it's one area where you can clearly see we're in trouble .. and we knew this was coming. As a 1983 report entitled "A Nation at Risk" stated, there is no threat from foreign lands that's more dangerous than the failure of our public schools to prepare our students for a future that demands they have the skills to deal with the ever-changing global landscape.

We can protect our most valuable resource -- our children -- but we need to make that a priority and we need to do it right now.

Have a great weekend.

Three Questions for the Morning Guy

2007-12-06T03:59:00.000-08:00

Now I know what Tom Brady must feel like. Not that I have a Super Bowl ring at home nor am I dating a super model and I left the New England area for good 16 years ago.

No I understand what Brady must feel like in the New England locker room when the media comes by each day and asks Tom the same question. Why it may be asked in different ways, he was still asked essentially the same question: Do you think the Patriots can go undefeated?

There are no stupid questions, but there are questions that can become annoying and just like Tom Brady, I get them on a daily basis. The good news is people care enough to ask. The bad news is that I'm so tired of answering the same question, I thought I would post the answers here on my blog and refer people to the site ... so here are the top three annoying questions for the morning guy:

1. What time do you get up?

No matter how many times I get the question, I can always predict the reaction from the person asking when I tell them. It's a mixture of pain and sympathy and a facial expression like they have been shot in the gut. You will do and feel the same when I give you the answer: 2am.

2. Must be nice going home at 7am every day

OK, folks ... let's get one thing straight. While I do anchor the morning news from 5-7am, my day does not end when I say goodbye to everyone before Good Morning America. I do local cut-ins during "GMA" and then, both Kelly and I go out and shoot stories to run during our later newscasts. While I maybe an "anchor", it's the reporting portion of my job which I take the most pride in.

3. Do you miss "sports"?

This is probably the question that got me started on this entire blog. I know this region is resistant to change and I may always be seen as "sports guy". Maybe it's a complement that after being ranked as the second-worst TV sports reporter in Pittsburgh according to a Post-Gazette reader's poll in 1996, this many people liked me as a sports anchor when I moved to news last summer.

Not a day goes by when someone doesn't say "we miss you on sports" or "you always seemed like a sports guy". After much thought, I know realize that while I will always be a fan I do not miss being a "sports guy". I love what I do now and after years of covering sports, I have discovered a whole new world where winners and losers are not so easily defined. A world where a story doesn't take place in a 3-hour block in a single location. A world where "life or death" really does mean life or death.

Sorry for venting .. and actually I'm not upset. I just wanted to answer some questions once and for all. Feel free, though, to ask me anything else. Remember, there are no dumb questions. Just some annoying ones.

It's Money that Matters

2007-12-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

This morning, there were two different headline stories about money: The way it's spent and the impact it makes. Both struck me, but for very different reasons.

The Pittsburgh Public Schools will be able to keep a "Promise" to its high school students - thanks to UPMC. The organization is set to donate upwards of $100M towards college scholarships to students who complete their primary education. It's a generous donation and, in a discussion with my executive producer Jennifer Sloan, demonstrates something that has become unique to Pittsburgh.

While many areas of the country made donate more money, few donate is such large numbers of people than western Pennsylvania. Jennifer called it a "sense of ownership" and I echo that feeling. In doing so many charitable events over the course of a year, I find that people give - and give often. People who cannot afford to give lots of money do. That's because they are from here and have a vested interest in seeing this area succeed.

That was the cash flow. The negative may have taken place late last night with the adoption by county council of the drink tax. In case you missed it, there will now be a 10% tax added onto the cost of all alcoholic drinks served as Allegheny County restaurants and bars starting on January 2nd. While the money is earmarked to help the financially-troubled Port Authority, the impact of the tax could slow down perhaps the biggest area of growth in our city.

Trust me: After going to local restaurants each week for "Check It Out", I have seen the boom in the beverage industry. My fear is this tax will cause people to either drink less or go outside the county to imbibe. While we need public transportation, should we keep one enterprise going at the risk of slowing down another? Whatever they choose, it's likely to slow down this booming part of our rejuvenated economy.

Money. As you can see it can do a whole lot of good .. or can cause a whole lot of pain .. depending on how it's spent or how it's collected.

I the Jury

2007-12-04T04:09:00.000-08:00

Jury duty.

Two words that create a thousand thoughts .. some positive but most are negative. For many, it means changing your life for a week or whatever. For others, it's seen as a major inconvenience. But for all of us, it's the single most important role we will play in our society - next to voting.

I bring this up because I'm serving jury duty this week in Washington county .. and it's not the first time I have done it. A little more than three years ago, I served on a jury in a child abuse case. I thought because I was in the media, I would not have to serve ( Historically, most reporters are dismissed from juries because they may know more about the case of have some previous knowledge of the issues involved ). However, the prosecuting attorney told me afterwards that I was the perfect juror for her case because it involved children and that my work with young people over the years would make me sympathetic to her case. Sounds reasoning.

We found that persona guilty in that case - and I learned something rather revealing about our legal system: It's difficult to determine guilt or innocence with incomplete information. Still ,juries must do this everyday: decide a case based on the facts presented and without bias.

This week - I'm on call in Washington county .. and my first day was anything but legal drama. I sat in a room with 50 other prospective jurors waiting for my name to be called - and it was not. It was six hours of sitting around, taking me away from my job and the things I needed to do. However, I understand why I'm asked to do this and, if called to serve on an actual jury this week, I will do my best. The day, however, wasn't a total loss. I met a number of channel 4 viewers and I was asked to speak at a men's club in Peters Township.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you happen to get that letter in the mail to serve, don't look at it as a hassle. Look at it as a chance to do something to make your community better and a chance to make an impact. Just be prepared: While you will see the wheels of justice in motion, those wheelers often move very slowly.

Speed Blogging the Weekend

2007-12-03T03:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! I have to be out of here after the 7:30am newscast, so I'm going to try something new. I call it "speed blogging". I'm going to blog about this past weekend as quickly as I can .. which means I won't have time for any pics. I don't know if this will catch on, but here goes:

Saturday, 11:00am - Wilkinsburg Holiday Parade. I was asked to be the emcee as well as ride in the front car ( a red Mercedes ) as Wilkinsburg celebrates its on-going revitalization. WTAE is located in Wilkinsburg and it presented us an opportunity to be part of the community. I want to thank not only the mayor, but also the residents of Wilkinsburg who came out to capture the holiday spirit!

Saturday, 6:30pm - "Unwrapped"! The event benefited the Union Project - an organization which rehabbed a church in Highland Park and turned it into a coffee house and community center. I was asked to emcee the night filled with live performances by Pittsburgh's Creative and Performing Arts High School ....

Sunday, 9am - Awoke to the news that Pitt had upset WVU - and the realization that my be4st friend had spent more than $2000 on flights and hotels for the national championship in New Orleans - and his Mountaineers are headed to Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl.

Sunday, 12pm - Athletes Taking Action Fashion Show, Valley Brook Country Club. A group started by some caring parents and 12 kids -- now has become a mentoring program for 300 student-athletes at Upper St Clair high school. It's all designed to give these kids the tools to make the right decisions in their lives. I was asked to emcee the fashion show.

Sunday, 4pm - Shopping with Sharon. We have a black tie event next weekend - and Sharon decided she needed a dress. For the first time in ages, I spent a few hours with her as she shopped for just the right dress. Much to my surprise, I actually enjoyed the experience of watching her try on outfits. Then, I had the pleasure of actually paying for the outfit.

Sunday, 7pm - I was pooped and just went to bed. I figured the Steelers would be OK without me. They were, winning 24-10.

That's it. Now I have to go .. to jury duty. That's right, jury duty. I'll blog about that tomorrow.

Check It Out: Lawrenceville

2007-11-30T04:33:00.000-08:00

Before I blog about a cool way to spend your weekend, let me say this: Thank You! We just got the ratings for the month of November ( sweeps month ) and once again, our morning show won. We not only won the 5am and 6am hours, we had bigger audiences than we had a year ago. While the whole morning show crew is proud of its' efforts, we know it would be impossible with you tuning in every morning.

While we love our jobs and like being part of your mornings, we alos want to be number one. We love the competition and we want to be able to keep saying we are "Pittsburgh's #1 morning newscast". There is a little more animated celebration on Melanie Taylor's blog right now.

photo courtesy: Lawrenceville Corporation

Back to main topic of today's blog. There's a wonderful event going on this weekend that is guarnteed to raise some eyebrows and open some eyes. Lawrenceville's renaissance is showcased in this weekend's "Joy of Cookies" tour. The premise is simple: Over 30 businesses,s hops, bars and restaurants in Lawrenceville are opening their doors .. and to get you to walk through them, they are offering cookies made by various chefs around town.
The cookies are just the vehicle. The real attraction is the new Lawrenceville. The boutiques, the shops, the mix of eclectic business and the booming number of restaurants. Lawrenceville is undergoing a major change that has it poised to be the next "hot" neighborhood in Pittsburgh.

Don't take my word for it. Kate Trimble is the executive director of Lawrenceville Corporation. The organization promotes the positives of the community - and she says right now there are more positives than she can describe. There is new, hip housing being built that starts in the $300K range as well as enough parking to handle the flow of folks along Butler street. Best of all, Butler street is becoming a one-stop shop for various forms of shopping .. and you can walk your way to the myriad of stores.

No wonder the New York Times singled out the neighborhood. Looking for a place to play this weekend? Take a look at Lawrenceville.

One last thing: How about this week is the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video? Am I the only one who feels old? I remember how I sat in front on my TV, like millions of Americans, to watch the debut. Now, 25 years have passed .. and the only thing that hasn't changed is how strange and goofy Michael Jackson.

Someone New on the Morning Crew

2007-11-29T01:00:00.001-08:00

The only constant is change. That should the mantra for my business. I just walked in this morning and learned that Gus Rosendale is leaving us. Returning to his previous market in upstate New York/Vermont to become the new main anchor at his old station. Gus, we'll miss you. You are one sharp dresser and an even better reporter.

Our morning show has also undergone some change. This fall, our executive producer in the mornings moved to Washington D.C. Dana Brown was more than just a talented producer, she was a good friend. We miss her and we still stay in touch. She's off to do bigger and better things and soon, one day, achieve her dream of becoming a network TV news producer.

In the meantime, we have finally found Dana's replacement. Meet Jennifer Sloan, our new executive producer.

She prefers to be in the background, but I thought I would give her some time in the spotlight so you could get to know her better. Jennifer comes to us from Houston. There, she produced the top-rated 11pm newscast. Before hitting Texas, Jennifer was in Tennessee and, before that, Toronto. Before she accepted the job here, Jennifer tells me she spent time watching our shows. She even took the time to read my blog!

On Thanksgiving Day, she began working the overnight shift with producer Nick Matoney. That might be the most difficult part of her job: just getting used to the hours. Everything else has been a smooth in her transition. She's jumped right into the culture of the morning show and that includes drinking my coffee out of the pot with the missing spout. Most of all, she comes to us with a fresh set of eyes, an open mind and new ideas. It's that new perspective that makes a good product even better.

So if you see Jennifer walking around Pittsburgh getting acquainted with her new town, please say "hello" .. or even better, buy her a Primanti's sandwich so she can get the full Pittsburgh experience.

Dancing with the Stars

2007-11-28T04:01:00.000-08:00

This probably is not cool given my employer but I am not a regular viewer of ABC's smash-hit "Dancing with the Stars." My reasons? Well, considering I get up at 2am, I'm not awake to see the show. Also, given my schedule, I never commit myself to watching a show week after week.

That being said, I have become somewhat of a fan of the program because we do show highlights every week during the morning news - and I have become fond of some of the participants and cannot stand others.

I was happy to see Emmitt Smith win - but I could not understand for the life of me why Marie Osmond finished in the top three. Plus, I don't know what the judges are looking at sometimes when they make these decisions. But there is one observation I have made which make it easy for me to make this prediction: a male celebrity WILL win next season. Why? Well, consider Helio Castroneves won - and before that it was Emmitt Smith and Apolo Ohno. Coincidence? I think not.

Here's why the men will always win.

When you watch a couple dance (whether you are a man or a woman), who are you really focusing on? Be honest now. Of course it's the woman. We also watch the woman because she is usually the more glamorous and graceful of the pair. She is always the more elaborate costume and makes the more dramatic dance steps.

All the man has to do is not get in her way. With that being the premise, the female celebrities really have no chance because they are being compared to the other female dancers - and those women are professional. Do you really think Mel B. had a prayer against Julianne Graham? So eliminate the ladies and just focus on the men ... and as long as the men follow the example of Helio - playing the straight man next to the more dazzling lady - they will win.

Mystery solved. Bet on the guys next season.

The Sad Sod Story

2007-11-27T00:44:00.000-08:00

I was wrong.

While doing a live report on the pre-game show on WTAE, I said it was going to be a quagmire on Monday Night Football.

It was worse.

If you saw it, you know how bad the re-sodded stadium turf looked and played as the Steelers and Dolphins slogged to a 3-0 Pittsburgh win in the pouring rain. Now, before you write this off as a sports blog by a former sports guy, let me make my case.

There are more important things in the world than the turf at Heinz Field - like global warming - and I could think of a better use for $100K than re-sodding a football field. That being said, what happened last night was a national embarrassment.

Monday Night Football - for better or worse - is one of the best marketing tools for a city. The whole world is literally watching and this is a chance for people who never come to Pittsburgh to see the city in all it's glory. This is why all the downtown building keep the lights on all night.

However, the post-game comments from the national media made one of Pittsburgh's prized resources - Heinz Field - the butt of a national joke. Writers and commentators nationwide this morning are questioning whether the game should even have been played given the atrocious field conditions. NFL experts saying this was by far the worst field conditions for a game since the 1940's .. and these are some of the nicer comments.

What troubles me most is that in every national story, there is a mention of the WPIAL championships being played two days before as if that was part of the problem and partly the reason the turf was so terrible. I sincerely hope the high schoolers do not get hung out to dry for what happened on Monday night and can still play their championships on the North Shore.

What I hope we did witness was a watershed moment. An awakening for the Steelers organization that it's now time to move towards Field Turf, a widely used grass substitute which virtually every high school uses. It's safer, more durable, it lasts longer and drains better. I know the Rooneys would love to have grass on their home field but what took place last night made it abundantly clear this cannot work.

The Steelers had the best of intentions. Now, it's time to use the best of common sense.

Done Shopping Yet?

2007-11-26T03:59:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great holidays weekend. Hopefully your dinners went off without a hitch and you were able to work off all those extra calories by shopping. Yes -- shopping!

What began as a attempt by retailers to get us to spend more money earlier has become a full-blown national holiday. Think about it. We are actually programmed to spend more money than we have on things we really don't need and be used to accumulating more debt than we can handle. Sure, there are "sales" and "deals", but how many of you actually wound up spending more than you planned?

Of course, the more we spend the better for the economy and that benefits all of us, but I cannot handle this "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" stuff. While Sharon did not go shopping this weekend, I actually attempted to go to the mall to buy something for the holidays on Sunday. Big mistake. I want a new cell phone - the Verizon Voyager ( see the photo below ) - which is also known as the "iPhone killer" because it has everything the iPhone has at 2/3 of the price. So I went to the mall and went to buy one - and they were sold out and weren't going to have any in until the 15th.

That was enough for me. Between the lines, the parking lot mess and the lack of stock, I'm not going to the mall. Then again, I'm not much for on-line shopping because I like to actually hold the object in my hands before I buy it. I know I'm strange but I have my hang-ups.

I'm trying not a be a "Scrooge" here, but holiday shopping has become more hassle than it's worth in my eyes - and there is probably no chance things are going to let up as we approach the end of the year. Therefore, I've decided ( and feel free to share this with anyone getting a gift from me this year ) I'm going to buy gift cards and be done with it.

Still - for you brave souls willing to go into the shopping wilderness, have fun and shop until you drop.

Giving Thanks

2007-11-20T04:19:00.000-08:00

It's a custom in the news biz to ask people what they are thankful for the day before Thanksgiving. For years, I have also compiled my list of things that I am thankful for - and with a few changes here and there - they have stayed pretty much the same.

I am thankful for family, friends and good health. I am grateful for employment and resources to enjoy my life. I am happy that - in some small way - my life allows me to give back to my community with both time and dollars.

However, there is something new that I am grateful for .. and a few years ago would never have considered a key part of my life .. and that is you. You - the people who both read my blog and send me responses. For years, I never knew what my audience was like and what they were thinking on any given day. Now I do.

Instantly, I can tell if you like something you see on Channel 4 and if something doesn't please you. I can get your feelings on the topics we cover as well as the ones we don't. Through my blog, I am able to share my life with you and you are able to share your adventures with me.

Most of all, I have gotten closer to the people who watch our station -- making it truly a two-way relationship. Some of those people I have actually come to know by name through their responses to my blog. I do not know their faces, but I feel as close to them as some people I see face-to-face on a daily basis.

While I do not want to slight anyone, I do want to say "Happy Thanksgiving" to those who respond to my blogs on a regular basis. Some of you make it part of your morning route before starting the work day while some of you read at home after getting the family out the door. To all of you, thank you for giving me another reason to give "Thanks" on this holiday.

Finally, thanks to the folks here at WTAE and thepittsburghchannel.com. From web editor Chris Twomey's invitation to start blogging to news director Bob Longo's on-going support of this venture, thanks for giving me another outlet to get to know our viewers.

And to all of you, have a "Happy Thanksgiving".

P.S. - You might have noticed that we went pink this morning. Here's the inside scoop. Demetrius, Melanie and I decided to wear pink -- just for fun. Knowing Kelly, we figured we wouldn't tell her but somehow she would wear pink anyway. Well, you see the result. Kelly was kind of freaked out by all this. I guess we all just know each other very well. Maybe too well ..

Andrew will take a holiday break from blogging but will be on the air Thursday and Friday. He will return with more blogging fun on Monday morning. Until then, have a great holiday weekend.

Some Things Just Have to Be Said

2007-11-20T00:54:00.000-08:00

I have been pretty happy-go-lucky in my recent posts. I was about to do so again when my Mandy, my friend and blog reader, reminded me that sometimes my blog needs to be about more than baby names and birthday greetings. With that in mind, some stories that bear further comment:

Local Man Charged with Assaulting and Killing 10-month-old
If you are a regular viewer of Channel 4 Action News, then there is no need for me to go into the details of this heinous crime. Suffice it to say, when I received the initial news of this during a morning broadcast last week, it was unsettling to say the least. It was the worse nightmare for any adult - whether you have a child or not.

Let me say this. My job is not to sit as judge and jury, but if this man is guilty of this horrific crime, there is no punishment strong enough for him. This is a crime that goes beyond description and beyond reason. Why would one human being even consider doing that - especially to one so young and so innocent. This world - for the most part - is filled with good people but tales like this make you question just where humanity is headed.

Charlie Batch gets state grant to build on old Homestead Bakery Site
While we all celebrate the on-field exploits of the Steelers, there is one member of the black and gold who deserves much more adulation - for something he accomplished without taking the field. Since returning to Pittsburgh from his days in Detroit, Charlie Batch has been giving both his time and his dollars to revitalize his dying hometown - Homestead.

Now, the Steelers back-up quarterback is about to play a starting role in bringing new life to dormant community. Batch received $480K in state money to begin construction of a residential and commercial development inside the old Homestead Bakery. It will create jobs, housing and new life for an area which has been down for years. As for as I'm concerned, that effort should garner Batch the team MVP award.

"Why Give Thanks When You Can Shop?"
Those are not my words. That's from USA Today website. Their cover story is about how post-Thanksgiving day shopping is now taking place on Thanksgiving! Whether is stores with expanded hours or on-line, Americans are shopping even before they sit down to enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner.

Now I'm not one to bash someone looking to save money in these difficult economic times. Who isn't? But let's get a grip people. If I'm not mistaken, don't you actually save more money later in the holiday season because retailers are trying to reach sales goals and will do anything for a deal.

Let's allow Thanksgiving to be a day to give thanks .. and not a day to shop for bargains. I really think this holiday shopping thing has gotten out of hand. Are we really that determined to be generous and save money at the same time - or are we just conditioned to spend this time of year because we are supposed to.

There. Just had to get a few things off my chest. Thanks for reading.

The Baby Name Game

2007-11-19T01:08:00.000-08:00

Two of my dearest friends, Mike and Kerri Evans, are having a baby. It will be their first and they could not be happier. I had a chance to talk to them about their first offspring while sitting around with them - and Mike's mom - Saturday as Ohio State slammed Michigan.

While we were watching and talking - the subject turned from having the baby to naming the baby. As I quickly discovered, that may prove more difficult and trying than the actual delivery. Mike and Kerri say they have received suggestions from friends, close family and perfect strangers - and everyone has an opinion.

There are those who want to name the child ( for which Mike and Kerri do not want to know the gender of ) after a family member like an aunt or uncle. Others want to name the kid something trendy ( anybody remember the Seinfield episode where George Constanza wanted to name his friends' kid "Seven" and then "Soda" ). Still others wanted something a bit more modern like "Olivia" or "Tyler".

After about 20 minutes of hearing all the suggestions and the resulting controversy, I might just pass on the whole kid thing and stick with a dog. At least no family members were offended when we settled on "Boobaloo". Now, I'm just kidding but it really seems like naming your child is the biggest decision you are likely to make next to who you want to marry and where you buy your first home.

After giving this some thought, I think I have a few guidelines for naming your baby:

1. Please avoid the "hot"name this year. Remember some of the names of kids in the 1970's? Enough said.

2. Remember the child has to live with whatever name you give him/her. So please take the time to envision what it will be like when that child is called upon in fifth-grade Algebra in the year 2019 - and if you aren't laughing, then go with the name.

3. Don't try to be hip. "Suri" may be great right now for Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, but when "Suri" confronts this pair when she becomes a college senior and asks "What were you thinking?" it's not going to pretty.

4. Finally, Mike and Kerri, I have been told that "Andrew" is a great name for a boy. Timeless.

Let's Eat

2007-11-16T04:03:00.000-08:00

Friday night - and once again, I'm trying to get through the final few hours of my work day. It's always hard on a day like this because I worked late last night and I'm plodding away on about four hours sleep. The good news? When this day is done, I can head home for a quick nap and Friday night fun.

More and more, that night on the town starts at a restaurant. Pittsburgh's culinary reputation on the world stage has been pretty much limited to perogies and Primanti's -- but no longer. During my Thursday night "Check It Out" segments, I have had the chance to sample the ever-growing culture of culinary delights around town. Now, you can enjoy French and Thai dishes as well as meat and potatoes.

Each week, it seems, a new establishment is opening offering a new twist for your taste buds. "Manny's" in the cultural district offers the first wine and cheese bar, "Passport Cafe" in Wexford brings French, Italian and Spanish dishes to town and "Bacchus" brings Forest Hills it's first wine bar and dine-in dessert. Bigelow Grille has a creative 20-course tapas delight called "Alchemy" and "Seviche" let's us enjoy Latin fare during the dark, cold days of winter.

These are just some of the new stops in town, while many of the old stand-by's are taking thier games up a notch in order to stay competitive in the dog-eat-dog world of dining. My advice to you - if you can - go out and sample some of the dining delights in our town. If you are headed downtown for Light Up Night, you will not only find something to tempt your taste buds but also something within your price range. That's the cool thing about competition: it keeps the costs down.

What will I be chomping down on tonight? After Kelly's comments this morning, I'm think pizza -- or perhaps sushi -- or maybe just a big, juicy burger ... or maybe ... I don't know, but whatever I want I know I won't have to travel the world to find it. It's right here in my town.

Happy Birthday Dad!

2007-11-14T04:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Dad! Today, my father turns 70 - and celebrating in a very quiet way. He's going out with my mother for dinner somewhere in suburban Chicago where they live. While I haven't seen much of my father over the last 20 years since I left home for college, he is still the biggest influence on my life and still the model for the way I want to live my life. Let me tell you about him.

Wilson Stockey grew up in Chicago and was raised by his grandparents. From a very early age, my dad learned to be independent, self-reliant and driven. He was smart and intelligent - and managed to become a certified public account with International Harvester and later, the Internal Revenue Service.

He married the former Elizabeth Bey, and went onto have two children: myself and my brother, Brian. His work took us from Chicago to California to Missouri to Washington Dc before finally settling in Simsbury Connecticut. My dad always put his family first - and would do whatever he could to be there for us. In essence, be the father he never had. That meant getting home in time to watch us play sports or even being our coach when he didn't think the coaches on hand weren't looking out for our best interest.

He's my biggest fan and cheerleader ... and as my career moved forward, he put together scrapbooks with pictures and articles about what I had done. He has also overcome personal challenges and hardships, including heart surgery. He remains in good health and takes care of himself, watching his diet and exercising as much as his knees will allow.

He has given me many gifts - none greater than the skills he used to be a successful father and executive. His knack for public speaking, his ability to analyze situations with a critical eye and his thirst for knowledge.

He turns 70 today - but I will always look at him as I did in the above picture" A little kid who wants his father to hold him when things get scary and love him when the going gets rough. My only regret is that I will not get to hug my father today, but I will as soon as I see him during the holidays. I will tell him that not only do I love him, but also thank him for giving me so many gifts. Gifts that someday perhaps I will pass onto my children.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Not Manly Enough?

2007-11-14T01:02:00.000-08:00

Along with some great compliments and positive e-mails, I do get my share on dumb replies from people. The latest came from a gentlemen from Pittsburgh named John. Here's the printable part of what he had to say to me:

"You been chickified bro. Go back to sports. You did a great job there and acquire some guts."

Normally, I would just read and ignore it, but believe it or not, Mr. Bednar brings up an interesting point. The gist of his e-mail is basically saying that somehow being open and honest about your feelings and emotions is a "chick" thing and makes you less of a man. That somehow by moving to news and covering stories that aren't about on-field conquests by athletes has taken away my "guts".

I think you can guess what my response to this premise is.

Nothing could be further from the truth. If anything, be able to express your feelings makes you more of a man than hiding them. For years, men were always taught never to cry and never to show that you do have emotions. I subscribed to that for years and during my high school years, believe it or not, I was a bully. I used to beat up kids if I thought they looked at me the wrong way. I would never cry if someone said something to upset me. Instead, I would answer with my fists.

But that all changed when I got to be a senior in high school .. and wouldn't you know it was a woman who got me to change my evil ways. My first real high school girlfriend caused to begin to look at myself very differently. We broke up before my senior prom, but the lessons I learned from her stay with me.

Today, I'm very proud that personality covers a range of emotions -- from being a tough guy to being a more sensitive person. If anything, I think that is what being a man is all about. Knowing that if the moment calls for it I could drop the gloves and fight or, if the situation dictates, being a caring and concerned person.

John, I would ask you to acquire "some guts" and open yourself up to a world where you don't have to hide who you are. Hey bro, you can be a man without having to be "macho". I managed to do it in sports for years .. and now, I'm doing it in news.

When I Grow Up ...

2007-11-13T04:05:00.001-08:00

You probably know by now that I'm really just a overgrown kid, passionate about PlayStation, playing golf and doing things most mature 30-somethings have grown out of. I guess it's because I really don't feel the 39 years I have been around. I don't feel like a grown-up. I feel like a kid in many ways and that goes for my career as well.

I guess that's because I grew up wanting to do so many things. As a child, I wanted to a fireman .. and then President. By middle school, my goal was to get paid to be a cartoonist. As I got ready to graduate from college, my focus was on a career in business and marketing. After school, I still wanted to work on Wall Street. Even when I became a local TV sports anchor, I had dreams of becoming a network TV sports broadcaster.

So what about now? What do I want to do when I grow up? Truthfully, I do not know. The job I have now is perhaps the most fun I have ever had while pulling a paycheck - and while I hope I will be able to do this for the next 25 years, I know this won't last forever. But my dreams don't involve a new career but rather adding experiences and learning new things so that I can become well rounded as a reporter - and as a person.

In the next few years, I would like to get my MBA. I was accepted to the University of Illinois MBA program in 1990, but chose not to go because I wasn't ready for grad school. My schedule now allows me to take part time classes .. and I may do that. I would also like to learn a foreign language -- other than Spanish which I took in high school.

I also want improve my computer skills. While I'm pretty technically savvy, I could use a little more education. Also, I would like to write a book. Not the great American novel, mind you, but something of consequence. I'm not sure what I would write about but after blogging for so long I think I could write something that would have legs .. and last.

Finally, I want to do something that leaves a mark on the world. I think we all begin to think about our legacies in mid-life. I doubt I will ever do anything that will cause someone to actually cast a statue in my image but I want to leave some sign that I walked the Earth and left the world just a little bit better off than when I arrived.

This is what I want to do when I grow up ... if I ever do grow up. I'm getting PlayStation 3 this Christmas so the maturation process might be on hold this winter.

Oops ... I Almost Forgot

2007-11-13T01:14:00.000-08:00

While I snapped all sorts of photos at Jen Miele's Steeler party, I forget to post this photo of the cutest couple in the room ( at least the cutest couple I could get sitting together at the party ). That's Melanie Taylor and her hubby, Jason.

Let me give Jason props for wearing the same jersey the entire game. His tradition is wearing different jerseys over the course of the afternoon -- going from Steelers to Mets to whatever. He decided to stick with the home team this time around.