Our Daily Two-Way Conversation June 30, 2008

When I arrive at 3:30 in the morning for work ( yes, that is how early is how up and no, it’s not much fun at that hour ), I always pour through my e-mails. No lie, I usually have about 40-50 per day. Some is junk e-mail, some is legit business and then, there are the [...]

Face to Face with the Furries June 27, 2008

The fur has started flying downtown.
If you haven’t noticed it, you soon will. Three thousand people have descended upon Pittsburgh for Anthrocon 2008, a convention that celebrates the lifestyle of the furries. For those not aware of furries, these are people who revel in the human-like characteristics of animal from the cartoon and comic book [...]

Freedom of Choice? June 26, 2008

Another sign that we are in trouble economically.
This morning, word from Pittsburgh International that they plan to cut back on nearly 8-percent on the flights coming out of the airport this fall. This is of course due to the rising cost of jet fuel and the uncertainty in the airline industry.
You know my feelings about the airlines [...]

One Goofy Morning June 25, 2008

Our morning show tends to be a caffeine-powered, by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of program where we are never quite sure where the ad-libs will take us. This morning was a little bit goofier than usual.
While we always try to deliver serious news in a professional manner, we have enough lighter moments that can make the two-hour show laughable. It [...]

Hollywood and Broadway Hit the Burgh June 24, 2008

A few days ago, I wrote about some of the unique experiences I have enjoyed as a TV reporter. The blog was entitled “How Cool Is This?”. Well, I had another one of those moments Monday afternoon.
I was on the set for the latest movie shooting here in Pittsburgh. It’s called “Shannon’s Rainbow” and it’s [...]

Make Sense of the Senseless June 23, 2008

I think I can speak for everyone here at WTAE … and probably every journalist in ths country … when I say nothing is harder than reporting a murder.
People die of natural causes all the time – that is the nature and cycle of life. However, when life is snatched away unexpectedly by another person, [...]

How Cool Is This? June 20, 2008

Before I start blogging today, I wanted to answer a few e-mails I have gotten concerning Wendy Bell. Wendy, as you probably know, had twins boys last week and I’ve gotten more a few e-mails wondering when pictures will be posted of the two babies. I’m sure Wendy will get to it soon, but please [...]

The Less-Than-Friendly Skies June 19, 2008

The other day, Sharon was asking me about plans for our annual vacation. Seems once a year for the past few years, we try to do one real big trip somewhere on the planet. This past fall, it was Hawaii.
This year, I don’t know. Whenever she asks, I often skirt the question with responses like [...]

Rocco’s on a Roll June 18, 2008

Quick.
Can you remember who lost last year’s world series? How about the runner-up in the NCAA basketball tournament? I’ll bet you’re even struggling to remember who George W beat in the 2004 election. The point here is that no one remembers who came in second – until now.
Rocco Mediate lost the U.S. Open in a [...]

Cruising Along with the Cops June 17, 2008

Not all my vacation last week was fun and sun, golf and good times. Since I actually had a week with no responsibilities, I thought I would take an evening to do what should be required duty for every citizen. I rode along with the Pittsburgh police.
The Ride-A-Long program has existed for years, designed to give [...]

Back from the Break June 16, 2008

Hi everyone! I’m back from a week of rest and relaxation at Kelly’s favorite vacation spot: “Porch-view” ( better known as the “stay-cation” ). I stuck around here basically getting stuff down around the house and avoiding what has become the absolute nightmare of airline travel.
Turns out staying at home might have been the best thing given [...]

I Graduated! June 6, 2008

I have told you in previous blogs about a class I have been taking called Leadership Pittsburgh. In brief, its a year-long exploration of the issues facing western Pennsylvania through field trips, guest speakers and classroom interaction. The 57 people in my class were chosen because of where they are in their lives and careers. [...]

Our Cup Runneth Is Over June 5, 2008

Our Cup runneth is over.
Pittsburgh came up agonizingly short of the Stanley Cup, but that’s the only loss the team and the city experienced during one of the zaniest rides we have ever seen in this town.
They rejuvenated the fan base long since dormant. They proved the wisdom of saving the team from bankruptcy and [...]

“You’re not a kid anymore” June 4, 2008

Those were the words from my wife’s lips as I laid in bed aching and sweating and getting my butt kicked by the flu. It’s hard enough when you are not feeling well, but when your spouse is telling you that you’re to blame for the mess that you are in because of your non-stop [...]