History Awaits the Winner August 29, 2008

On January 20, 2009, we will witness American history.
Last night, that became a possibility. On Friday afternoon, it became a reality.
Less than 24 hours after Barack Obama became the first African-American candidate to lead a major party as its Presidential nominee, John McCain raised the stakes by naming Alaska governor Saran Palin as his running [...]

A Language All Our Own August 29, 2008

First this morning, everyone could tell I was already in the weekend mode. Take a look at the cufflinks I was wearing:

Yes, that is martini glass ( with an olive inside ) and a martini shaker. Amazing what you can find on sale at Macy’s.
Now onto today’s entry and for a state that seems to be [...]

History Amid Hype August 28, 2008

I guess I have officially become a member of the media. I have truly become cyncical and suspect of the process and those who hold power.
The realization came while watching last night’s role call at the Democratic National Convention. It’s a tradition that the role call of the states nominates the next President of the [...]

50 Years of WTAE August 27, 2008

There’s something about the month of August. Kelly and Demetrius as well as many of my friends werer born this month. Also born this month? A television station: WTAE-TV in 1958.
Tonight, we celebrate that conception 50 years ago with an hour-long special which airs this evening at 8pm. Produced by Rich Cook and hosted by [...]

The Perfect Place for a Stay-Cation August 26, 2008

Before I get to my blog for today, two quick comments:
This morning, there are reports that there are credible threats against Senator Barack Obama as he arrives in Denver to accept his nomination as the Democratic choice for President. While it’s sad, it’s not surprising. To be honest, I wonder how many dozens of threats [...]

Happy Birthday Kelly! August 22, 2008

My morning partner, Kelly, celebrates another birthday on Sunday. Now I won’t tell you how old she is. Heck, I won’t even ask her. I know better than that. I’ll just say she looks great … no matter what her age.
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Kelly surprised on the air with a special birthday cake
Thanks to Scott Stiller for coming up with [...]

Was Mario Bragging? August 21, 2008

I’m often read the Pittsburgh City Paper and a recent editorial by one of its writers, Chris Potter, got my attention. Please take a look at it. The column also reminded me about one of the major stories from last week that may have gone under the radar.
The Penguins finally broke ground on the new [...]

Some Random Observations August 20, 2008

I had a few things on my mind. None of them worthy of an entire blog, but worthy of comment.
John Challis. The courageous 18-year-old baseball and football player from Freedom High School finally succumbed to cancer. While we knew this day would eventually come, it makes it no easier. While we all have reason to [...]

The Veep Stakes August 19, 2008

After name-calling, attack ads and incessant back-and-forth between the candidates for the Presidency, we are finally going to have some real news coming out of the campaign the next couple of weeks. This week, Barack Obama names his running mate and John McCain will do the same next week.

Much will be made by the media [...]

Together Forever? August 15, 2008

“Two people. Together Forever. It’s just not realistic.”
Those are the words of Jamie Buchman ( aka actress Helen Hunt ) in the popular ’90’s TV show “Mad About You”. It’s always been one of my favorite programs and I do have the “The Best Of …” DVD. The line is from one of my favorite episodes [...]

The “R-word” August 14, 2008

In many respects, we have come quite a ways as a society.
It may be hard to fathom, but less than 50 years ago, our country was actually proud of a form of entertainment we created called “black face” in which white performers portrayed black people in film by covering their face in black makeup and [...]

The Nanny State August 13, 2008

On the surface, it seems like a good idea. The Los Angeles City Council limiting the number of fast food restaurants in the city’s poorest neighborhoods for one year. Their argument being overweight and obese children are exposed to nothing but unhealthy food choices and when you combine that with the poor nutrition they are [...]

Golfing for a Good Cause August 12, 2008

You may have noticed I took Monday off. No, I wasn’t playing hokey. Instead, I was playing golf … but for a good cause.
On any given Monday, there are probably a dozen golf tournaments in western Pennsylvania designed to raise funds for variosu charitable causes. What’s amazing is that nearly all of them fill their [...]

My Annual Plea August 8, 2008

Tonight, another football season commences with the Steelers and Eagles kicking off the pre-season at Heinz Field. 65,00 rabid fans will begin that annual tradition of pulling for Pittsburgh’s Black and Gold.
Tonight also marks the return of my annual plea to the powers that be at Heinz Field that they do the smart, ecomnomical thing [...]

She’s Got My Vote August 7, 2008

Senators McCain and Obama: You can stop spending millions on TV ads. You can stop flooding me with junk mail about how you want my donation and my vote. Frankly, I can stop watching non-stop campaign coverage on the cable networks. You can stop all this because I have decided how I will vote in the [...]