Happy New Year!!! December 31, 2008

I’m taking a blogging break for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
I usually take this time to reflect on the year that was. The highs and the lows. The good times and the bad. Those who are still here and those who have left my life. I feel fortunate that I am here to [...]

A Wish For the New Year December 30, 2008

As we get ready to jump into a New Year, we often wipe the slate clean:. We forget about the past and look forward to a brighter and better future.
Sometimes it’s not as easy as taking an eraser and wiping away what has been. I was reminded of that while reading today’s Wall Street Journal.
The [...]

A National Treasure Right Here at Home December 28, 2008

When you live here in western Pennsylvania, it’s easy to forget what we have in this area. Every day you have the opportunity to visit sights and locations that are world-renowned, just miles away from where we live. At the same time, because they are so close, it’s easy to say to one’s self I [...]

A Holiday Thank You … to All! December 24, 2008

Thanksgiving is the time we are told to count our blessings as say “thanks” to all the people who have touched our lives. For me, personally, Christmas has always seemed a more appropriate time because of the spirit of giving and what better time for me to “give” thanks.
Also, I am not much for holiday [...]

Is It Just a Towel? December 23, 2008

” … as far as my players are concerned, it’s just a towel”.
Those were the words from Tennessee head coach Jeff Fisher 24 hours after the much-discussed Terrible Towel trampling by Titan players following the beating they laid upon the Steelers at Heinz Field.
Unless you have been away from a TV, or stuck at the [...]

All Aboard “The Polar Express” December 19, 2008

My elementary school days are long since past, but somehow I have spent almost as much time in school now as I did then. I often have the chance to read to children all across the region.

Punching tickets for students to board The Polar Express
My most recent school visit took place Thursday at Menallen Elementary [...]

Gizmo Found! December 18, 2008

It certainly sounded like a radio stunt when I first heard it, but was as serious as can be. WDVE radio host Jim Krenn and his wife Hedy reported their dog Gizmo missing. Run off by a bunch of bloodhounds as the family walker to him into a local park.
Listening on the radio this morning, [...]

An Oasis in the East End December 17, 2008

My school loyalties are pretty simple:
I graduated from Simsbury ( CT ) High School.
I got my bachelor’s degree from Ohio University.
My work and relationships over the years makes Pitt the school I cheer for.
But when it comes to the school I support, it’s Chatham University.
On my bio, you might have noticed I am a trustee [...]

A Purchase Well Overdue December 14, 2008

Sometimes in life, you don’t get it right on the first try or even the second attempt. Also, sometimes, you don’t get it right over the course of eight years, but I’m proud to say I got it right this weekend.
When I proposed to Sharon nine years ago, I asked her what she wanted in [...]

My Excellent Adventure December 11, 2008

I’m not in the habit of getting awards. I have very few in my house and most of those are the rare journalism awards that I have won. I prefer to hand out awards as an emcee. Tonight, though, the shoe was on the other foot.
The New Pittsburgh Courier, one of the very first African-American [...]

My Goal: Avoiding the Tailor December 10, 2008

There comes  a moment when you realize that’s  it’s time to get yourself back into some semblance of shape. That moment hit me one morning before Thanksgiving.
I was dressing for work when the pants to the suit I was about to wear didn’t fit. They were too tight. Mmmm, that was strange so I tried [...]

I’ve Got A Feeling … December 8, 2008

… Pittsburgh’s going to the Super Bowl.
Please, join in if you know this song.
OK, this is hardly a new refrain from Steeler nation, but tonight I have finally become convinced that the football team which calls our city home has what it takes to get reach pro football’s ultimate game – the Super Bowl.
It took [...]

The Economy’s Biggest Casualty December 5, 2008

Every day, we receive some new bit of economic news that leaves us depressed and frustrated. Food prices, stocks falling and layoffs all add to our daily misery. However, I think perhaps the worst bit of economic bad news crossed my desk today when I picked up the Wall Street Journal. It was enough to [...]

Rendell’s Open Mic Mistake December 4, 2008

You would think that when a microphone is nearby, those in the public eye would be weary. You would assume that those who’s every step in caught on camera would be careful with what they say … even if they assume the mic is not “hot”.
Governor Ed Rendell was no so cautious.
As you have read [...]

How Far Can “Talent” Take You? December 3, 2008

It’s been said that talent can take you very far in this life. It can lead to riches, fame and immortality. However, it can also save you from trouble, punishment and perhaps even death. Talent is the makeup that covers the blemishes – personal and professional.
I bring up talent because a very talented football player [...]