Inspiration for Race Day April 28, 2009

Inspiration. It’s not so much where it comes from as when it comes … and it always seems to be at the right time. For me, inspiration for perhaps my biggest athletic challenge in a decade comes from a friend I haven’t spoken to in two decades.
As you might have guessed by now, I have [...]

A Beauty Pageant Turns Ugly April 22, 2009

You know something has become the center of national attention and controversy when CNN’s Larry King dives into it. Tuesday night’s show dealt with the controversy over the Miss USA Pageant. For those not aware, Ms North Carolina won the title, beating out Ms California.
What gave Ms North Carolina the edge? According to Perez Hilton, [...]

The Spin Room April 21, 2009

Just finished moderating the mayoral democratic debate for WTAE. Candidates Luke Ravenstahl, Patrick Dowd and Carmen Robinson took aim at the issues – as well as each other – during a debate that was 60 minutes but frankly could have gone longer.
I won’t tell you who I think won tonight’s debate. Frankly, it’s not my [...]

The Quiz Bowl … and The Search for Questions April 17, 2009

Editot’s note: WTAE is hosting the first debate between the three Democratic candidates for mayor of Pittsburgh. I will be serving as moderator Monday night at 7pm and I need your help. We are looking for questions for the candidates … from you.
You can submit those questions in e-mail form or on videotape by Monday. [...]

The Tea Party Goes National April 16, 2009

April 15th.
We all know the date.
It’s not a birthday, holiday or anniversary. For most of us, its a day of a dread when we have the face the tax man and either pay up what we still owe or perhaps get some money back. No matter what the bottom line says, we all have to [...]

Can We All Get Along? Yes We Can! April 14, 2009

Ask anyone who works in television and they will tell you they have been asked the question ad nauseum.
Do you really get along with the people at the other TV stations in town?
We all answer in the affirmative because its true. While we may broadcast on different stations and are essentially competitors trying to beat [...]

Mother Government? April 13, 2009

Editor’s note: I wanted to let everyone know how thankful we are here at channel 4 for the e-mails complementary of our coverage last week during one of the city’s darkest chapters in recent memory. We’re not out there to win emmys when things like this occur, but the hundreds of e-mails tell me that [...]

The Final Farewell April 10, 2009

I’m back in the newsroom with Wendy Bell, Tara Edwards and producer Maria Dravecky working on the 11pm newscast. We are looking back at all the videotape that was shot and all the interviews that were done by our reporters and photographers.
I must admit, after six days of covering, reporting and discussing this shooting of [...]

Gathering to Grieve April 9, 2009

I was there very early on Saturday and saw the situation unfold in Stanton Heights … and shared what I knew with the viewers in Pittsburgh and beyond. Later than night, I began to think about what took place – the incredible loss of life. As the week continued, I shared with you the developing [...]

A Terrifying April April 8, 2009

There was a story this week in the news connecting some of the most horrific acts in recent memory to the time of year – April. From the siege of  the Branch Davidian compound in Waco to the Oklahoma City Bombing to the massacre at  Columbine. Even the recent shooting rampage at Virginia Tech, all [...]

Misplaced Attention April 7, 2009

I think owe you an apology.
Monday, a half-awake Andrew Stockey wrote a very stream-of-consciousness  view of the shootings Saturday in Stanton Heights. I shared with you how the day unfolded from MY point of view, MY feelings of  what I saw and how it affected ME. I spoke of a life and career changing moment — for [...]

Saturday Morning in Stanton Heights April 6, 2009

By now, you have all read, heard or see the tragedy in Stanton Heights: the death of three city police officers in an encounter with Richard Poplawski at his home in Stanton Heights. The details will continue to emerge in this tragedy as the days and weeks go on.
Right now, I just want to take [...]

Missing the Big Picture April 2, 2009

Just finished watching Larry King Live, although I don’t really know why.  Larry just finished another rousing hour discussing the Obama’s vist to England and the G-20 summit. What was the focus of Larry’s discussion? Not the pending economic meltdown, but rather how the Obamas fared when the met the queen. He actually had a [...]