Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Baby 'Petunia' has arrived!


(photo Courtesy: Betsy & Paul & wkyc.com)

Ok, folks. Betsy and Paul did not name their child 'baby Petunia.' That's just the affectionate name given her while we waited, and waited, and waited!

And, TA DA! She has arrived! All 21.5 inches of baby Josephine Frances! She's already following in her mom and dad's footsteps on the height trait!

Paul and Betsy welcomed Josephine Frances into the world Monday night.

She weighs 8 pounds, 11 ounces.

For you Facebook fans, hop onto Facebook and become friends with wkyc-tv, where there is more information on the new arrival.

Also, log onto wkyc.com for updated photos of Paul, Betsy and their little bundle of joy!


Best of luck and a lifetime of happiness to Betsy and Paul and Josephine!


Saturday, July 26, 2008

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N, all I ever wanted!

It seems like I get all this vacation. The mirage is that my recent vacations have fallen so close together! And they were working vacations where I did not have one single second to really 'VACATE!!'


I believe this is my last real vacation until the time I requested off for the Indians Playoffs and the World Series run!

Wishful thinking! Actually wishful thinking on two fronts --that they will go, even though I REALLY DO BELIEVE they are still in this thing.....and wishful thinking that my supervisor will grant the time off even though I requested it back in December! Que Sera, Sera. Whatever will be, will be!


So, suffice it to say, 'Swing by and spray' is on another little hiatus. I won't be on the news desk so it is fruitless to talk about the crazy life of an assignment editor on the assignment desk!!!!

BUT, if something pops, I'll try to find a computer to pop on! Especially if Betsy and Paul have their baby and I can get my hands on some pictures......or if I learn of anything else that amazes me!

Have a great week, everyone! Talk to you August 4th!

Laugh and the whole world laughs with you!

This was a FUN week at work. Don't get me wrong. We busted our 'you know whats!' And our ratings and product proved it!

Laughing makes everything better! I laughed so hard Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday I almost --well, suffice it to say, I DID NOT!! But almost!

I don't know exactly what it was. The staffing? The mid-summer feeling? The wonderful weather? The cohesiveness we have? It will remain a mystery.

We did have a number of vacations and had some different 'players' filling in, which was a welcome change of pace.

We also have a very tight-knit crew. When you have a smaller staff during our shift, you all have to be working on the same page or else disaster can strike.

My producer is a SCREAM! He is one of THE best producers I have ever worked with, bar none, in my almost 25 years!

He's quite organized, knows what he wants, makes it happen and pulls it all together for quite a successful show.

He's no nonsense. No hemming and hawing. He usually has the rundown in within the first couple hours of his shift. Of course, he can tweek it and change up a few stories, but having the rundown in so soon means his stories are written before the early shows are even finished. Means when there is breaking news, he can easily adjust and go into 'breaking news mode.' If his stories are written early, then EJ has the scripts early enough to edit so that they are not strapped and busting a move at the last minute!

It really helps when everyone is on their A-Game!

And then that means we can LAUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'



This week, 'Live on Lakeside' took it on the road as part of Channel 3 News Today's Zoo week!


Cleveland's 'BMZ' had a very 'captive' audience playing on the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo stage!!



'BMZ' touts themselves as Cleveland's rock band....made up of 3 band members....a bass guitarist, guitarist, and drum man all singing vocals.



Be sure to click on the above attached links to learn more about 'BMZ' and ALWAYS check out the 'Live on Lakeside' section of wkyc.com!


Hope your summer is hoppin'!



And as always, 'Keep Rockin'!


Thursday, July 24, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems




Today's Hidden Gem: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo


I was planning on having the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as a Hidden Gem and no better time than while it is Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Week on Channel 3 News Today!


Each day this week the morning show has been live at the Zoo. We've been live at the TOUCH exhibit, which from experience, is awesome! We've also featured the marine animals such as the Polar Bears and Sea Lions. Then Maureen Kyle moved on to the Primate, Cat, and Aquatics Building. Everyday, we've had a whole slew of surprises and giveaways!


For you Facebook fans, add wkyc-tv as a friend and get a glimpse into the projects, including zoo week, that Channel 3 News and wkyc.com have in the works! Facebook and MySpace fans, you can also become friends with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo!!!!


I've been a member for years! We go every year. But what really got me interested many years ago is their Zoo adoption program. One year for Christmas, I bought everyone a Zoo adoption of their favorite animal! It was a great, unique gift. You get a certificate, oftentimes a stuffed animal and other perks as a Zoo parent. Such a gesture which helps a good cause!

You can easily spend an entire day marveling at the exhibits and the over 3000 animals and 600 species housed at the Zoo. Don't forget the Rainforest, which opened in 1992.

For a wonderful family outing, the Zoo is the way to go. Very affordable. There is a huge pavilion where families that pack a picnic can enjoy their feast! They also have specials. Each Monday residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Ohio get in for free! Of course, check the Zoo website for updates and changes.

Believe it or not, the Zoo used to be over in Wade Oval and actually was Wade Park back in 1882. Jeptha Wade donated 73 acres of land back in the day, hence the original name. When the City of Cleveland began visualizing plans for the Art Museum, the Zoo moved to its current location.

For those of you who like interactive events, the Zoo is chock full of them. There is the exhibit TOUCH! Amazing Rays and Sharks. It's a pool area which houses rays and sharks. You can actually pet/touch these creatures! Channel 3 has a Zoo Cam at TOUCH! Be sure to take a LOOK! It was such a thrill! You can ride a camel, which is also something I never thought I would ever do, but it was fabulous! The young kids (and older) love the petting zoo! There are certain times during the day when you can actually feed some of the animals. And on and on and on......

I really could drone on....so I just hope that you will not only log onto the Zoo website for more details.....and their pages on Facebook and MySpace....but please head to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo soon, and then you will surely see why they are my Hidden Gem this week!

Historical information Courtesy: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Website
Zoo pictures Courtesty: My day at the Zoo with my best friend!!!




Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Cleveland Browns Training Camp


(Photo of Brady Quinn signing autographs Courtesy of WKYC Videographer George Payamgis!)

It's here! I have to be honest with you, being the huge baseball fan I am (win or lose), I find it hard to believe that Cleveland Browns' Football Season is gearing up with the baseball season only half over!


Our Channel 3 Sports Department, including Jim Donovan--the radio voice of the Cleveland Browns --is in the midst of one busy season right now!


It's a given that every day we will be giving our customers the most comprehensive coverage from start to finish of this year's Cleveland Browns Season! We will have the latest news, interviews, progress reports, injury reports, and breaking details about camp on our air as well as on wkyc.com.


If you are interested in taking in a practice, all practices are open to the public and free! That's a nice thing to hear! The Cleveland Browns say they will be on the field a total of 19 days with 28 total practices.


Practice takes place out at the training facility in Berea along Beech Street near Baldwin Wallace College.


There are a number of places where you can park for free.


Throughout the practice session, Browns personnel will randomly distribute orange tickets to children under 12 giving them the opportunity to receive an autograph after practice.


August 1st is Family Night at Cleveland Browns Stadium. A wonderful event for the entire family. Especially if you've never been to Cleveland Browns Stadium.


Be sure to check out wkyc.com for information on how you can become a rookie reporter at Browns Training Camp!


And then practices wrap up August 16th.


Tune into WKYC-TV for the Cleveland Browns' Pre-season games.


Channel 3 News, Sports, and wkyc.com is YOUR place for complete coverage of the 2008-2009 Cleveland Browns Season!


Go Browns!


Monday, July 21, 2008

Calling all Facebook members!


WKYC-TV now has a Facebook profile!


So log on, become a friend with WKYC-TV and get a special view of the world of tv!


You'll get a first glimpse into behind-the scenes videos and promotional clips.


You can check out WKYC pages such as 'The Long Road Home,' 'Live on Lakeside,' and 'WKYC Channel 3 News Streamcenter!'


Correspond with Channel 3 Members who have Facebook accounts!



And become friends with the friends of WKYC-TV!

Look forward to chatting with you all on Facebook!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'


The summer is just buzzing along and I wanted to get you caught up on the last few bands we have had on our Channel 3 News Today 'Live on Lakeside' segments....


We've had some pretty energetic, high voltage bands on our morning show.


Red Sun Rising rocked out on Channel 3 News Today.


These four musicians from the Kent/Akron area are hoping to catapult from the 'Live on Lakeside' stage and release an album later this fall.


You can always find more info and background information as well as a few songs being performed by each group on the Channel 3 News website at http://www.wkyc.com/!




We've also had B.E. Mann, world-renowned Reggae performer gracing the 'Live on Lakeside' stage!


The Energy Man has released 24 full length recordings since 1987.



Never a dull moment on our Friday 'Live on Lakeside' segments....tune in and see history being made with the latest, cutting edge bands!


And as always, Keep Rockin'!


Thursday, July 17, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems




Today's Hidden Gem: The Winchester Tavern and Music Hall


The Winchester is a wonderfully unique venue for experiencing a live show and just learning about music.


Located at 12112 Madison Avenue in Lakewood, it's centrally located for eastsiders, westsiders, and southsiders to make the trek!


They nab some great acts! A few weeks ago, Peter Tork of the Monkees played to a packed house. What a great time. The music was superb. The energy electrifying affecting everyone! And afterwards, Peter came out to sign autographs and speak to his adoring fans!


From the outside, it looks like the usual neighborhood tavern. When you enter, you are immediately enveloped with the rock and roll atmosphere. You are smitten with the charm and drawn to its history.


They have vintage record albums for sale in the area as you enter. Some amazing classics!


There is not a bad seat in the music hall. I don't know how they do it, but the price is always right! Very affordable for the talented performers they reel in! You can pay a few dollars more and sit at a table or just sit in the general admission seats.


Each concert a memorable experience, especially because of the close proximity to the acts and the performer -patron interaction!


I've seen Peter Tork and Al Stewart at the Winchester and both were memories I'll cherish forever!



Hop on their website. I know they have a page on Face Book if you are into that social media stuff! Pay them a visit and check out one of the upcoming acts scheduled and you, too, will see why The Winchester Tavern and Music Hall is this week's Hidden Gem!






(Peter Tork pictures Courtesy: Elaine and Tom)

Monday, July 14, 2008

Worst words to hear on the desk: 'Officer down'

In my 23 years in television, unfortunately, I've heard the phrase 'Officer down' screech out of the police scanners on more than one occasion.

It's just awful. You get a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach, but have to mobilize into action.

You send reporters and crews to the various scenes as fast as you can. There are always more than one: the initial shooting scene, the suspect search location OR wherever the arrested suspect has been transported, the hospital where the officer was taken, CPPA HQ or FOP Hall....just to name a few.

If the incident happens overnight or when there are no crews, it's a bigger challenge but still necessary to mobilize quickly, touch base with a manager or boss, and then start calling in personnel/crews to cover the story and get to the scene...


My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and co-workers of Officer Josh Miktarian. Even those of us who never knew him see what a wonderful human being he was and are affected and saddened by this senseless act.



I was on the news desk when Officer Derek Owens was struck down in the line of duty. It was just awful. What made the entire incident even more horrifying was when reports came out saying that Officer Owens may have actually made radio calls to the dispatcher after he had been shot. Hearing an injured officer speaking on a two-way radio is something I never want to hear again.

Friday, July 11, 2008

A few days off

After the 'fax fiasco' I have a few more days of R and R.....will catch you up on all your favorites next week!

Have a great rest of the week and weekend everyone!

Keep watching Channel 3 News and logging onto wkyc.com!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Just the fax, man

In the midst of a normal crazy day on the news assignment desk.....a bank robber shot dead by Cleveland Police after a heist and short chase....revelation of alleged financial improprieties swirling around the couple found dead Monday in Russell Twp....the suspect involved in Monday's Garden Valley murder being found dead himself with another person on East 114th Street AND so much more!

And the fax machine starts cranking out a NINE-HUNDRED and NINETY-NINE page fax, allegedly from Dennis Kucinich's office!

You have got to be kidding me!

So, when I got a free moment from my news of the day and what I am SUPPOSED to be doing, I called Mr. Kucinich's office and spoke with his Media PR director, Joe Benny. He was not aware that anyone from his office had faxed out a release! I'm glad I at least made him aware of what the heck was happening! There was absolutely NOTHING on these sheets except the date, Ch.3, and Kucinich's name at the top. Then there were a few lines of symbolic 'gobbly goo' on the sheet, and that's it! I can not even imagine how many trees are going down with this mammoth fax!

I started unplugging every wire and plug in a 5 foot radius of the fax machine!

I left it unplugged for at least an hour.

When I turned it back on, it spewed 3 more sheets which numbered 223, 224, and 225.

And then we got a final fax that said 'Press, Kucinich would like to recall the message, "".


Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, interesting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Congratulations Matt and Danielle!



(picture Courtesy: Matt and Danielle)



A big Congratulations goes out to one of our Directors, Matt Babb, and his lovely wife, Danielle, on the birth of their new baby girl!


Mackenzie Grace Babb was born at 6:24 p.m. on June 24th, 2008.


Of course, Mommy and Daddy say baby Mackenzie is just PERFECT! It's a good thing she is taking after her Mom! Just kidding, Matt!


I wish them the best of luck in this new adventure and this new endeavor! Mackenzie could not have two better parents to look after her!

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Holidays are usually hoppin' news days!

The news does not stop just because it is a holiday and folks want to relax, grill some dogs, and watch the fireworks paint the night sky!

These are the kind of days which bring about mischief, trouble, and unfortunately, oftentimes, tragedy.

I worked Independence Day! The Indians were out of town so I never requested the day off.

But holidays usually buzz by because they are so busy! I love them!

Today we were at the very bare minimum staff wise. All Managers were off. And the only portion of the building occupied was the newsroom and engineering.

It was actually great. No chance for major miscommunication or stuff left to fall through the cracks because there was hardly anyone to communicate with and a handful of folks doing all the work. However, we kicked a little booty!

The work never let up. It felt great to make good tv!

For me, my day consisted of wearing multiple hats (which is not really anything new for an assignment editor). Obviously my main job is to run the desk and everything that entails. However, today, at least while I was in, there were no web folks either so it was my duty to not only update the web with the latest copy stories and pictures but to put on the main video and weather segments from our local news shows. It was great! I have to be honest, that is the bulk of what I did. When you focus on one major task, the others are bound to suffer, but fortunately, I was able to juggle the breaking news, the desk, the information gathering, and the web stuff! It's very gratifying at the end of the day, especially a day such as this, to look back and see what a huge contribution was made!

The Channel 3 Complex is a great place to view the fireworks. However, being alone on the desk, I could not even sneak out to catch any of the show. And we have plenty of visitors on these nights. Employees bring their families down to view the fireworks and usually give the nickel tour before or after the fireworks mania! We had a huge tour in studio actually DURING the 11pm news show. Quite the wild night!

The day was sprinkled with good news such as all of the great parades and memorials and remembrances to honor America.....as well as the annual hot dog eating contests!

And though most of the fireworks shows, at least to our knowledge up til now, went off without a hitch, there was some tragedy that painted the day. Akron was a hotbed for news this Independence Day. They had an overnight fireworks accident injuring a young man. Then they had an awful gas station murder. And back here, we had an early morning fatal fire which appears to be a homicide and a small child struck by a vehicle with the vehicle fleeing the scene...

As you can see, the news does not stop for anyone or anything, even our founding fathers and Uncle Sam...

I hope you and yours had a fun-filled and very safe Independence Day 2008!

It's Friday and we're 'Live on Lakeside'


Swing By and Spray was on hiatus last week.


So, let's catch you up on the last few bands who have been 'Live on Lakeside.'


We've had 4 Zero and Jackie performing during our 'Live on Lakeside' segments during Channel 3 News Today!


4 Zero performed LIVE for the first time on our 'Live on Lakeside' segment....more groundbreaking entertainment on Channel 3 News Today!


For more information '4 Zero,' just click this 4 Zero Link.


And Jackie performed like on location when Channel 3 News Today broadcast from the ever popular Cleveland Wine Festival!


For more information on 'Jackie,' just click this Jackie Link.


Remember, if you have a band or know of a band that would be great for Channel 3 News Today, just log onto wkyc.com and check out the 'Live on Lakeside' section for all the details!


And as always, Keep Rockin'!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems





Photos Courtesy: WKYC Videographer Brian Johnson

Today's Hidden Gem: The Cleveland Orchestra


Though The Cleveland Orchestra may not seem like a 'Hidden Gem' always in the spotlight, traveling the globe lead by world famous Franz Welser Most, it's a wonderful GEM to claim as our own here in Cleveland.



The Cleveland Orchestra has become a part of Cleveland's Fourth of July tradition on Public Square. Last night, almost 100,000 people gathered on Public Square for "A Star-Spangled Spectacular Concert and Festival" which was The Cleveland Orchestra's 19th Annual Free Downtown Concert!

Always a good time! My family has had the good fortune to attend. The roads are blocked off so you can bring your lounge chairs or just a blanket and set right in the middle of the street. One year we even made a weekend of it and stayed in a downtown hotel as if we were really on vacation! A great excursion!

Festivities usually kick off at this event around 4pm with entertainment and fun leading up to the big event: the Cleveland Orchestra Concert. And weather permitting, they try to offer a fireworks presentation!

This year's Public Square Concert was lead by guest conductor Giancarlo Guerrero.

The Cleveland Orchestra not only tours extensively abroad but has their delightful Severance Hall Concerts and Blossom Music Center performances.

The Cleveland Orchestra has a long rich history which began back in 1918. Concerts were held at Gray's Armory and then the Masonic Auditorium. In 1931 they moved into Severance Hall.

Not only does the Orchestra contribute to the musical richness of this area, but they have been giving back to the community and enhancing the area's education for all ages!

Some of the programs they offer include teaching students about music, the different kinds of instruments, and how to play them as well as giving young musicians access to the Youth Orchestra and Children's Chorus. They really offer events and experiences for all ages, all walks of life!


If you get the chance, try and catch a Cleveland Orchestra performance as well as hopping on their website to see all of the programs they have to offer and then you will see why The Cleveland Orchestra is this week's Hidden Gem!



Information Courtesy: The Cleveland Orchestra and their website and below photos Courtesy WKYC Videographer Brian Johnson.




Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Out of the mouth of babes!

(photo courtesy intern Nicole Moyse and includes from left to right: Caitlin, Rob, Nicole, Lauren, Kate)


I was lucky enough to have Nicole, the intern, sitting on the desk with me a few days ago. We have a really good group of interns this term. They may not realize how valuable they are, but they are. They've been a huge help, even if they think they are doing 'busy work' at times!


Nicole, though not here very long, made an astute observation. She said to me, "you are the den mother of the newsroom!" Though, I would love to think of myself as the 'beautiful young lady on the desk' (ok, cease laughing!), she hit the nail on the head. At times, we have to be the 'mother' taking care of our children! After she commented, there were a number of instances that popped up, where she turned to me and said "see, knowing-all Mother of the newsroom!" Another problem solved, another question answered!



Every time we get a new batch of interns, I cherish the opportunity to learn from them and hopefully impart some wise words of wisdom on them! I remember my intern days at WEWS with their 'Live on Five' show as well as in their editing department! You work hard, and long hours to learn everything you can during your internship. I remember getting up at 315am to arrive at the station by 4am while I was an editing intern. I needed to set up the morning NewsOne feeds and roll on them. There were numerous tasks all day long. I then stayed through the 6pm news so that I could help feed the 'Live on Five' show and observe the 6pm News! It was great. It was hard work, but well worth it!



I am not used to having interns up here with me. This is the first time I've had interns helping out since the old Channel 3 News Building.


And then, I had one. One lone intern. But he was FABULOUS.


I bring up my former intern because I just received a very nice note from him! I must have done something right to still have this bright, young shining star as my friend!


Mark Zinni was my intern 13 years ago! Lucky 13!! He was a gem. He really ran the desk while he worked with me! A sharp kid who I knew would go on to bigger and better things, and he did!


Not only did he have an internship with us, but he also interned with the NBC Today Show! He brought back some GREAT stories!
One of the many memorable times with Mark was having the 1996 Olympics on NBC and keeping tabs on Bela Karolyi and his gymnasts! Having the Olympics on NBC is always an exciting time!


Mark made a number of stops along the way, rising up the ladder. He has made a nice name for himself at WPRI in East Providence Rhode Island. He's the weekday co-anchor for Eyewitness News This Morning. He's an Emmy and AP award winning reporter! I could gush on forever.



However, one wise thought to pass along: getting an internship in a field you think you may want to pursue is a must! Do it! Work hard! Learn as much as you can! It will pay off, even if you find out you really DON'T like that field. Then you have not wasted a lot of time and energy and can try something else!


Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Nice surprise to come back to


A nice way to ease back into the grind. First, the infamous HO-HO Cake, and today, Dave Summers presents me with our 'Excellence in Journalism' Press Club Awards.


The ceremony was held about 3 weeks ago. Ironically, all of us were working so we could not attend the event.



However, today, Dave received a box filled with our plaques.



Here is how it played out:



Television

T-1 Spot News
First Danielle Fink & Vic Gideon WKYC-TV3 Strip Mall Fire

Second Danielle Fink WKYC-TV3 Warehouse Fire

T-2 General News
First Dan Weist & Jeff Gostomski Ohio News Network Governor Tour of Findlay Flooding

Second Dave Summers & Mike Leonard WKYC-TV3 Ice Rescue



T-7 In-Depth Coverage
First Duane Pohlman, WEWS-TV Special Projects Team WEWS-TV5 The Wrong Men

Second Dave Summers WKYC-TV3 Amish After Dark

T-8 Human Interest
First Dan Weist & Mike Klug Ohio News Network Pig Scramble

Second Dave Summers & Mike Greene WKYC-TV3 Winnie the Watch Pig





I would love to congratulate all of the folks who were honored at this event. It is an honor to be recognized every once in a while for something you love doing, your passion!




For a complete list of winners, click this attached Press Club Link!