Happy New Year!

What else is there to say?

We are about to embark on a new year, a new decade and hopefully a fresh start --stronger than ever!! And I know stronger than ever because of what I and we all have had to endure in 2009.

It may sound silly, but for me, the onset of the New Year, the Lenten Season, and the Advent Season ushers in a new opportunity to try again, improve oneself and become a better person. I know I should not have to wait for these three pivotal seasons, but they motivate me more than anything else and give me a renewed hope for the future.

This year's economic uncertainty has affected all of us. At the beginning of 2009, I never imagined that everyone I know, including myself, would become so familiar with the term 'furlough,' as well as downsizing as I still cringe seeing how my 401-K has vanished before my very eyes!

Many of my friends have lost their jobs and it's a given that the 'raise' as we once knew it is long gone. Staying with the same company your entire career seems to be a thing of the past, tragic as that may be.


I'm still speechless and shaken up at the catastrophic event which occurred back on March 25, 2009. Mind boggling. My life was changed forever...my property destroyed....my peace of mind and sense of security violated--all as I innocently sat up on the news assignment desk just doing my job.


Amazingly enough, at the time I thought 'that' single incident was one of the worst things in my life. That was until October 26, 2009. My car being totalled in the parking garage while I diligently worked pales in comparison to my Mother and best friend dying.



Just as I personally try to forge ahead through hardship, overcome adversity, tie up loose ends, wrap up last minute obligations, and clear the slate, the same holds true here in the newsroom.

We've been airing stories that our reporters have been researching and compiling for weeks --various year-enders ranging from the amazing medical success stories coming out of Cleveland's world renowned hospitals to the rocky year for not only our County Government but the Cleveland Catholic Church as local churches continue shutting their doors....a close look at the accomplishments of the Cleveland Municipal Schools as well as improvements still necessary to get our kids up to par with the nation, and the same old song and dance which sounds like a broken record year-in and year-out --the 'wait til next year' mantra surrounding all of our Sports teams!


I say goodbye this week to an excellent intern as he heads back to OU--wishing Brad Appleton the best of luck with his studies and a very bright broadcasting career ahead!


I continue passing out cards, gifts, and holiday greetings to my fellow co-workers.


I move into the New Year knowing I have gone above and beyond and have given my all at work to wkyc and wkyc.com...I have excelled on the news desk and in all of my duties....I've tried to be the best co-worker, friend, family member and most importantly, I hope I've used all of my God-given talents to the best of my ability and have made my maker proud.


I am excited for what's yet to come in the new year --the opportunities ahead, knowledge to be learned, meeting new people and making new memories!


Finally, I wish you a safe New Year's Eve and a perfect start to what will be a 'hope-filled' year overflowing with happiness, success, joy and laughter to you and those you love.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

We still get everything done!

The shows must go on.

But it's definitely a different feeling, mood, working with a total skeleton crew.

I drove into the parking garage which was only 20 percent full.

Co-workers have been exchanging holiday cards and gifts all week and will continue doing so until everyone gets back from vacations.

And as always, the newsroom food table is at full capacity. We are never lacking for tasty treats and have all been on a sugar high for the last week and a half!

I said it before and I'll say it again, I really do wish we could bottle the 'feeling,' the 'mojo' which emanates throughout. It's a wonderful feeling!

I wish you all the best holiday season, a very merry Christmas and hopes that you all are surrounded by the love of family and friends in the coming days and the new year!

Can there be MORE food in the newsroom???

The news must go on--just as the 'official' start of the 'holiday' of your choice has kicked into full throttle.

It's been a long week.

Everyone I've run into in the newsroom has given a huge 'thank God it's Friday' sigh. And of course I have my 'Happy Friday' sign from Chris Tye on display!!

This week and the next two to three weeks that follow will be filled with gift giving and receiving, the exchange of holiday cards, politically correct holiday greetings, a daily check of the schedule as staffers take end of the year vacations, and more food than usual on the newsroom community table --if you can believe!

Today when I arrived, there was a huge meat tray with the works: potato salad, pickles, olives, meat and cheese....on top of the cookies, Malley's candy, and hopefully a full bottle of Pepto Bismol, Tums, or Pepcid!

I made a final trek to the WKYC Company store to get the latest goods--the newest t-shirts, a very cool new sweatshirt that says WKYC Staff, and a few other mugs, caps and mouse pads. You can never have enough wkyc garb. I hope my family feels the same way!!

I've always thought how great would it be to bottle up the feeling of gladness and joy that engulfs the world the few weeks leading up to Christmas. Honestly, we're pretty lucky. Working in a newsroom so close with your fellow co-workers, I think we do capture this feeling year round. Not a bad gig!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Michael Symon's B Spot

If you've read any of the entries in SBAS or have paged through a sampling of the Hidden Gems, you know that I am a huge fan of not only Iron Chef Michael Symon, but delicious cuisine, the Food Network, C-town, and the thriving Cleveland Restaurant Industry.

So it was only a matter of time before I made Michael's new restaurant, B Spot, a Hidden Gem.

And I give it two thumbs up, a 'three cheers,' and a 'high five.'

What can I say? When he shared the concept behind B Spot, he said he was putting together some of his favorites: Burgers, Brats, Bologna, and Beer!



I say he's hit on many people's faves, right out of the ballpark!



I was lucky enough to partake of the B Spot experience last weekend for my birthday dinner. The whole family went along and every single person loved it!



There WAS something there for everyone!



One in my party took a picture of the great chandelier. Another person took a picture of the great wall of beer cans. I took a picture of the juicy food!

Just going around the table: Various cheeseburgers to each person's tastes, fried bologna, any type of beer you can imagine and the famous Lola Fries. I must admit, on this visit, we did not try a Brat but we all love them. Gotta save something for next time and the time after that!

I tried the 'Symon Says' which consisted of a burger with bologna, cole slaw, whip sauce and American cheese. Medium Rare. It was PERFECT!

My Aunt and Uncle both ordered the 'Old School' bologna sandwich. We all jumped out of our skin when it arrived. This is no 'thinly sliced' bologna sandwich. Holy cow! The slice of bologna must have been at least 2 inches thick!



My Uncle had to take 1/2 of it home. He NEVER takes a doggie bag.



Michael's hilarious humor comes through even on the menu:

'Why?? vegie burger, blue cheese, pickled onion, arugula (add bacon...free of charge!!)'



B Spot is at ETON on Chagrin Blvd. It's closer to the eastern portion and you can enter via the Mall or the outside of ETON.




They do not take reservations so there may be a short wait. But there are chairs in the mall area just outside the B Spot entrance.



They try to please everyone. They do not sit you until your entire party has arrived. They serve the everyone all at once. The best part which many restaurants don't do anymore is that they serve any where from RARE to Well Done and everything in between. The service was very good and there was hardly a wait from the time we ordered until we received our food.


Another masterpiece by Michael Symon. I will be going back. I'm fairly confident everyone in my party will be making another visit.

The new spot in town appears to be Michael Symon's B Spot. I give it an 'A' and I guarantee if you dine there, you too, will see why it is this week's Hidden Gem!

News desk nuggets

I've tried sharing the top of mind stories and happenings as they've unfolded up here on the News Assignment Desk over the last number of weeks.

It's been a bit more of a challenge, but I've done a pretty good job of hardly 'skipping a beat' with the death of Mom--both here at work and in my home life.

Honestly, I've done a much better job at work (my house is a mess, I'm not ready for Christmas and ......my 'to-do' list is endless!!) as I've stayed on top of my game, continue cranking out story idea after story idea (my Pee Wee kids from Shaker, Vermilion grinch, Lakemore folks coping with Thanksgiving under a boil alert, LeBron's new book...), contributing to our daily product, as well as handling website work on a daily basis.

Last Saturday I worked the night shift, and if I say so myself, kicked some booty. It was fun working with the weekend crew. A different perspective, an expanded way to experience my little 'slice of heaven!' I did my thing of running the desk and keeping on top of what was happening in Cleveland and the surrounding burbs including a wall collapse at East 99th and St. Catherine.

Working on the desk is a crap shoot day in and day out. Some days are so busy you do not have time to breathe. It's rare when there is a slow day, but thankfully Saturday was very low key. I told producer Carrie I almost showed up in my pink plaid doggie pajamas!!! (Just kidding!) It gave me the opportunity to prepare for the week ahead as well as taking the reins of wkyc.com. I take great pride in all of my work, including my contributions to wkyc.com.

We were a cut above the rest Saturday with fresh content and tons of local and national stories throughout the evening.

Though I have shared my experiences on Swing by and spray, there are some tales I've yet to tell during this challenging personal time for me. I thought I'd whip up another edition of News desk nuggets to catch you all up over the last few weeks.

A few changes of scenery. We were lucky enough to get flat screen computer monitors up here on the news desk. We are gradually getting up to speed. Baby steps go a long way!!!!

The videographers are into the holiday spirit as they started decorating the photog lounge. It's quite soothing. If the day gets hectic, it's worth taking a quick jaunt into the 'ready room' to get back to the peaceful zone!

It's the holidays, and more so than ever, we have to be smart utilizing the crews we have to the fullest. I guess the saying is "get more bang for your buck." There was a great story we wanted to cover but we were down a reporter so I sent Videographer Dan Medsker to shoot a photo essay on the AIDS Quilt which was wrapping up at MetroHealth Medical Center and heading back out on the road. Medsker did a fabulous job! It's great to think out of the box and let our co-workers use all of their amazing talents!

AND, it would not be a Browns-Pittsburgh Game if we did not pull out a 'special edition' Thursday Night Fever. Editor Pat Woodside, a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan, actually took the initiative to call on his day off and volunteer to make his famous Con Queso. That alone can sustain any newsroom party. The rest of it fell together quite nicely INCLUDING a Browns win!!!

Finally, I'd love to end my News desk nuggets with the story attached to the lead picture on this edition. That rainbow is the gift my Mother sent me on Thanksgiving morning. Our Pastor took the picture as he was heading to Thanksgiving Mass. My family knows it's for us because the rainbow was directly over our house. Now, I am just looking for that pesky pot of gold that accompanied the rainbow. I'm sure it is not far behind!!!! Thanks Mom!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Gray House Pies

I must admit, I usually choose my Hidden Gems from personal trips I've taken, events I've attended, and exploring I've done on my own discovering the "Hidden Gems" all around Northeast Ohio which have inspired me or impacted my life.

I'll be honest.

I stole this week's Hidden Gem from a story we aired on wkyc and wkyc.com.

Now, I didn't just rip it off without investigating and doing my own leg-work, talking to the owner, and tasting the pies myself. But, I did get the initial vision the minute I put a bite of the pie into my mouth.

Jeff Maynor headed out to Gray House Pies for a 'What Works' segment and opened all of our eyes to the essence of a delicious, natural pie.

I dialed up Gray House Pies and said, "I'll take an Apple Crumb, a Cherry, a Chocolate Malt, and a Bananas Foster.

While I was there getting the lowdown from owner Joe Schlott, he filled me in on his transition from the Mortgage Business to Pie-Making! He's an inspiration and a perfect example of grabbing the reins and making your dreams come true!

Not only does he whip up the most delectable pies, but when you are browsing in his store, you can treat yourself to coffee, purchase a single serving of your favorite pie or quiche, or take home a full quiche as well --goat cheese and caramelized onion, goat cheese and apple, ham and cheese, cheesey potato, or cheddar and apple.

But wait, there is more. He sells his 'slice of heaven' to wholesalers who may own their own store, coffee shop, or restaurant.

Schlott uses all natural ingredients in his pies and his quiche. No transfats, no preservatives, often times organic and Ohio home grown. When it comes to the quiche elements, only the best --cheeses, fruits, vegies, local eggs and milk.

Schlott began selling his home made pies on the front porch of his gray house. And, that my friends, is how an idea is born, and spins into a very lucrative business.

Now, keep your eyes peeled when traveling on Lorain because Gray House Pies is very unassuming in the midst of a strip mall at 22560 Lorain Road in Fairview Park.

It's worth the trip from wherever you live.

You don't have to wait for the next holiday, treat yourself. Take a spin over to Gray House Pies and, you too, will see why they are this week's Hidden Gem!!

Pee Wee and Midget Football kids

And this is how tv and web stories come to life.

Just one call.

Earlier tonight I received a call from a friend, a former co-worker and a proud Mom.

Tonya called with information on a great group of kids who have been having a spectacular season in their prospective football leagues and are now heading to the regional playoffs.

She called to give me information on their practice sessions over the next few days. Tonya was so proud of these kids and how they've worked hard to make the playoffs. She wanted to get them a little recognition.

Fortunately, I actually had crews available. I asked her to email me background information, their upcoming schedule of events, and include pictures so that I COULD use them in the web story. Before Tonya finished giving me the details, I had a crew out the door to get some video.

Having multiple platforms these days, even if our producers can not air a story during their local newscasts, I still try shooting worthy stories so I can air them on wkyc.com.

And that is what we did this evening.

Brian Johnson wound up shooting enough video and sound for what we call a package --a complete story that may air anywhere from 1-2 minutes including narrative, soundbites, b-roll and anything else necessary to make the story sing. Or if you have real compelling sound from a subject, you can produce an 'in their own words' and have the interview subject walk the viewer through the story.

I wound up writing the story for wkyc.com and Videographer Brian Johnson edited a very nice little piece to attach to my web story.

And voila! At the end of the evening, we gave our little football warriors a shout out on wkyc.com.

Stay with wkyc.com and Channel 3 News. I'm sure we are going to follow the progress of these hard working young men.

Why do I feel so bad after doing a stellar job?

9 out of 10 times, the juices are flowing and there are high fives at the end of the night after kicking some major butt.

Tonight, we excelled at our craft from start to finish and hit a home run out of the ballpark.

Then, why do I feel so bad?

Maybe because a number of people just lost their lives.

This is the one downfall, 'collateral damage' so to speak about being an assignment editor.

Here's how it unfolded.

The call came over the scanner for a confirmed working fire on Clark Avenue in Cleveland.

Fires happen every single day. If they are not substantial, most of the time, I don't even send a crew.

But here, more rescue squads and fire units were requested to the scene.

I immediately rolled a camera man to the house. I also lucked out because one of my reporters, Mike O'Mara, and his crew Craig Roberson were in that area for their story.

This is why it is imperative to know where your crews are at all times.

I knew Mike O'Mara and his crew had an interview at Metro. I just did not know if they were still there.

I called Mike and told him I had at least 3 patients being transported to MetroHealth Medical Center after an extremely serious fire keeping my fingers crossed the whole time that they were still on site.

Yes they were. O'Mara and Roberson were just leaving Metro --they had to loop around and get in place, which is what they proceeded to do.

They took simply amazing, yet heart-breaking video at the hospital while Brian Johnson did the same at the Clark fire scene.

We had the video. I had the info from the Fire Chief and PIO as well as the Spokesman for the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office.

I put the story on the web as soon as I dispatched my crews to the various scenes and kept updating it all night with the latest details.

Everything progressed perfectly and ultimately finished on a flawless note.

Except for the outcome of the breaking news, which ended tragically for the family, friends, and neighborhood.

I'm extremely proud of the teamwork, the quick action to change gears, to break the story and beat the competition hands down on all fronts.

However, working in the news business on an assignment desk calls for covering sad or disturbing stories at times.

This turned out to be one of the worst.

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The Fabulous Food Show

I am a huge fan of The Food Network and the bevy of shows they air on a daily basis. It seems I can not get enough of their competitions and their culinary delights.

So you say you are not as enthusiastic as I?

That's quite alright. But I would like to share why whether you are a fan of food or not, having the Fabulous Food Show in Cleveland, Ohio is a win-win situation for Northeast Ohio.

The Fabulous Food Show people term this event as the "Midwest's largest taste try and buy culinary celebration."

This show does not happen in every city. For the last number of years Cleveland, Ohio has been chosen as the host and on their website they are already planning for the show coming back in 2010.

It's an extremely huge honor.

As Michael Symon explained during one of his demo's, Cleveland is one of the leaders in culinary excellence. If you look at cities with our same demographics, size, or even bigger, Cleveland by far has many more local, thriving restaurants. Local is the key word. Who cares about chains? We have so many local chefs who have turned their dreams into reality.

The celebrity chefs who come into town each year LIKE Cleveland and enjoy their visit.

How could they not enjoy their trip this year with the added bonus of 70 degree temperatures!

The 2009 show featured Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, Tyler Florence, Sandra Lee, Jason Roberts, and of course the Ambassador for Cleveland, Iron Chef Michael Symon.

Bobby Flay absolutely LOVED Cleveland. He could not stop talking about how wonderful the people were everywhere he went. Symon took him to the Cleveland Cavs game Saturday night and he had a terrific time (especially seeing his friend Shaq!). Flay said the Knicks fans really need to get as revved up as the Cleveland Cavs fans! Flay and his wife ate at Lola's and could not say enough about Michael Symon, his talent, his staff, the hospitality, and Symon's influence on Cleveland.

When you go to this show, it's similar to others at the I-X Center in the respect that there are booths up and down each aisle. This show, however, doesn't tout floor tilers or hot tub retailers (though a hot tub is not a bad idea) but local food distributors, restaurants, and everything food and drink!

One local woman sold the most amazing Ultimate Brownies. Another stand sold Frappe Vino.

Though these distributors are trying to sell their fares, they all give out free samples. I've never seen so many people lined up from booth to booth just to get a small taste of pasta, a meatball, or a cannoli.

I must admit, I don't stand in those lines. I'd rather see the cooking demos with the stars and walk around to get a glimpse of the stands.

Someone said 'if you go home hungry from these shows, it's your own fault.' Well, I must admit, by 6pm Sunday night, I still had not had a lick of food all day but totally enjoyed my visit.

It was a real treat for me to see my co-worker and friend Jacquie Chakirelis. Jacquie runs our "Momlikeme.com" website. They had a stand at the show and said it was a complete success. There were so many people in attendance all weekend. If you have not logged on to this website yet, please do. It's not just for Mom's, though that is it's focal point. They help Moms with every aspect you can think of, including feeding a family on a budget. There are some pretty hot topics we all get involved in on the website. It's really an interesting site. I suggest popping on some time.

I just can not say enough about the show. They have home made food, they have demonstrations, live music, celebrities, tips, and so much more.

I was lucky enough to attend the Bobby Flay Show and the Michael Symon Show. Not only were both entertaining but they each cooked up three meals to absolutely die for! They offered tremendous tips, especially with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and again, could not say enough good things about Cleveland.

If you've never been to the Fabulous Food Show, I strongly suggest hitting it in 2010. And if you have attended the show and been tantalized by the tremendous tastes, then you too, know why I've chosen The Fabulous Food Show as this week's Hidden Gem!

Jumped into action

That he did!

Producer "Don" sprang into action when he realized Coach Ted Ginn Sr. was in the newsroom.

Ginn Sr. had just done an interview with wkyc sports director and radio voice of the Browns Jim Donovan.

You always have to be on your toes and thinking in the news business.

It seemed at the same moment Producer "Don" and I thought it would be GREAT to get Coach Ginn to do our Facebook Tease.

And, poof!

One minute a pipe dream and the next minute a masterpiece airing on Facebook teasing what will be coming up later on the wkyc 11pm news.

Friendly advice

I've been given some friendly advice about the 'insight' shared about some of the inner workings of a news assignment desk and the daily life of an assignment editor.

Message heard.

I love my job at wkyc too much and especially what I do (which is TONS-- from the news desk to setting up stories, enterprising story ideas, answering phones, dealing with our viewers answering their questions, answering email, pre-planning, involved in the 7pm Live Web Chats, gathering information on heavy hitting stories, writing stories, pushing for the facts before the competition and then getting them out to our staff so they have them first, much computer work with a close connection to our website, wkyc.com, every single day as well as sharing our wkyc facebook teases and youtube sweeps videos....the list really is endless and that's what keeps it interesting).

My initial reason for this blog was to share what I do--heck, I think it's one of the best jobs in the world! You can't beat it! I race into work each day I enjoy it so much. You do the same thing each day BUT it's NEVER the same thing. No two days in my career have ever been the same. And frankly, I am one of the best! When you are good and you love your job --BONUS!

And my secondary reason for this blog is to continue my writing skills. I am an excellent writer. The more you do something, the better you get.


To my avid readers, thank you for your support. I will try my best to continue sharing interesting, up-beat, comical stories I encounter during the course of my shift.....as well as my "Hidden Gems."

My "Hidden Gems" are my baby and I will try to continue sharing the Cleveland I love so much, especially little-known aspects of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, with my readers.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Cheers!

A little tension in the air during November sweeps

We are in the midst of November sweeps.

For me, the concept of 'sweeps' always exasperates me for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, my belief and philosophy is that I should be giving my best EVERY day of the year--and so should my co-workers.

We all should pull out all the stops 365 days out of the year, not just during February, May, July, and October-November.

We all should be giving our customers the best, most informative and exciting stories year round to grab them and make them come back to wkyc for more. We should all be helping our fellow co-workers in anyway we can. We all should strive for perfection every single day leaving no room for error or sub-par performances.

The word 'mediocrity' is not in my vocabulary.


I understand that the industry and the sales department need these specified months to establish sales rates which ultimate pays for all of our bills and salaries. But again, we should be 'bringing it' every day and consistently at the top of our game.


The other major issue which boggles my mind is how so many people believe or think that our performance and our performance alone dictates our ratings.

Get serious. There are so many factors completely out of our control which effect our ratings. The lead in to our news shows play a major role. When the Jay Leno show tanks, regardless of how brilliant the 11pm news may be or how hard we all worked, the audience may be lacking because they strayed during Leno.


And then you have the antics of the local competition. Many of them pull out ridiculous and oftentimes deceitful gimmicks to reel in their audience. They tease a story all day long and their tease has nothing to do with the story that actually airs. Some stations have lots of giveaways to get viewers to tune in --giveaways which have absolutely nothing to do with the story at hand. And then you have those stations which 'bare' all and air the titillating stories to catch the eye of a certain demographic.


A bit of disharmony the last few days. Not sure if the 'sweeps' bug has gotten under everyone's craw, but I have to be honest--recently throughout the course of a day, 3 or 4 people will come talk to me about the SAME topic and all of them have differing stories. One will tell me 'this is supposed to happen' and the next will relay the total opposite scenario. Then someone will say 'so and so' is doing this and yet another person will come up to me and give me a different name.


Thank God I am a problem solver, get to the bottom of the truth and nip it in the bud before anything goes awry!


I've been in the business for nearly a quarter of a century and the way I feel about sweeps today is the exact same way I felt about it 25 years ago.


I will continue being a team player with my sunny disposition and giving 100 percent EVERY single day, not just during sweeps!

I had to visit the Imperial Murders scene

Come on, I'm in the news business.

Over the weekend I had to visit the scene of the Imperial Murders.

I must admit, there were so many people who had the same idea, I could not even exit my vehicle but I drove by the house and got a glimpse....I glanced at the memorial wall and the missing person wall....and saw all of the areas blocked off with yellow crime scene tape.

It is hard to fathom that I was just able to drive by the scene where Anthony Sowell allegedly murdered 11 women, at last count.

Mind boggling.

What is even more mind boggling is how close it is to where I live yet not really. Hard to explain. A hop, skip, and a jump yet a neighborhood I've never been to nor anywhere near where I live or frequent.

I guess I am not totally enamored with this story because it never even crossed my mind to take a picture of the crime scene.

This story definitely will be a historical landmark for this neighborhood, this city for many years to come if not forever.

And now I can say not only did we cover this story from the inception to the conclusion (whenever that may be) but I actually set foot near these gruesome grounds.

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Mom

As you've seen all week, I've used 'Swing by and Spray' as more of a 'catching up with Danielle' forum as well as a way to gracefully glide back into the work mode after being off for so long.

Believe it or not, this has been quite a transition.

Not only am I trying to adjust to not having my Mother and best friend physically here with me anymore but I have been out of work longer than ever before.

I needed to come back to work.

It's just like riding a bike or re-connecting with a terrific friend. I picked up right where I left off.

Now, for making Mom my Hidden Gem, there is no way in God's green earth that I can include every wonderful thing about her or do her justice!! But, I'll give you all a little snippet and glimpse into her greatness.

Mom was a stupendous human being.

She had the biggest fan club around, even more expanse than the Cleveland Browns and their world-wide Browns Backers.

Not sure what one particular attribute drew people to her, but they were drawn.

While dining at one of her favorite restaurants on Larchmere, she caught the attention of Gary Sandy, actor from 'WKRP in Cincinnati.' He was in town doing a play, and in Mom fashion, caught his eye, he was drawn to her and well .....Mom had this effect on EVERYONE!!

She ran our church for the longest time being the 2nd in command after our pastor. Even in her final days, Father would call Mom asking her for code #'s or account #'s, the name of someone he could not remember, or a little background on a longtime parishioner who had passed away.

She sat in the same pew in Church, and believe it or not, NO ONE sat in that spot during her funeral.

Next to her faith and devotion to her Lord, her family and her Cleveland Indians were her life.

She was so proud of her children and grand children. She loved them more than anything. When the kids were smaller, Mom would take us all globetrotting following our Cleveland Indians. Mom really opened up the world for us all. She taught us to respect life and everyone we met. She ingrained in us to enjoy each day as if it was the last and to reach for the skies. She had a tremendous work ethic allowing us to not only have what we needed but what we wanted. She told us all 'you can do anything and be whatever you want to be.' Mom familiarized us to all kinds of music, movies, entertainment, sports and so much more.

We were always on some kind of adventure traveling around to Boston, Detroit, Canada, Baltimore, Florida, Vegas, Arizona, Kansas City, New Orleans, Texas, and so on.....

Mom's energy spurred the rest of us on. We were trying to keep up with her on the Freedom Trail! Finally my Aunt hailed a cab and said, enough!

I remember Mom sitting in 'A Steak in the Neighborhood' in Boston with Indians' Pitcher Jack Morris as they pondered whether or not he should retire. I believe he retired the next season.

I hope one day Mom's fearlessness rubs off on me. She was not afraid of anyone or anything.

Mom would never miss an Indians' Game. Then her health suffered a bit, but we still made the trek to Jacob's Field. It may have taken longer, but was well worth it. Her Usher, Bob, would escort her to our seats and just about whisk her back up all the stairs at the end of the game.

And her health ailments did not stop us from taking our trips. Last year we made it to the final season of old Yankee Stadium, and this year we hit PNC Park.

Mom's 'home away from home' was the Terrace Club at Progressive Field. She'd walk in and they'd escort her to a terrific table. Two weeks before she passed, I had a blow out 80th birthday party for her there. It was one of the best things I could have ever done for her. Family and friends gathered to celebrate her life with her while she was still vibrant and alive and able to enjoy their company.

Mom always thought of someone else. When the WNBA came to Cleveland, knowing my niece's affinity to basketball, she was 1st in line to get Rockers' Season Tickets and had Center Court.

She shopped for Christmas all year long. She'd see the perfect gift for someone in March and buy it! Suffice it to say, we had SO MANY Christmas gifts, we had to start wrapping them weeks in advance!

Even toward the end, Mom never lost her passion for living. We'd be driving somewhere listening to Siriusly Sinatra and she'd be singing along to Frank or Tony or Dino at the top of her lungs not skipping a beat!

She brought her dialysis ward to it's knees laughing when she screamed HALLELUJAH after hearing Eric Wedge had been fired! And she was overjoyed when her 'boyfriend' Rick Manning wished her a happy 80th birthday on TV during the final Cleveland Indians' Game.

Mom was a perfect example of someone who loved life and who lived her life the way the Good Lord prescribed, and it came back to her ten-fold.

Oh, I have a bazillion more stories of my Mom. I've only touched the surface.

If you knew her, I'm sure you understand why I have named her this week's Hidden Gem! If you did not know her, I truly hope you can get a sense from this entry on why my Mom has been chosen as this week's Hidden Gem! I love you Mom! No, "I love you more!"

Thanks for the beautiful flowers!

Words can not describe what I have gone through and will continue to live out for the rest of my life.

I understand this is all part of the chapters and cycles that one must go through in a lifetime.

However, I also know that no two people ever have the same experience.

People can say "I know what you're going through honey..." but they really don't know.

And honestly, someone upstairs is really testing me. To go through what happened to me and my car back on March 25, 2009 and then what transpired on October 26, 2009. Mom was really the only person who gave me the strength and support back in March and ironically, she and her 'posse' up in Heaven are guiding me through this second life altering occurrence.

I've learned ever since Mom started dealing with various ailments 4-5 years ago that everyone reacts differently to adversity, sickness, and death. We had friends & family who continued supporting Mom and I. We had those who said they'd come visit and never showed. We had those who totally ignored us. And then others who kept at a distance but did not want to shun us. Mom and I even had someone do something shocking back in May of, I believe, 2006 --when we really needed her most.

You just have to keep plugging along. I had the best role model for survival, compassion through adversity, faith, and never giving up --My Mom.

I thank my fellow co-workers and former co-workers from around the Country who have sent their well-wishes and prayers over the last number of weeks. I've really worked with some terrific people. I can't mention everyone and don't want to slight anyone but I must thank some former co-workers who went above and beyond --thank you Tommy, Wilma, Lou, Katie, Jane, Bill, Kate, and Allison! Hearing your voice Wilma and seeing the rest of you was a God send. But again, there are soooo many others --a big THANK YOU to all!

The night we thought my Mom was going to pass away, my 11pm producer and dear friend Dan actually came up to the hospital to support my family. I will never forget that moment. And a dear friend of mine and former wkyc weekend anchor, Lydia Esparra, has been helping me the entire time.

I sang my Mom's entire funeral Mass and Lydia and videotape editor Pat Woodside graciously said they'd sit in and back up my singing....take over if I lost it...or just be there for moral support.

Well, through the grace of God (and Mom), I was able to sing every single song. It was so nice having them their for moral support, though.

I just want to thank everyone who has left calls on my home phone, my cell phone, greeted me in person, sent a beautiful card, email, or even a Facebook or Twitter message.

And finally, I'd love to thank WKYC for sending a lovely floral arrangement as well as a delicious food and pastry tray to the Funeral Home during calling hours. Both gestures are greatly appreciated from not only me but my entire family.

Thank You.

As I've said before, we all have another guardian angel watching out for all of us from a better place! And she is also watching over my Cleveland Indians! Mark my words!

Perfect week to come back

The gods are smiling on me. I'm quite fortunate to have the perfect week to come back to work.

Not only an extremely busy week to help me keep my mind off of recent events, at least while I am at work...but a week of extraordinary news stories.

The Imperial serial murders. Let's face it, these stories do not come along very often. All of the National and International media have latched on to this story.

Tuesday's a pretty significant election day for Northeast Ohio. Not only can Cuyahoga County change their government system but Cleveland chooses the fate of the current mayor AND decides whether they want to roll the dice on a new casino.


It reminds me of the week I began at WKYC so many years ago.

I believe my very first day was a huge election day. I'm not sure why I chose that day or how it happened, but I remember having Eileen, a college buddy of mine, sitting at my side allowing me to run the desk as she answered questions specific to how wkyc did their thing!

I felt at home that first night and still feel at home today.


Ever since I've been back, there has not been a want for food in the news room--which is typical for a news department.

My Mom treated the news department to a last banquet (as she did so many times before) as I brought in a huge cold cut platter from Gallucci's for her favorite KYC folks....

Then election night, more pizza and salad than anyone could ever dream of!


It's great being back to work and in the grind. I'm one lucky girl.

A vacation I never imagined

Never ever in my entire professional business career have I been out of the office for so long. I'd like to say it was a nice break, and my dream vacation, but I can not. It was awful in so many ways yet beautiful in others...and continues to be a challenging struggle each day.

Not in a million years did I envision what would happen during my vacation.

What started out as being off to use up my "Indians' World Series" vacation time turned into planning my Mother's funeral.

I was off the first week for a normal, approved vacation. I had my best friend in town and was throwing a huge, blowout 80th birthday party for Mom at the Terrace Club at Progressive Field. I thought, this could be a great week.



Then Mom's 'mystery sickness' became worse and I had to take her to the ER. None of her doctors really know what happened. I guess only God will ever know.



On October 18th, we did not expect her to make it. She was very ill, in CCU and did not have that same will to live she'd had so many times before.



She said, 'Let me go. I'm ready.'



We did not expect her to make it. The entire family and so many good friends gathered at the hospital and kept vigil at her bedside. Fortunately, Mom was with it the entire time. Totally aware of what was happening and able to answer us with written notes, head nods or at the end verbally.



I called off the next week not knowing what would happen. Mom needed me at her bedside. I also made a vow that I WOULD be with her when she passed away.



It was the best decision I ever made. I enjoyed spending so much time with Mom each day, speaking with her nurses and doctors on a regular basis, playing an active role in what was happening and would eventually happen and just being there for her so she was not alone. I made it as homey as possible bringing her favorite pictures from home, her Puffs, watching her favorite television shows with her and acting as we would normally act on a daily basis.



At one point, Mom actually had a few days where she made a little progress and seemed to be getting that spark back. I was not too hopeful though. There was something different.



However, as I've done my entire life, as Mom taught me, I continued living each moment to the fullest and just enjoying my special time with Mom knowing full well what her next destination would be.



I was actually planning on coming back to work the 3rd week when Mom took a turn for the worse. She was still with it but was tired. She was not getting any better and would not.



Her final day, October 26, 2009, was beautiful. Members of my family spent the entire day together. I held her hand all day long. I made stupid jokes to make her smile and light up her eyes. I told her our dog was waiting for her along with so many relatives and friends who have gone before her.





For those three weeks I wondered was there anything else I needed to do, to say, to show her and there was not. Mom and I had been so close. Two kindred spirits, hearts, that we were good. She was my best friend in the entire world. When she was trying to write or say something, I knew what it was before she even finished her statement.





Mom took her afternoon nap with my sister at one side, me on the other, both of us grasping her hands, and she just never woke up.

Catch you on the flipside!

Hate to post and run, but that's what I am doing!

All the days I was anticipating sitting down at Progessive Field during October baseball with that exciting feel of a Playoff Game, or better yet, the World Series never came to fruition.

But, that said, I still have the vacation time to take, and heck, it could not have come at a better time.

Mom's having a milestone birthday.....my best friend will be in town.....and Mom has been a bit under the weather so she'll have her drill sargeant barking orders at her all week!

Oh don't worry, the time will be put to very good use!

And before I know it, I'll be sharing my daily antics on the news assignment desk with my Swing By and Spray Audience again!

Have a great week everyone!

Heroes Help Ohio

WKYC is joining forces with the Cleveland Foodbank once again to collect much needed food for those in need in Cleveland as well as bring awareness to the Cleveland Foodbank and all they do for Northeast Ohio.

Last year, WKYC and the Cleveland Foodbank banded together to be part of one of the most successful days the Foodbank ever had by setting record breaking numbers in food donations.

This year, "Heroes Help Ohio" will take place Thursday, October 22 in the WKYC front parking lot between 5 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The hope is to surpass the amount of food donated last year as well as collect new or slightly used coats for the "Coats for Kids" program and holiday gifts for the Salvation Army.

Please, come on down and bring non-perishable food donations, a cash-donation, or coats or holiday gifts and help make someone's holiday a bit brighter this year.

Spread the word at your school, church, community group, PTA, or any group you are involved with and urge them to participate as well!

Hope to see you down at wkyc on October 22nd!

County Reform Special

Whether you pay any attention to the news or not, I'm sure you are aware of the Cuyahoga County Reform issue which has been in the spotlight.

Whether you are into politics or not, ditto.

Well, WKYC knows this has been one of the most hot-button issues, and one of the most volatile years in Cuyahoga County Government, so WKYC along with WVIZ/PBS Ideastream and The Plain Dealer are joining forces to bring Northeast Ohio voters a special half-hour program to answer questions about Cuyahoga County reform Issues 5 & 6.

The half-hour special will air on WKYC on Sunday, Oct. 25th at 10 a.m. and on WVIZ on Friday, Oct. 23 at 8:30 p.m.

Journalists who have been covering the county reform issue will weigh in with their expertise and highlight the most pressing questions voters have before they head to the polls.

If you have any questions you would like addressed, log onto wkyc.com and CLICK ON THIS LINK!!!!

Internships tell a lot

I've always been a huge fan of the concept of internships.

When I was in college, my advisor highly promoted getting at least one internship in the junior or senior year in order to get hands-on experience in a certain field rather than just reading about it in a book.

By my two internships at WEWS with their 'Live on Five' Show and then in their editing department, it paved the way for my television career.

They were both fabulous experiences that I will never, ever forget.

I was one of the lucky ones.

I knew right away.

There are those folks who still don't know what they want to do or are not entirely in love with the internship they choose.


After being out yesterday with a sick Mom, I come back to find 2 amazing new phenomenon.

The first jaw-dropping announcement was that we finally received a new script printer. Trust me, this is BIG news.

We brought the printers, fax machines, scanners, etc., over from the old building.

I've written and shared before my frustration at trying to plan for my daily editorial meeting, printing out all of the pertinent information and my assignment sheet only to find a huge flashing message saying 'printer error' or 'printer jammed.'

It may seem like a small issue, but when the equipment is not working, it really makes it hard for one to do their job to the highest of standards.

Well, we have this fabulous new printer which makes no sound as it prints, and is just, perfect!


The second surprise is that my supervisor told me one of our new interns resigned.

It appears working in a newsroom was not quite what everyone touted it up to be.

I grant you this, TV is not a 'life or death' business like a doctor or nurse or even a pilot or someone who has other people's lives in their hands constantly.

But I will tell you this, working in the news business, on the news assignment desk is, at times, a very grueling grind.

We don't get lunch breaks. We don't get breaks. I don't smoke so I don't get the 'smoke break every couple of hours.'

My dance card is full from the minute I arrive until the minute I leave.

Heck, I can not even remember the last time I made it down the hall to the lunchroom for a soda pop.

There is no time to goof off, sit and chat about life for extended periods of time, or do anything that is not related to work.

Especially now since we have downsized and we are a smaller staff size, I wear many hats which entails me constantly working.

This is not even factoring in the hundreds of email received on a daily basis that we must read, answer, or put in the futures' files.

I adore this grind and am really good at wearing all of these hats and multi-tasking.

I LOVE working on the news assignment desk, being more involved with every facet of wkyc.com, and then all of the other duties assigned to me--or not assigned to me but falling in my lap which I must solve.


I was made for this role and love it! It's a wonderful fit!


However, it definitely is not for everyone.

And that's when internships come in handy. If you can't stand a particular task, you find out before you get a paying job and get hooked into doing it for a while.

You get the feel, see what fits, and walk away from those duties that are not quite your cup of tea!

WKYC's new cub reporters

The WKYC family became a little larger after 2 of our producers brought their new bundles of joy into the world.

You see Amanda and Erin every day on our Facebook teases as they showcase and share with the Facebook audience the stories which will be coming up on Channel 3 News at 6pm or Channel 3 News Today.

Amanda gave birth to a healthy baby girl weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces and Erin gave birth to a healthy baby boy weighing in at 7 pounds 11 ounces.

I'm glad to report that all involved are doing very very well.....and you will see other staffers pinch hitting for Amanda and Erin on the Facebook teases over the next few months.

So, they are not going to the Playoffs?

Heads up, Swing By and Spray readers!

Over the next month I have a bunch of vacation days to use up so there will be some missing entries.

My vacation supervisor bent over backwards for me and must be commended in a big way.

Each year, being the huge Cleveland Indians' baseball fan, I try taking some time in October for when my Cleveland Indians are in the MLB playoffs and the World Series.

Well, up until the middle of September, believe it or not, the Indians were still numerically in it.

I would go around asking our sports guys if it's time to write the Tribe off and hand in my vacation days, and they would give me this look of 'you are kidding me, aren't you?'

So, I had to bite the bullet, come to the realization that my Tribe is NOT going to make it to the Playoffs or World Series this year and take my remaining vacation time.

Hence, I'll be keeping in touch and sharing my adventures on the news assignment desk, but they'll be disconnected over the next month or so!

On the bright side, the Indians' 2010 Schedule is already out and the wheels in my head are already churning!!!!

Downside of the news

Working on the news assignment desk is an amazing feat and a fascinating daily occurrence.

As I was reading the morning paper, the Plain Dealer, which is a daily ritual, a downside of working in news was staring back at me.

I know that you can whiz through hundreds if not thousands of newspapers online but I still like to take a gander through the paper in the morning as I eat my breakfast and prepare for my usually hectic day ahead.

I always look at the obituaries. Some would say it's the Italian in me? Whatever it may be, I'm looking through the obituaries and there are a number of people I know or am familiar with listed.

A former priest at my parish.....the relative of a PR guru.....the relative of a co-worker.....and then two recent cases we've covered extensively.

Daniel Kondas, the mailman who was killed during his delivery route, and 15-year-old Daniel Murphy, the St. Ignatius boy killed in a freak ATV accident.

Covering a story extensively such as the two listed above, you do get involved and intertwined with the victims. You may not know them personally, but after extensive research, and possibly speaking to family and friends, it's really like you knew them your whole life.

I have to say, this is one of the downsides of working in the news business and on the news assignment desk.

Cleveland's biggest cheerleader

I've never been thought of as 'the ivy league girl next door cheerleader type' but believe it or not, I was a cheerleader in grade school.


I have the mud marks to prove it.


We were cheering one rainy day and BOOM, landed on my dupa as everyone marveled how I never skipped a beat --got right back up and continued on with the routine!


I truly am one of the biggest cheerleaders for the city of Cleveland.


I've traveled all over the world, so I guess my rah-rahing has merit because I HAVE been to numerous other cities and still come home to the best!


For those nay-sayers who still think Cleveland is a dying city, just take a look at the heated debate on building some type of casino and/or hotel in the downtown area...as well as the slots idea which has stalled but is not dead.


Then you have the whole Lakefront plan, which in my opinion, is taking way too long. We don't have business savvy pioneers anymore in the city the likes of Michael White, Dick Jacobs, Bert Wolstein, Tom Chema. If these guys were in power, all of the above would already be reality!


Most recently, discussion came out about a 54 million dollar plan to revive the East Bank of the Flats. Oh, I remember those days--late 80's and 90's where the Flats were hopping every night on the East Bank and West Bank until the wee hours of the morning. Those were the glory days.


The one project I am disenfranchised with is the Hopkins Airport transformation. And I really should not place judgement until I see the final product. But from everything I've heard and read, unless you have a plane ticket and are flying out or in, you will not be able to experience the biggest airport renovation in decades.


I wish Hopkins mirrored, oh let's say, the Tampa Airport where you can frequent dozens and dozens of gift shops, dine at the best restaurants, and spend quality time with your traveler before they depart.


I love Cleveland and am the biggest cheerleader, but why does it seem that getting to the finish line for many of these projects feels like pulling teeth along the way?

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Womankind

I've written before on various charities and organizations, and honestly, there are so many in Northeast Ohio, it's hard to wrap your arms around & embrace every single one of them, though they all have their unique purpose of helping those who can not help themselves.

My church supports many causes, this group being one of them.

Each year, usually during the month of October, my Parish sponsors an event raising money for Womankind.

Baby bottles are handed out and at the end of the month, hopefully generous parishioners will have placed their loose change, dollar bills, or even a hefty check inside the bottle.

All the money raised during the month of October is sent to Womankind to assist in their mission.

In a nutshell, Womankind is a non-profit organization which has been in existence since 1975.

They provide numerous services to pregnant woman and their families who may not have the finances necessary.

But it is so much more and complex than that statement.

Pre-natal care is provided along with other services ranging from the medical treatments necessary to emotional guidance surrounding this life-changing event in a woman's life.

Not only are their medical professionals on hand such as physicians, nurses and midwives, but experts who can assist with adoptions, if that route is chosen, or even legal issues.

I must be honest, I don't have much contact with this group personally, except through my church, but again, there are so many organizations out there trying to help those in need.

If this one does not fit your lifestyle, search for a worthy group that you can assist to make Cleveland a better place and the world a bit nicer.

Log onto the womankind website, and you too, will see why it is this week's Hidden Gem.

I'm not old!!

We're only as old as we feel.

I do believe that mantra.

Unfortunately, lately I feel old.

And 2 recent incidents just compound the vibe.

One of our younger employees came up to me the other day and said, 'hey you should come watch us play softball sometime!'

WHAT?

Did he not realize I carry my glove and softball in the trunk of my car?

Did he not realize I was the wkyc catcher for the longest time and played pretty good for a girl?

If I did not catch, I DID play other positions!


If that's not bad enough, one of our new interns struck up a conversation asking how I got into this business....did I always want to do what I do.....blah blah blah.

When I told her I absolutely adore what I do and have so many other hidden talents, hobbies, aspirations I could attempt (such as my writing, my singing, the family boutique we've always wanted to try, winning the lottery, the list is really endless), she turned to me and said, "Danielle, you are not old at all. I don't think someone is old until they are....uh.....about 49 years old!"


The other shoe has dropped!

Jay Leno's Primetime debut

Well, what did you think?

I, as an employee of NBC and wkyc, hope the ratings are off the charts!

If Leno does well, it can only help our late news.

However, I hate relying solely on our lead-in shows.

It's great to put out a tremendous show and grab the viewers on our own and keep them coming back for more night after night. What satisfaction!

If you depend on the lead-in and it's not up to par, well enough said!


Regardless of if you watched or not and what you thought or not, Leno's debut proved to be quite a success with about 18 million viewers tuning in at 10:00 p.m.

Nielsen Media Research says "that's the biggest audience for a prime time television show since the 'American Idol' finale in May.

Leno said it himself, it's great having a fresh, live show each day because you can discuss the hot topics and news of the day.

Well, the news that day was how Kanye West snubbed and embarrassed Taylor Swift during the MTV Video Music Awards. And poof --Leno had Kanye West on the premier show. Great move.

My stats folks and fellow employees who track the ratings more than I tell me wkyc at 11pm had wonderful numbers. Hopefully those tuned in for the first Leno show liked what they saw at 11pm and will keep coming back for more!

'The Point After' starts up again

With Sunday's kickoff of the regular season of Cleveland Browns Football comes yet another debut: 'The Point After.'

On Monday nights at 7:00 p.m. during football season, the wkyc 7pm news goes on hiatus as 'The Point After' takes center stage.

If you have not tuned into this show, you don't know what you are missing!

It has to be one of the most riveting 1/2 hours of sports television programming all week long.

Not only do you have the radio voice of the Cleveland Browns, Jim Donovan, but he is joined by former Cleveland Brown great Doug Dieken, former Browns' coach Sam Rutigliano and Sports Writer Tony Grossi.

The wealth of knowledge assembled for 'The Point After' each week makes for a fast-paced and enlightening broadcast combining a break-down of the game, insight as to what worked and what didn't, a look ahead at the next game, stimulating conversation and a dash of humor.

The fans get an inside perspective they can not get anywhere else as they find themselves in the center of the action.

Remember, tune in to wkyc at 7:00 p.m. each Monday night during Cleveland Browns' Football for 'The Point After.'

Patriot Day 2009

As journalists, we try to commemorate the events of September 11, 2001 as respectfully as possible.

Numerous agencies, individuals, cities, and government groups schedule events, plan memorials, conduct vigils, and remembrances all day long.

Every news agency be it on line, in print, on tv, local, or national inundates the audience for days leading up to and then all day and night long.

From a business standpoint, there are only so many events we can cover.

We try to cover a sampling of what is taking place in honor of Patriot Day, 2009 to share the essence of the day.

As an American, a human being, and a sentimental person, I was drawn to the television coverage on NBC, MSNBC, CNN all day long into the wee hours of the next morning.

I could not turn it off.

MSNBC rebroadcast their coverage of the Today Show as it unfolded that fateful day.

I was riveted.

Is it the news person in me?

Or the event tugging at my emotional heart strings?

Whatever the case, I'd like to think that the events back on September 11, 2001 have made me a better person at work, at home and as an American realizing what I have, where it came from, how amazing it is to be living in the United States of America, and thankful for every minute of every day never again taking anything for granted.

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Tree stockings

You may ask, why does a tree trunk need a stocking?

The only person who may know the full answer to that question is the artist and creator, Carol Hummel.

Hummel designed a beautiful art form which has literally taken each neighborhood she has adorned by storm.

Hummel actualized her 'Tree Cozy' project back in 2005 in Cleveland Heights. The way it was explained to me: "femininity and comfort" protecting the tree.

I think of it two-fold, at least.

You not only beautify a neighborhood using an interesting art form, but the artist uses this outlet to formulate their innermost thoughts and feelings and then put them on display for the public to see.

These tree sweaters began showing up in the Larchmere Blvd neighborhood over the last month or so and they have really made an impact and a difference in this already eclectic area.

Larchmere has become one of the most up and coming neighborhoods in Cleveland with its art galleries, antique stores, boutiques, specialty stores, fabulous restaurants, and so much more.

Now, the colorful sweaters adorning the trees symbolize the diversity and distinctiveness of this community.

If you have not seen via photograph or live in person one of these tree sweaters, keep your eyes to the tree trunks and parking meters as you travel thru the Cleveland Heights and Larchmere areas...and you too will see why I've made Carol Hummel's tree stockings this week's Hidden Gem!

For more information on the artist, Carol Hummel, CLICK HERE.

Proud to see alma mater

Tonight President Obama spoke in Prime Time.

Sometimes as a journalist, you walk a fine line with your contacts and connections.

For instance, I don't believe that we should constantly interview the same people or go to the same location time and time again just because they or it is connected to the station or a station employee. That's favoritism in my eyes.

Sure, when we were doing our series on AED's I hooked up Eric Mansfield with my college roommate's husband because he is Mr. AED. He sells them, he's done numerous tests and studies with them and knows all the latest facts and figures on AED's. He was an invaluable resource for a legitimate story we were working on at the time. Whether or not Eric Mansfield saw the gem he had in the palm of his hand and used him, I really don't know. In my eyes, he should have and hopefully he did.

And tonight, President Obama spoke on health care for the United States.

During the planning meeting, it was decided to head out to Hiram College, which just happens to be my Alma Mater.

I could not be more pleased. I believe we are heading in the right direction.

Hiram College has been deemed one of the most diverse Liberal Arts Colleges in the Midwest with an amazing Political Science Program making great strides in the other Sciences as well. A great place to get a balanced reaction to this issue.

Dave Summers put together quite a well-balanced reaction piece to President Obama's speech. CLICK HERE for his story.

STO working round the clock

Normally, having a short work week would do the body and brain good!

No sir, my friends.

Dragging.

I'm dragging like you would not believe.

And that's NOT good on an election night.

But I can not even imagine how our STO friends need a little pick-me-up.

The Cleveland Indians' Labor Day Game was rained out and will be played today as a genuine twi-night double header as in days of yore!!

I loved those games.

You'd buy tickets for one game and got to see two!

If I was not working today, I'd be at the Ballpark for sure.


I don't even know what the crew call time was for our STO friends.

They must get ready for the Indians double header including the pre-game show....then game #1....then a quick postgame show or pre-game for the next, whatever you want to call it! And do it all over again!


When we arrived into work, they were already in....no parking spots available, not a one!

Fortunately, their producer/director bought pizzas for the crew to keep their energy level up to endure the long day.


But wait, there's more.


Wednesday's game is at NOON.


So no matter how early or late they end their coverage, the gang must come back again bright and early Wednesday morning to do it all again.


We're with you STO!! You are doing a great job!

It's a bird, it's a plane, it IS a plane making an emergency landing

For the last 2 days, it's clear that it is Labor Day Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio and the Air Show is right around the corner.

Mid-week before Labor Day Weekend, the planes which will be performing in the Air Show begin arriving.

What a sight not only to see but to hear.

As I sit at the news assignment desk, I don't even have to see anything but just hearing the planes zooming around as if they are feet away is a thrill.

I can not say it enough, I love living in this city and all it has to offer.

Seeing the Air Show at Burke Lakefront Airport each Labor Day Weekend is a great treat for young and old alike.

An absolutely great vantage point to watch the Air Show is our very own third floor porch. Best seat in the house and we don't have to pay a thing!

But tonight, we had a different, exciting twist, which fortunately ended happily.

As we were doing a weather bump live shot from our porch off of the back of the wkyc building, Videographer Mark Smilor saw a plane come in for a landing and then loads of fire trucks head for the location of the landing.

He immediately called the news desk. I immediately dispatched a crew (George Payamgis) down to Burke Lakefront Airport as well as reporter Paul Thomas. Then I called the control room to tell them what was happening if they did not already know. I told the producer to keep their eye on Mark's shot.

Our sigac operator dialed in one of our traffic cameras to see what they could see.

And as luck would have it, wkyc was airing the Indians' Game so the Blimp was up in the friendly skies.

The blimp caught the entire thing in the STO control room.

Now, even though technology today is phenomenal, it still took a little doing to get what was captured by the Blimp in one control room over to the other control room. I believe we had to make a dub before we could get anything on our air.

As luck would have it, Paul Thomas also ran into someone who caught the event on video as well. He allowed us to use his amateur video.

It's amazing how things sometime come together and how a number of individuals must work together to piece together a breaking news story.

Fortunately, the pilot was not injured and landed the plane safely. The plane sustained some damage because the wheels were not down during his landing.

I had a new employee on the desk who was able to see first hand during her first week how 'spot news' happens and how you must react to it and pull everything together.

When we had a lull, I explained to her what I did, who I called, who I communicated to, and how to handle a situation such as we just had.

And the great thing about this: No one had it on their websites all night long, no Twitter, no Facebook.

The 10pm competition did not have the story.

One other station at 11pm regrouped and added a VO into their show after ours aired.

It's nice when everything comes together and falls into place!

Perfect ending to a tremendous week and wonderful start to a holiday weekend!

My extended family

Since we spend anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 of our week at work, it's very easy to see why the workplace and those we work with become our 'extended family.'

I'm sure there are some business situations which are 'all business' and do not allow co-workers to mix or become close.

You begin at 9am and leave at 5pm. You stay to yourself and just do your job.

I could never do that.

I really get into what I do.

I'm told I do it well, am one of the best.

No man is an island.

A great product comes from tremendous 'team work.'

Team work leads to friendship, camaraderie, and oftentimes, a closeness never anticipated.

My boss's father just passed away.

Today was the wake.

I went before my shift began, and unfortunately, could not stay very long being on my way to work. I wanted to attend the wake because I could not attend the funeral due to a family medical obligation.

But, as I entered the funeral home, it hit me how my co-workers ARE family.

I actually see my co-workers MORE than I see numerous blood relatives.

My co-workers see me at my best when I arrive, and then at my worst (physically) as I walk out the door with my hair up in a clip and no make-up left.

As I inched my way up the receiving line, I caught a glimpse of my boss's children.

The look her son gave me melted my heart.

He knew who I was, and with no words gave me the comforting look that he was glad to see me.

You see, when Rita's children would visit the station, I'd chat with her son and how he was doing in school, and all of his projects. Both of her children are very smart and very nice kids. But, it seemed her son, as a youngster, was drawn to the noise and hustle and bustle of the loud, crazy assignment desk. I'd love to chat with him. He was an adult in a child's body with the brilliant conversation we shared.

Rita's daughter and I are Facebook friends.

It's an amazing thread that ties all of us together.

I never knew Rita's dad, but just by knowing her and her family and all she had been through, my heart ached.

I truly believe you can never have too many 'true' friends and family members.

I am blessed to have an amazing extended family who help me make it not only through the work day but through life.