I felt like I was in an episode of 'The Golden Girls'

Second day back from Christmas vacation, and today is already miles apart from yesterday's shenanigans.

I saw my pal Del Donahoo. My day would not be complete without entering the newsroom and immediately being greeted by Del's comforting smile! He's an icon, a staple for this newsroom. I can only hope I am still as productive in life when I get to be Del's young age!!!

One of the 1st calls I answered was my friend Mike Rogers, PR genius behind Mike Rogers and Associates. He's great at his craft in the PR business...but also phenomenal and a legend in supplying the newsroom with decadent treats around the holidays and his big events. Today's fare: Cheesecake packed between a layer of crumbled cookie crust and rich chocolate icing topped with 6 Oreo cookies! I gained 5 pounds just looking at the amazing creation. The only thing needed with this cheesecake was Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia sitting around the kitchen table commiserating on their daily woes and solving all the problems of the world!!

Story ideas were easy to come by.....Dave Summers loved one of the first ones that rolled off my tongue!

And this NEVER happens, I mean NEVER happens. Out of the blue, I answered a call from a man looking for the news desk. Sounded quite routine and innocent at first. The man went on to say he wanted to apologize for calling yesterday and being extremely rude to the young lady who answered the phone. I about fell off of my chair! In fact, I am typing this from the floor! He said the holidays spur crazy times, especially when alcohol is involved and people get out of control saying and doing things they don't mean. He just wanted to apologize for his actions.

Can you believe that?? I can not. I don't think I have ever gotten a follow up apology call. A nice gesture even though I still believe his actions were uncalled for and absolutely deplorable! But, I'll take the apology as we wind down the old year, try starting up a new year fresh with a clean slate...letting bygones be bygones!

Vacation came to a screeching halt

Holy cow! No matter how much I love my job, holiday vacation came to a screeching halt the minute I walked in the door!

Don't get me wrong, there is still a bit of 'festivity' hanging around..seeing friends and co-workers you have not seen in a week....still exchanging holiday cards and gifts....and of course, it would not be a newsroom without food-- home-baked cookies, candies and other foodstuffs on the center newsroom table!

We even had an unexpected visit from a former co-worker. Chris Savastano --affectionately known as 'Sav' --popped in to see us all. He left Channel 3 for an exciting job directing (among other duties) in Orlando at the Golf Channel.

Thank goodness I actually went through one section of my email at home. Sunday night I waded through 500 email messages.....most of which I could delete. When I logged on today, I only had to wade through another 100 new messages! Made life so much easier!

I still have 388 messages in another section of the computer but those can wait.

It's a web day for me as well.....so much of my focus today will be placing stories and video on the website.

One sticking point today was efforting video from WPXI in Pittsburgh. We were snake bit. I had to book that window three times....the 1st time, WPXI was having problems with their PUP. The next time, we had technical difficulties--the video we took in was recorded over or erased or 'something' mysteriously happened to it! Third time the charm! We finally received the video news reporter Dave Summers needed for his story. Whew!

But, that's not the worst of it.

Some of our staffers actually have 'fans' who sometimes take things a bit too far. I guess you could call them 'stalkers.' I've spoken of the viewer callers who call on a regular basis and they are ok. We talk to them or just listen to them as they call over and over and over again.

These so-called 'fans' sometimes take it a bit too far. So far, that when they call we actually have to alert our security folks and human resources /business office folks. Mr. Henry has been calling more and more lately. I jot down his number (216.227.__) but nothing seems to happen. He keeps calling for the same staffer over and over, day in and day out. So far, today, he's only called about 15 times. That's 14 times too many for me. It's rude and disruptive. I even told him, 'Sir, I can not believe you continue calling disrupting us in the midst of our jobs....I would not be rude and bother you at your place of employment or home a dozen times.' But sometimes these folks are a bit unstable and just don't get it.

The top caller of the day was an EXTREMELY belligerent man who called--at the same time that 4 other people were calling --so I put him on hold so I could answer all lines in the order they called!

Well, this 'viewer' was put out at being put on hold --must have called me a 'skagg' about 12 times....oh some of the other great descriptions tossed my way included 'blond bimbo'.....'skinny ass whore'.....'young in-experienced whore who must not have a bachelor's degree.....just answering the phones.'

I'm sure if I told him I had 7 Emmy Awards and 12 Press Club Awards among many other accolades, he would have come up with some degrading response!

Nice, huh! I honestly do not get paid enough to speak to these abrasive, ignoramuses.

If the Haines 2007 Directory Telokey Criss Cross is correct, I'm sure Mr. Tom O'Malley (216.281.90__) is beaming and very proud at the way he man-handled a female Monday. I feel sorry for you, sir--having to demean and belittle someone else to feel so high and mighty about yourself!!

The news waits for no one

Finally able to come up for air! Friday took it all out of me.

Friday I learned that the news waits for no one...like the postman --thru rain and snow and ...well you know the saying!

I'm gonna resort to being a bit 'all about me' right now, JUST to explain my story!

Friday, December 19th was the last day before my vacation. I must add, this is THE VERY FIRST time I have actually been off the entire week of Christmas in my entire broadcasting career. I was so looking forward to getting all caught up, putting all my ducks in a row before being off for a week so that when I got back I didn't have a mound of anything to tackle.

Friday, December 19th was also my birthday. No way, no how am I saying how old...however, the last thing I wanted to do on my birthday and the day before vacation is work overtime.

Normally, not a problem. That's why I prefaced this entry with the 'selfish' and 'self-absorbed' explainer!

Mr. News reared his ugly head just to foul up my perfectly orchestrated plan.

He crashed a little plane into a house in Stark County....sent the Cleveland Homicide unit to a person killed on Dibble on Cleveland's east side.....placed a suspicious package under a government vehicle at an Army recruiting station in Medina County.....and turned off the power to thousands in the western suburbs--without their consent!

But wait, there's more!

ALL of this on the day when I am web girl --meaning the normal person who handles the web is not in for the bulk of my shift and I have to focus more on the web than normal, including putting the reporters' video packages on the web...

Amazingly enough, I got all of the necessary work completed...and most of my other agenda checked off. But, it was one heck of a shift. I did wind up working over about an hour and then I just had to throw in the towel and concede that whatever was not done was not getting done until vacation ends.

At one point, I was the only person in the newsroom for quite a while. Romona Robinson walked back in and said, "Dani, do you realize that before I came in, you were the only person in the newsroom?" I told her --"that is why I am always talking to myself. There is usually no one in here with me!!"

On days like these, you do the best you can. You ARE only one person. With breaking news, I first and foremost have to get a crew out to the story WHILE I am attempting to toss something on the web and hopefully beat the competition at that task! Friday, we had so much stuff and one of them (the plane crash) was huge. I could not shoot the bomb threat or power outage but still put those stories on the web. As much new content as possible is what I strive for when it comes to the web. And as much UP TO THE MINUTE content, especially!

That's all I did. Oh, I answered the phones and listened to the scanners of course....but the bulk of my duties was web, web, web. I had to leave my archiving and future preps and court checks and wading through all of my email and messages and so much more on the back burner while I dealt with trying to win the big breaking news story on the air as well as on the web. I think we did it!

And my birthday was not half bad, either. Everyone remembered it and made me feel like queen for a day --a very crazed and busy queen, but none the less!

The day I get back from vacation, I'll just have to take a deep breath, tackle one task at a time, remember that I am only one person and see where the chips fall!

Happy Holidays to all of you! In this fast-paced world, I hope you can slow down, enjoy the moment, savor memorable occasions, delight in those around you and surround yourself with the unconditional love of family and friends!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Malley's Chocolates

I confess. I've become a chocolate snob. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE chocolate. I won't eat just any 'ole' chocolate, but I love it! If you give me the option of white cake or chocolate, hands down, chocolate. Same thing with sprinkles, puddings, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, shakes, milk...and the ultimate: chocolate chip ice cream or any chocolate ice cream medley.

So driving by Malley's Chocolates--ok, you don't just drive by Malley's without making a pit stop!!

To have in our own backyard one of the original chocolate dynasties is outrageous.

We've been celebrating holidays and special events my entire life with Malley's Chocolates. For Mom's special day, all the chocolate covered fruits from strawberries to raspberries and beyond! Every celebrated holiday throughout the year ranging from Valentine's Day thru Christmas and Hanukkah (and in between) have their very own unique specialty treats. It's tradition. I will not let a holiday go by without getting our 'usuals' and keeping the traditions alive!

Right here in our very own backyard.

The confectionery dream began in 1935 at the corner of Madison and Lewis in Lakewood when Mike Malley turned his visions into reality. When you think of Malley's you think of chocolate but Malley made and still makes some of the most scrumptious ice cream concoctions. It's hard to believe that what started as the Malley family living in the rear rooms of their store has turned into 17 retail stores (4 of those having ice cream parlors) and a huge mail order business.

At Easter, kids of all ages can visit BunnyLand and get their favorites such as Carmallow eggs, spiced or regular jelly beans, chocolate bunnies or any of the Easter delicacies. At Christmastime, Malley's oftentimes takes customers on a walk down memory lane showcasing old fashioned candies, authentic toys, and remembrances of Cleveland Christmas days gone by.

One other trademark, you could say, of Malley's is the popularity of their fundraising programs. I know when I was a little girl, I sold Malley's candy bars. Did you?

This holiday season, no matter what religion or nationality, hometown or age, Malley's has something for you. Take a stroll into your nearest Malley's Chocolates store and, you too, will see and smell and taste why Malley's Chocolates is this week's Holiday Hidden Gem!

DTV Test Info

(photo Courtesy wkyc.com)

Tonight is the night of the big DTV test.

40 Ohio television stations will take part in the five minute test.

This test will air on stations' analog signals only and will alert customers if their tv's are set for the transition or if they are not yet ready for the coming switchover.

If your tv set is ok, you will see regular programming.

If your tv is not ready yet, you should see a graphic informing you that you or your cable company needs to take action to prepare for the conversion.

I'd like to attach a few links to websites and informational areas which can supply much more information than I!

TV Stations test digital signal tonight

Federal Government info on DTV Transition

Sit back, relax, and hopefully at 730pm tonight, you will STILL be enjoying your show!!!

End of an Era

I've been in the television business a long time. Oh sure, I have many mentors who exceed not only my experience but my outright days (including the subject of this entry)! I've lived through takeovers, mass firings, retirements, downsizing, unexpected deaths, and even on-set birth labor pains! You name it, I've seen it! And God-willing, will continue to endure.

But, I must admit, the timbre of the last number of days has a foreign feel.

A dear friend and comrade anchored his last show for wkyc Friday night. We were not forbidden to speak of the situation. In fact, the art director created a beautiful card for everyone to sign...throughout the week, friends and co-workers said their good-byes while reminiscing of fond memories. Tim received hundreds, if not thousands of appreciative email, saving every single one. We even ordered the General's favorite banana pepper pizza (a whole one just for him) in between farewell fetes as a 'comforting' send off.

Tim White crafted a poignant farewell to his viewers, his fans, his friends which aired during the 7pm show and re-played during the 11pm news. The station allowed and encouraged this final act.

If you did not see it, I will include the transcript at the end of this entry.

I was and still am a bit dazed at how someone in the spotlight night after night can exit quietly stage left.

No fanfare, unobtrusive good-byes, and absolutely no animosity (at least not in public).

I've never witnessed this before.

But, it certainly does fit in with the character of the protagonist in this story line.

Benevolent man brimming with respect closing the show in the same distinguished way he began it: professionalism intertwined with dignity, style, and grace.

Transcript from Tim White's Goodbye:

"It's not easy to know how to say goodbye to people and a place you have loved for going on ten years. So I have decided to answer some of the questions I've had from viewers. To save TV time, I won't repeat the question. But here are the answers:

• Yes, Romona and I really do get along that well...off camera too.



• No, I do not wear a hair piece...it's all mine.



• I don't think it's all Romeo's fault. And I believe the Browns will win the Superbowl ...in three years.



• Yes, I do believe Cleveland has already turned the corner; we're just too close to see how far we've come. Ask somebody who has just moved here.



• It's true that I don't often call it Northeast Ohio --everything north of Columbus and east of Toledo is Cleveland.



• They should have hung on to Jim Thome.



• Yes, I do worry that the news business is becoming more business than news.



• Yes, these are really hard times. In some ways, the years ahead will be like the 1950's --and that's not all bad.



• No, I don't think it's bad luck. All Cleveland needs to soar is confidence and leadership.



• Yes, LeBron is a force of nature. But the most remarkable thing about his talent and fame is how well he's handled it.



• I disagree...the Plain Dealer may be smaller, but it's a good paper and I wouldn't start the day without it.



• Yes, Romona is the best dressed woman I know. And, she is nice too.



• No, I have never worked with a better sports guy than Jimmy Donovan. I don't think there is one.



• I agree...Betsy has made the transition to being a great mom as gracefully as she made the transition to being the main weather person.



• I appreciate that, but if you like our newscast the real people to thank are the reporters and producers and camera folks and editors who work hard every day to make a newscast we are all proud of. Romona and I are just the tip of the iceberg.



• Yes, folks around here DO care a lot about veterans. The rest of the country should learn from us.



• What's it been like? Being here with you every night has been more than a job. It's been a blessing.



• Sure, it's been hard for me to have my family scattered all over the country and the world. But you have made me feel like part of yours, and I will always be grateful for that.



• It is not easy to move on. But it is time.



• I'll let you know what comes next. There is a lot of work to do.

From the bottom of my heart-thank you. And for now, Goodbye."

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Hiram College Madrigals, Yuletide Revels

This weekend marks the 40th anniversary of Hiram College's Yuletide Revels.

If you've never experienced a Hiram Madrigal performance, let alone any Madrigal event, you must add the entire adventure to your calendar or bucket list!

The 'Madrigal,' first referred to as a type of Italian poetry originating in the 14th century, has evolved over the years.

After being set to music, Madrigals made their way to England and continued their travels to various destinations around the world.

They were and still are enchanting art forms involving music as well as drama acted out by a small ensemble. These performing troubadours tell the story dressed in authentic garb from the time period as they interact with their spectators.

The Madrigal also celebrates Elizabethan England's Christmastime equally mixing religious holiday music with secular music. Carols such as 'Fum, fum, fum,' 'Riu, riu, chiu,' 'The Coventry Carol,' and 'Silent Night' serenade the onlookers.

During an authentic Madrigal experience, the ensemble on stage and the patrons in the audience are treated to a genuine holiday meal consisting of the finest prime rib (the Boar's head), chicken, ham, green beans, red-skinned potatoes or potato cakes, fresh fruits, Yorkshire pudding, plum pudding with sauce, and wassail. Though fine-tuned over the years, this is how a Madrigal performance and feast may play out for both the performers and assembly.

The 1st fanfare ushers in the cherished guests.

The 2nd fanfare heralds the entry of the 'Lords and Ladyes' with a processional, the entry of the wassail bowl and a myriad of toasts. The entire room raise a glass at this time. 'Wassail' means 'be in good health.' The delicious English libation consists of cider and spices. Served warm, the aromatic, soothing beverage not only quenches the thirst but warms the 'taster' during the cold, winter months!

The 3rd fanfare involves the entry of the Boar's head with a prayer and a blessing.

The 4th fanfare delivers the entry of the flaming desserts.

And the final fanfare consists of the main concert entertainment with a recessional. Afterward, the performers greet their guests in the gallery and everyone sings Christmas carols.

The Boar's head signifies evil, yet when presented on a platter, symbolizes overcoming evil and death.

All guests are asked to make a wish as they taste the Christmas pudding.

Now let me give you a brief history of the Hiram College Madrigals. In the fall of 1968, Choral Director Larry DeWitt stepped inside the ballroom of the new Kennedy Center. His first thought, to use this venue as the backdrop for a well-crafted Christmas pageant. The Hiram College Madrigal Singers were born! In 1969, Elfleda Seelbach took the reins as Madrigal Director. After retiring in 1983, she passed the baton to one of Hiram College's most influential musical directors to date, Damaris Peters Pike. Her expertise, vision, and passion for her craft refined the Madrigal program to what it has become today.

Damaris Peters Pike passed on her legacy to yet another talented and dedicated faculty member, John Drotleff.

The Hiram College Madrigal Singers have performed all over Ohio and the United States. These talented performers must audition for this elite group, which is made up of students from varying majors and backgrounds. They have many other accolades to their rich history including recording a record album.

Besides the singers, various other artists entertain the crowd with their amazing feats. Musicians traipse about playing their recorders and trumpets....the harpist serenades the audience during their meal. 'Pun' the jester bewilders the masses with his magic and humor as he strolls the aisles.

This year's Yuletide Revels run from Friday, December 12th thru Sunday, December 14th.

Friday, December 12th --dinner at 615pm with Revels beginning at 730pm.

Saturday, December 13th --dinner at 615pm with Revels beginning at 730pm.

Sunday, December 14th --brunch at 1215pm with Revels beginning at 130pm.

For more details, please contact the Hiram College office of Special Events at 330.569.5900.

I hope one day you will have the esteemed honor of experiencing the magic of a genuine Hiram College Madrigal performance and then, you too, will see why Hiram College Madrigals, Yuletide Revels are this week's Hidden Gem!