Blockbuster trade (not for Cleveland)

And we are off to the races!

I can feel it. The next three days are gonna be nail-biters, edge of our seats, more than likely NOT good outcomes for the Cleveland Indians.

Channel 3 has the best sports team in town.

Jim Donovan, in my humble opinion, is not only the most solid anchor in town, but the most knowledgeable, talented, humorous and will bring the viewers the story first on every occasion.

Today the Cleveland Indians traded away Cy Young Award Winner Cliff Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco to the Philadelphia Phillies for 4 'hot' prospects.

As expected, Sports Anchor Jim Donovan was on top of this trade blowing all other sports reports out of the water.

I marvel.

Donovan's in depth pieces at 6, 7, and 11pm were spot on, informative, and gave great insight into how we got to this point and where, unfortunately, we are headed.

This is just the tip of the iceberg people. We have less than 48 hours before the trading deadline and there will be another blockbuster trade, mark my words!

But, don't worry, Jim Donovan along with Dave Chudowsky, Al Pawlowsky and the entire STO team will bring you the most complete, comprehensive coverage bar none so STAY TUNED!

Busy week ahead

We may be in the midst of summer where kids are enjoying their last weeks of freedom and families may still be vacationing before life settles back in to a groove, but there is always news.

This is an extremely busy week.

Every day we will be doing preview pieces ushering in the 3 Day Walk for Breast Cancer which kicks off Friday. Medical Anchor Monica Robins and the station are very involved with this issue.

Browns Camp kicks off this weekend as well. Jim Donovan and his entire team will be working Saturday and Sunday to bring you the beginning of what hopes to be an exciting football season for Cleveland fans.

Friday at 4pm is the MLB trade deadline. I hate to say it but rumor has it Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee, as well as Victor Martinez are the big targets destined to leave Cleveland. You can be sure Jim Donovan and the Channel 3 Sports Department along with STO will bring you the latest FIRST!!!!!!!!!

Dick Russ was the first Cleveland reporter from the very beginning who embraced and worked side-by-side with U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott to bring the concept of the Fugitive Safe Surrender Program to the country. It began here and will be coming back this week to Akron Wednesday thru Saturday. Rumor has it the 20,000th Fugitive may turn themselves in and you can be sure that wkyc will be there to hear their story!


As you can see, these are just a few of the stories we will be embracing and bringing to our viewers all week long.


Stay with Channel 3 News and wkyc.com for the latest news, sports and the week long weather forecast for you and your family!

Become part of the Channel 3 web chat family

Hop on wkyc.com and engage in one of the many web chat forums we have throughout the week!

During bad weather, for those viewers who still have power, our weather folks take part in a web chat to keep our customers updated on tracking the latest storm movements as well as getting first hand information from chatters on what type of weather is happening in their neck of the woods.

The wkyc reporters initiate web chats on their specialized topics periodically from Eric Mansfield with Akron news to Tom Beres with the politics of the day or possibly Kim Wheeler with education breakthroughs.

The Channel 3 News Weekend Morning Edition runs their web chat each Saturday and Sunday morning from 9am until 10:30am.

And then Monday thru Friday, the 7pm news hosts their nightly web chat between 7pm and 7:30pm.

All you have to do is long on wkyc.com and click on the web chat page. Log on and tell us what is on your mind.

Each chat has their regulars and new visitors during each show.

At 7pm, for instance, some of our regulars who help move the chat along, offer informative details and bring some levity to the scene include 'westsideirish,' 'lazee,' 'tuff,' 'nan,' 'deb,' as well as the on air personalities and behind-the-scenes wkyc-ers who are involved with the live broadcast.

The chat consists of pretty much any topic--a specific story which aired, a live guest possibly, or the kind of day someone has had. When we do have live guests, our chatters can email questions which are asked live during the show. And, we often have 'guest chatters' who will take questions directly from our customers. We've had doctors, legal analysts, financial advisors, rock stars--you name it, we've included them in the web chat!

So, if you want to interact during a live show or have issues you would like addressed, hop onto wkyc.com and join us throughout the week on one of our wkyc live web chats!

We'd love to hear from you!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Lake Erie Islands

The more I travel this great land (it sounds like I am about to bust into a scene from Yankee Doodle Dandy!!), I realize how lucky we have it here in Ohio. From the rich history to the diverse landscape, to all of the fun events to experience year round.

Don't get me wrong, I love traveling the globe and have been to some amazing places including Paris, Venezuela, Aruba...the list is endless!

But there is nothing like standing on Hidden Gem Beach at Catawba in the dark of night viewing shooting star after shooting star.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet up with some very dear friends over the weekend.

We met in Catawba and popped over to Put-in-Bay on Sunday.

I believe I've stated this before and re-stated it for my friends: I could not live somewhere not attached to a body of water.

All of the Islands have their own special charm: Kelleys Island, Middle Bass, South Bass, Put-in-Bay...there are other smaller islands not quite developed that carry the same ambiance.

This weekend was the annual 'Christmas in July' on Put-in-Bay. The entire experience was a hoot. That's not the reason we went over there but an added bonus!

We boarded the Ferry at Catawba Point. Before we left, we saw a snake just minding his own business. Once on board, you can stay downstairs and take the chance you will get drenched by the waves in motion or go upstairs to enjoy the sun, the breeze, and the view (as well as the humor factor of watching the travelers below get pounded with water).

As we were approaching the island, a plane flew directly over us. What a vision.

Once on Put-in-Bay, the options endless. You can visit the caves, winery, monuments, fishery, multitude of stores and restaurants, beach, marina, miniature golf, go-karts, etc....and the 'way' to visit all of these places is just as exciting --via golf cart, bike, moped, trolley, car, boat or on foot.

What an exhilarating day. The weather perfect! Could not have asked for better weather to take in the sights, spend quality time with friends and enjoy a nice meal on the island.

Every store or restaurant decorated accordingly with the "Christmas in July" theme though it was in the 80's! There was a boat parade and a land parade. The land parade featured a whole slew of old, historic vehicles leading the way to the guest of honor, Santa Claus & his entourage

Kimberly's Carousel all decked out for the holiday as well as piping out everyone's favorite Christmas tunes the little children could sing along to as they circled around and around.

At nightfall, the sky totally different from the city sky, which is usually clogged with pollution and lights galore.

On the contrary, the Catawba sky pitch black. We were able to locate the big dipper, the little dipper and witnessed shooting star after shooting star. Make a wish!

Whether or not you are the 'outdoorsy type' or not, there is quite a lot to do and enjoy on the Lake Erie Islands. If you have not had the Island experience yet, I strongly suggest you make the trip. Take the Ferry to the Island of your choice and, you too, will experience first hand why the Lake Erie Islands are this week's Hidden Gem!

Medicinal Mistakes - Thursday at 11pm

If you take prescribed medicine, or more importantly, have a parent or older relative who has a number of prescriptions to take each day to survive, you won't want to miss The Investigator Tom Meyer's eye-opening report Thursday at 11pm on WKYC.

Trembling

There was no where to park in the parking garage when I arrived into work, except that 'fateful spot' which brings back so many awful memories from March 25, 2009.

I was trembling as I entered the building and started my day. I could not help it.

I'm sure there are some people who do not want to me recount those memories or remember the events of that day, but unfortunately, it is part of my history now. Heck, there are certain folks to this day who have not even said, "Are you ok, honey? I'm so sorry that happened to you."

I'm ok with that and am long over it. In life, you have to roll with the punches and move on from adversity and tragedy. Everything happens for a reason and the more resilient we are, the stronger we become.

I won't lie or deny the simple fact that it was a bad event. A violation of my property & my safety and security. I will never get that peace of mind back. And unfortunately, it has put me years and years back into debt.

However, I'm glad today happened. I was over just about everything. But having to park in that same spot was just what the doctor ordered.

It's like, if you are thrown off a horse, you have to get back on. If you fall on the ski slope, you have to get back up and tackle a higher slope. If you fall off your bike, get right back on and keep peddling.


Onward and upward, my friends!

Newscasters today should emulate & thank Mr. Walter Cronkite

The passing of legendary Newsman Walter Cronkite, though expected, still quite a blow for America, the world, and broadcasters everywhere.

There is a surefire reason Cronkite was known as the 'most trusted man in America' and no one will ever take that title away from him.

I'm not quite sure why television news today does not take a microscopic look at his style and try to emulate as much as possible.

I grew up watching David Brinkley and Walter Cronkite and the whole '60 Minutes' crew. Now that was news and a perfect era to be reporting the groundbreaking happenings taking place in the 50's, 60's and 70's...

Cronkite handled every story with accuracy, compassion, and clarity for his viewers.

He entered many areas that had never been visited before and aced them all.

He WAS the perfect man for the job.

He never made HIMSELF the focal point (as many broadcasters do), he reported the story and how it affected his audience.

I hope you all had the opportunity to see Sunday night's '60 Minutes' special presentation on Mr. Walter Cronkite. It was absolutely one of the best shows I have ever seen--the caliber production fit for Mr. Cronkite.

I can not do justice in this blog entry but would love to mention some of the top of mind stories that Mr. Cronkite covered, nailed, and reported that truly proved he was the best newsman and the 'most trusted man in America.'

He actually discovered the Beatles first. He aired a piece on their mania in his show causing Ed Sullivan to call Cronkite and inquire who these blokes were!?!?! I chuckled when Cronkite took his daughter Kathy to meet them. He said she never had much interest in her dad's job until she got to meet The Beatles!!!

The most memorable image none will ever forget is Cronkite reporting on the death of President Kennedy. He removed his glasses, spoke directly to the audience, and paused as he regained his composure and then trudged on with his report.

Cronkite proved in those seconds that it is ok for a newsman to be human, to show he is human and still keep his integrity.

Oh, the Cronkite Special was tremendous touching on Cronkite's reporting and candidness pertaining to Vietnam, Frank Sinatra's possible mob ties, the Alabama Church bombing, Woodstock (and his daughter's attendance!), and becoming a Grateful Dead fan.

It seems one of his greatest passions was following the NASA Space Program. Every time he reported on anything pertaining to NASA and the Space Program, you could see how proud he was not only to be an American but to be able to report about this groundbreaking story to his viewers. He was not afraid to show his emotion, which made him human and totally believable.

Even his closing statement, "And that's the way it is." He wanted a statement that made true sense following any story that ended his newscast, not just a 'catch phrase' people would remember him by.

In my opinion, Brian Williams captured one of the motivations that made Cronkite the best. Again, I'm not sure why more broadcasters do not take heed to this way of thinking. Williams said Cronkite believed to do your job the best you can, you've got to 'play' in equal amounts. Someone who works 24 hours a day does not do justice to his craft. Mr. Cronkite DID 'play' in equal amounts by sailing on his boats, spending quality time with his family, attending concerts and knowing he needed to step away every once in a while to rejuvenate.

Thank you for not only being a wonderful mentor to all broadcasters but for being an exemplary human being and one of the proudest Americans to ever walk this earth.

May you rest in peace on your yacht in the heavens, Sir.

Walter Cronkite
(1916-2009)

Tell us what YOU want to see, how we can improve

Earlier this week, we gathered to fine tune and focus!

Our staff members truly believe we are giving our customers/our viewers the best product we can produce with equal amounts of the top news of the day, useful information, entertainment as well as the best weather and sports reports in town...and so much more.

We try bringing our 'A' Game every day.

Sometimes we hit a home run and sometimes we fall short.

Fortunately, we hit the home run more than we hit the fly out to center field.


We can sit around a table all day long brainstorming about what our customers want and need....


But the only people who can truly tell us what they want, what they need from Channel 3 News are YOU, the viewers!


Every day when I come into work, one of my many tasks is going through hundreds of email from viewers, customers. We thank you for taking the initiative and sending us comments, story ideas, and information that will help us better our product.


Many of you take part in our LIVE web chats during our weekend morning show (every Saturday and Sunday from 9am-10:30am) and every week night at 7pm. Again, thank you for logging on and chatting with us about the news of the day and what you would like to see on air and on the web.


Please, if there is anything you think we should be doing as a news organization (broadcast, web, mommy website, metromix), any specific stories that truly affect you and your family, or any information that would be useful to your day, I'd love to hear your ideas. Feel free to email me at dfink@wkyc.com!

Are sick animals being sold for human consumption? A Tom Meyer investigation.

Before you order that succulent steak, stuffed pork chop or feast on a delicious breakfast with sausage and bacon, you'll have to catch Tom Meyer's Report Thursday at 11pm on Channel 3 News! Trust me!

HERO Central - "Need a Hero? Be a Hero?"

WKYC and wkyc.com recently debuted the 'Hero Central' Initiative.

This program allows WKYC to be a conduit and partner those who may need a hero or a helping hand with local service organizations who can actually provide the needed help.

Channel 3 and wkyc.com intend to integrate this initiative into daily stories as well as bigger projects (such as the June Food Drive with the Cleveland Indians or the upcoming Medworks weekend).

Stay tuned to Channel 3 News for more details on this emerging project or log onto wkyc.com and click on the link for Hero Central.

You too can be a hero to someone and make a difference!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(drawing by Joe Wood)



Today's Hidden Gem: Bob Tayek



Every once in a while, I witness a fellow human being who, in my estimation, has made such an impact on this area, their craft, or is seen as quite the humanitarian, that I must choose them as my Hidden Gem.

Such is the case today.


I've known Bob Tayek as long as I've been in television, and a bit before.


He was my supervisor at my first job at WEWS. We worked together at WKYC. And, yet again, today our paths continually cross with our prospective titles of Assignment Editor + Diocese of Cleveland Media Relations Director.

I certainly could gush on and on about Bob on many fronts--our friendship, the excellent caliber of professionalism he has brought to every single job /career he's occupied, whether it be in Television, Radio, or Public Relations.


He's what I would call a 'true journalist,' a 'Renaissance man.'


He's got more contacts than there are stars in the sky.


Every person who has ever met him or had the distinct honor to collaborate with him in some way is changed forever, for the better. I can not imagine anyone on this earth having a bad thing to say about Mr. Bob Tayek.


His knowledge of Northeast Ohio, politics, news, religion, education, Cleveland history, & pretty much everything unmatched by most.


Tayek's booming voice has led him to numerous radio jobs as well.


I'd love tuning into his news reports on various local radio programs on my way to or from work. You knew you were getting the top news of the day and it was true.


Bob always has a huge smile on his face, a pen in his pocket (which much to his dismay burst open more than once), his tie loosened just a bit, his beat up briefcase, and one of the most distinguishable laughs I've ever heard.


Always the first one in the office and usually one of the last to leave.


His hard work and dedication paid off by the respect he garners, and his many accolades.


Personally, I think one of his greatest honors is his SPJ Distinguished Service and Lifetime Achievement Award which he received in 1996 along with Writer/Reporter/Author Russ Schneider.


Tayek currently works side by side with Bishop Richard Lennon, Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, as his director of media and public relations. Unless you've been totally out of touch, you know that Tayek has had his hands full with everything happening in the Diocese from priest allegations to Vibrant Parish Life II to the whole church closing/merging saga and now the Cleveland Catholic School mergings.


Those close to Tayek know this job is a perfect fit, in light of Tayek's strong faith and knowledge of his religion.


Through it all, those familiar with Tayek know he will always give the truth, effort a statement, and be as forthcoming and accommodating as possible.



True friends of Tayek know there is one other passion that monopolizes much of his life: his love of the game of baseball.



This devotion is one of the bonds bringing Bob and I together --our love of the game and of our Cleveland Indians, whether they win or lose. In true 'Bob Tayek fashion,' he took his enthusiasm for the sport and his great vocal craft and spun it into one of the most exciting jobs I could ever imagine having: the Public Address Announcer for the Cleveland Indians.


Yes, if you are lucky enough to have a ticket for an Indians' Game at Progressive Field, take keen notice of the public address announcer.


Most nights, it is Mr. Bob Tayek.


He's perfected this role as well, just like he masters everything he undertakes!


His knowledge of the game, impeccable. He must arrive early to meet with the umpires, go through his notes, and prepare for the next 4 or so hours following Major League Baseball and Cleveland Indians protocol.



It's a real treat listening to Tayek announce ....as each Indian comes up to bat, Tayek has perfected the way he ushers each player to home plate in his own special way, own unique vocal signature.



If that's not enough, I just found out that Mr. Bob Tayek was included in Tom Jones' Book, 'Inside WORKING at the BALLPARK.' I'm told Tayek is included in Chapter Six: Eyes and Ears. What a thrill and absolute honor!


If you have not gathered from this article how versatile and absolutely amazing Mr. Bob Tayek is and what a beacon he has been for Cleveland, Cleveland Media, and Cleveland PR, let me impart one more depiction.


When Bob left WKYC to trail blaze onto his next endeavor, Artist extraordinaire, Joe Wood, created Tayek's going away card. On the outside it read 'Mild-Mannered Bob Tayek' and had the exact likeness of Tayek inside a phone booth with his suit slightly open just enough so you could see his 'Superman' outfit underneath!


That sums up the brilliance of Mr. Bob Tayek.


If you would like to personally witness Tayek's professionalism and loquacious style, catch an Indians' game and, you too, will see why Mr. Bob Tayek is this week's Hidden Gem!

School Employee, Daycare Worker and Violent Felon? Tom Meyer Investigates

Tune into Tom Meyer's Investigation on how a violent felon was allowed to work with and around children and what is being done to stop this from happening in the future.

Catch wkyc Channel 3 News Thursday at 11pm.

Michael Jackson Memorial

As a journalist, I could not turn away from the Michael Jackson Memorial Service.

As a fan, ditto.

And, honestly, if you watched the 'event,' the last thing you desire is a rehashing or play-by-play by moi.

If you are not interested in this topic, ditto.

But, sitting back, watching the day's events unfold, knowing how difficult it is sometimes getting a single live shot up for a newscast, I applaud the family, the venue, and all of the media outlets who worked together to broadcast this world-wide extravaganza.

The very beginning was a bit rough. It began late, but that was understandable as guests entered The Staples Center and took their seats.

Brian Williams and Company had to tap dance for just a few minutes trying to figure out which way was up and get a handle on the start of this production. However, after that initial start, it went off without a hitch.

The only way it could have been any better is if the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, had Executive Produced the service himself, always the perfectionist.

Though I was working, I had the tvs' tuned in all day to everything Michael Jackson as well as my Sirius Radio to and from the office.

And then when I arrived home, continued watching a rehash of the day's events until the wee hours of the next morning.

I tried to keep my 'journalist' hat on as I viewed the days events, but at times, it was difficult.

The opening hymn, 'Soon and Very Soon,' is a song we just sang all weekend at my church. A tremendous way to kick off the Celebration of MJ's life.

Every speaker, every songster, every performer struck a chord in some way and had such a personalized memory to share humanizing the "King of Pop."

An exquisite tribute which I would have made it through, almost did, up until the very end.

No one could have scripted what little Paris shared memorializing her father at the conclusion of Tuesday's event.

Paris Jackson: "Ever since I was born Daddy has been the best father you could imagine and I just want to say I love him so much."

Tuesday Programming Change

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 WKYC Channel 3 will be airing the Memorial Service for the King of Pop Michael Jackson LIVE from the Los Angeles Staples Center beginning at 1:00 p.m. and presumably ending at 3:00 p.m.

If you are not near a television, you can still catch the events LIVE at wkyc.com.

Then Tuesday evening, Dateline NBC will be airing a special at 10pm with a wrap up of the days events.

Michael Jackson passed away June 25, 2009.

Yep, you can tell it's a holiday weekend

Holy Cow!

It's quite evident that it's a holiday weekend my friends!

I drive into work and all the prime parking spots are still available. We are lucky if there are ANY spots available.

I enter the newsroom, which has been renamed for the day 'ghost town.'

Yet, we still have to put on all of our regular live programming and web coverage--and live up to the task at hand!

As I drive into work, I'm getting text messages asking if I have to work today (of course, I did not answer them until I got into work).

I guess technically, today is a holiday since we did not get mail delivery. But, I never even gave it a second thought to ask for this day off. It's not the holiday really!! And, it's kinda nice working on a holiday which falls on a Friday! I can not explain it except to say REALLY laid back and mostly 'stress-free.'

Now, that's not to say we goofed off. In fact, we had to work even harder because there were so many missing employees and those jobs still had to be completed.

I ran the desk, answered phones, and did everything else I normally do but had all of the web stuff as well. Now, usually during my shift I do have a bunch of web responsibilities but today, it was my baby. And, I'm extremely proud of my performance with this venue! We kept it fresh, fresh, fresh and updated!

Even the tone of the police scanners is a bit more upbeat and people are friendlier.

I wish we could bottle this feeling, this attitude, this mindset and feel it all year long.

Thankfully, we did not have any major mishaps or emergencies involving fireworks, water rescues, or other holiday catastrophes.

I wish you and yours a safe, happy holiday surrounded by family and friends, fun and frivolity and a great feeling of pride and patriotism which is the true meaning behind this weekend!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Northeast Ohio Fireworks Displays

Even in today's tough economic times, most Northeast Ohio cities are trying to make an effort to have fireworks for their community or neighboring communities are banding together to celebrate Independence Day with parades, picnics, and fun festivities!

I just read a stat that places Ohio high up the ladder as a place having the most communities holding fireworks displays within a close, saturated, geographic area.

Of course, I deleted the top ten list, but I know I read it!

Let's think about this.

The Annual Cleveland Orchestra Concert & accompanying fireworks on Public Square just wrapped up a little while ago.

The Cleveland Indians will be having an extended fireworks show Friday night (15 extra minutes in honor of Michael Jackson) and then their 4th of July show Saturday night.

I always love watching the Cleveland Fireworks extravaganza (which is 7/4/09) because right down the road, you also view the Lakewood presentation.

One year my family spent the fourth of July in Vermilion with friends and during the drive home, we saw fireworks dancing in the sky the entire route home!

The 4th of July mimics Christmas or Thanksgiving in many ways. The original, underlying meaning of the holiday oftentimes gets lost in the shuffle of customs, rituals, or folklore handed down through the ages.

Fireworks, when handled properly and safely, are enjoyable and beautiful (a bit noisy!!).

However, I'm pretty certain Francis Scott Key, author of the Star Spangled Banner back in 1814, penned his words for deeper meanings and life experiences than depicted during current familial celebrations.

Prisoner Francis Scott Key witnessed battles with lives lost. He heard continuous 'gunfire,' what sounded rockets exploding all around during the midst of battle.

And when the dust cleared and he saw the American Flag still raised and waving in victory, his inspirational words told the rest of his story and STILL DO today!

"And the rockets' red glare,

the bombs bursting in air,

gave proof through the night

that our flag was still there."

So the next time you have the great privilege to witness an amazing fireworks show with your family and friends, and celebrate Independence Day, think about the 'real' meaning behind this holiday and, you too, will see why Northeast Ohio Fireworks Displays are this week's Hidden Gem!