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.

Traficant released from jail

There are stories that seem to last a lifetime.

John Demjanjuk is one of those such stories, and the saga continues....

Former Congressman James Traficant is another one of those stories that spans my lifetime as well as my entire broadcasting career.

Unfortunately, the James Traficant story reminds me of how old I am!

I actually know who Jim Traficant is....and so many people around me today don't. They've never heard of him.

I've been covering Former Congressman Traficant for over two decades including his federal bribery conviction and being hauled off to prison 7 years ago.

68-year-old Traficant was released from a Minnesota prison this morning where he hopped into a cab and made the trek home to the Youngstown area.

Whether you loved or hated him, you have to admit, he spoke his mind, was never dull, really was very good tv, and the talk of the town --even if they were speaking of his hair and clothes.

He still has his supporters who are holding a welcome home dinner this weekend and who have made up numerous signs, buttons, hats and t-shirts which say "Welcome home Jimbo."

So many stories happen and are over within hours or a few days.

Then you have these stories which last a lifetime...