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!

It took 11 days to go 2 floors

I learned my lesson and but good--regarding inter-office mail!

I've done it hundreds of times before.

We all have.

You have a beige-manilla envelope with lines on it and that 'twistee' closer string that you wrap around and around and around the little cardboard clasp. You scratch out the previous name and message and update with yours and the envelope's destination and date.

Then you place it in the outgoing mail bin.

That's what I did 11 days ago just before I went on a few days of vacation or furlough, I really can't remember which, but was off for a long weekend.

Came back to work.

Had yet another day in the middle of the week off.

Came back to work after the weekend and got stopped by a co-worker who said she delivered my mail to its destination.

I looked with amazement as to why she had the envelope only to see there had been writing on both sides.

Mine was dated and signed June 19, 2009. The other entry much earlier in the year if not the end of last year.

Lesson to be learned --check both sides of your inter-office mail envelope and follow up with the receiver in a timely fashion! Or better still, get a little exercise, take the steps and deliver it yourself!

Brian Chalmers boundless creativity now fills the heavens (1955-2009)

Stunned. The only way I can explain my feelings when I heard the news that a former co-worker had passed away.

I know life is fragile and totally out of our hands.

But, you still like to have the illusion that we hold everything together with that thread of control and 'we' are steering the ship of life.

I first saw the announcement on Facebook of all places.

I figured it had to be a different Brian Chalmers. How could it be Brian, who I worked with day in and day out? So young?

But, as I read more details, I knew it was one in the same.

There is so much I want to pen all at once--the thoughts are just spinning around in my head.

I guess the first observation I'd like to share with my readers is Brian Chalmers' unassuming ways.

His knowledge of music, art, Cleveland history, Rock and Roll history, and the radio and tv business a beacon for all to see, yet never flashy or overpowering.

You never witnessed a 'pushiness,' selfishness, vanity, or any character traits you'd 'think' he would possess because of his creativity and brilliance. No. He was a genius and at the top of his craft but never threw it in your face. In fact, he was one of the gentlest people I've ever met. He had a great sense of humor. He'd always stop by and say hello and only had kind words wearing that trademark baseball cap, rock and roll t-shirt, shorts, and sometimes a crazy Hawaiian-type shirt over a rock and roll t-shirt.

Honestly, as time went on and each day I learned a little more, I was flabbergasted at his talent, his once-in-a-lifetime experiences through the years and how he was able to stay so grounded in such a crazy business (radio and television).

He won award after award for his accomplishments, yet you'd never know it.

At 3, you'd toss stuff his way and somehow, he always made it work and come together. Doing news graphics and maps and such may not have been as exciting as his music assignments but he always gave his all, and again, came up with unique ways to help tell a story.

When someone passes, it always resurrects a few lessons which I try to keep but usually wind up abandoning in time.

Life is fragile. It can be plucked from us at any moment so live it to the fullest, being the best person we can be at all times.

No regrets. Try to live live so there are no regrets.

Enjoy those around you and close to you, for they could be gone in a heartbeat.

Tell people how you feel about them while they are in the here and now. It's always tragic that we have great things to say about people when the are gone, things we should have said to them while they were among us.

It's not goodbye Brian. It's just until we meet again. I can't wait to see your latest creations and masterpieces.

CLICK HERE for a wonderful tribute by Brian's dear friend, John Gorman.

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Big Jim's

I venture 'out' of the normal Hidden Gem region for this week's gem!

And I dare say WHERE Big Jim's is located for fear of wrath from readers. But, I've always been an adventurer and a chance-taker!

Mom and I were lucky enough to take a day trip to Pittsburgh, PA to see our Tribe! Well, the outcome of the game was not to our liking, but the experience very enjoyable!

In our travels, we popped into a local joint for lunch on the way to the game.

I must admit, it was a 'planned' visit because a college buddy, Gary Burdick, is co-owner of the restaurant.

Big Jim's on Saline Street perfectly describes the portions served.

Every appetizer, meal, serving is BIG! Huge! Yet the price is right! More than right! Perfect, especially in today's economic times.

And, the food is tremendous.

Not only do the locals and travelers share this opinion, but earlier this year, Guy Fieri from the Food Network Show, 'Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives' featured Big Jim's and singled out their Veal Parm Sandwich as well as their world famous wedding soup...

It's not fancy, but welcoming and a nice little place to share a meal, visit with friends, or grab a beer on the way to the game.

You can park right on the street out front...walk in and to the right is the bar area and a dining section or to the left another dining room. They have big screen tv's all over so you can catch the latest game, news or weather report....and there are various sports memorabilia hanging from the rafters, including little league team pictures from the teams Big Jim's has supported through the years.

Only about 15 minutes to PNC Park and Heinz Field, a great pre-game spot for delicious appetizers such as onion rings, breaded mushrooms, fries or a dozen or so other tempting dishes.

But you don't want to fill up on too many pre-dinner treats!

No way!

When our dinner came out, our eyes bugged out of our heads.

Mom's 10 oz steak was PERFECT! She has never been able to get a steak made to her liking up until Big Jim's. But with her steak she received a good size salad, garlic bread, and a side of spaghetti. Now, the side of spaghetti was a meal in itself. It was ridiculous, yet wonderful!

I have never been a veal lover, so I passed on Guy's featured meal, and went for a cheeseburger. Again, terrific meal and so filling!

I give it two thumbs up and a full belly!

If by chance you venture to Pittsburgh to see the Browns crush the Steelers or the Indians try to redeem themselves at PNC Park, give yourself extra time to grab a bite at Big Jim's and, you too, will see why it is this week's Hidden Gem!

Holy Cow News Day!

When I am off, on vacation or furlough, I usually take a break from Swing by and spray.

I really won't go into too much detail because I am off and don't have all the details, but I had to pop on for just a few minutes and say, HOLY COW!

Stunned.

What a day to be off.

I was in PA with Mom and the Tribe and a very good friend from College and, thankfully, kept abreast of the situations unfolding all over the U.S.

I really don't think any of them have sunk in just yet.

Shaq comes to the Cavs. Good thing! Big sports story so I am not missing too much! I just hope Shaq knows WHO is #1 in Cleveland --the L-Train! This has garnered multiple Facebook comments from college friends around the US who know their teams won't hold a candle to the Cavs next season.

Farrah Fawcett passing away. Awful story, but we all knew it was imminent. National story, so I am not missing too much on this except it is quite saddening for those of us who grew up in that time frame. Also, maybe this is a deranged way to look at her passing, but the next entry overshadows Farrah's death.

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, dying. Again, a National story, BUT, this out of all of them can certainly be localized. Especially with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum being right here in Cleveland, Ohio....the Jacksons performing in Cleveland.....

I am sure every single radio station will be playing MJ songs for days.

I heard there were so many Tweets, they went off line because their server blew up.


As an assignment editor, you are torn. On one hand, the news day that everyone lives for...but on the other hand, as a viewer, a fan, a riveted human being, by not working, I can sit in front of the tv all night long clutching the remote & just immerse myself watching tributes, music videos, listening to music, & try to come to grips with what has transpired and how it will change the future of music and 'pop-icon culture.'


We'll miss you Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson (they always die in 3's).

Water everywhere, but not where it's supposed to be

I've heard this phrase a million and one times, "I'm only one person!"

Today, I heard it from a police dispatcher and kinda liked the fact that feeling is universal.

When the big 48 inch water main blew, the phones began lighting up, not only at the news assignment desk, but apparently at every single police department where residents were experiencing water problems.

There was water water everywhere, but it was not where it was supposed to be. Dozens of eastern burbs lost their water or water pressure for a time being and thousands of customers were affected.

When the big one hits, no matter what duties are left to do, the rule book goes out the window and you drop back 10 and punt.

Just after the water main broke and I began hearing scanner traffic as well as fielding phone calls, my priority was the water main break. I needed to:

• get my producer the most updated info for our show
• simultaneously writing the story for wkyc.com as breaking news
• twittering the information
• Facebook-ing the info
• continue answering phones
• make sure my morning show had a good grasp on what was happening, a plan, and hopefully all the tools in place to execute
• unfortunately, it was too late to send a crew due to OT restrictions but next crew in will be assigned that task

One of the phone calls I received was actually from a police dispatcher who nicely asked that when we air the story, we try to impress on our viewers that they really should not call any police departments or 911 lines unless it is a true emergency....

The water department and police agencies are working together to get the info out and the situation rectified but they can not do that if they are fielding the phones.

I can commiserate. If we have breaking news, such as a water main break, an earthquake, or something else, I can not get the facts if I am fielding hundreds of calls.

Same thing internally. If I see a story on the competition that is interesting or breaking....and every producer, manager, employee calls the desk asking if I saw that story--

1. I can not jot down details while I am fielding in-house calls
2. I can not make calls to verify the facts while I am being given the 3rd degree

Oh, dispatcher, I feel your pain many many many days out of the week.

It's just good to know that I am not alone, a news assignment desk is not the only group that experiences this job war wound....

Dispatchers, unite!