Depending on who and where you are, names mean different things to you. This is true especially when there a two prominent people with the same name. Perfect example is Adrian Peterson. One is the Vikings' running back, the other is the Bears' running back. There was a successful pro bowler, and a popular actor, both named Don Johnson.
When I say George Michael, you probably think of the lead singer of Wham! However, if you're from the Washington DC Metro, Philadelphia, New York City, or anybody in radio or TV, George Michael is an icon.
George was the #1 radio personality in Philadelphia at WFIL from 1966-1974. He replaced Cousin Bruce Morrow at WABC New York, and was #1 from 1974-1979. In the latter part of his time at WABC, he was also a weekend sportscaster at WABC-TV. He then moved to Washington DC's NBC affiliate, and had a magnificent 27-year run, as a sportscaster and host of "The George Michael Sports Machine."
I first saw him on the Sports Machine in 1984. While visiting my uncle's in 1989, I remember listening to Don & Mike on WAVA radio, and George did a sports segment every day. I watched him on his sports report and was captivated. Being the pack rat that I was/am, I taped his sportscasts any chance I got.
I had the privilege of being invited to an Orioles game in Baltimore in 1998, in a luxury box. When I found out the TV could pick up, George's sports report, I was glued to it.
I faithfully watched the Sports Machine, the last 8 years of which I watched on WGAL.
It pained me when NBC started slashing budgets and wanted to cut more than half of George's sports department. Instead of cutting those positions, including his wife's, he opted to step away. His last sportscast was 3/1/07.
One listen or one view of George Michael, and you knew he was on top of his game every single time. He was a legendary demander of perfection. He never settled for anything less than the best.
When I first learned that George was on radio before TV, and started to listen to tapes of his old show. I knew I wanted to be just like him. I never could replicate his signature voice or endless enthusiasm, but I've tried on a few occasions on the Party Zone.
I e-mailed George when he retired, wishing him luck, and showing him the blog post I made that day. Four months later, he replied. Some of his comments included, "I want to thank you for the very kind note... Thanks for the posting. What a memory trip! George Michael".
Now, it's my turn to say thank you for the memory trip.
George passed away yesterday morning. He had been quietly suffering from leukemia for the last two years. Radio and TV has lost a legend. I lost the guy who is a huge career influence. I repeat what a lot of my colleagues and fellow media members say... there will never be another George.
He lives on in our memories and in tapes and videos of his work. There are plenty of YouTube postings, as well as airchecks on MusicRadio77.com, Famous56.com, and Reelradio.com.
George leaves his wife, two children, and a large amount of fans... me and a few of us here at the station included.
God Bless You, George, and thank you.
TS
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Hershey in December
Believe it or not, I'm not referring to football...
I will be there for state football championships this weekend. I highly advise not going to Hershey if you aren't going to the Selinsgrove/Manheim Central game on Friday night. I expect 10,000 of my closest friends to be there. Saturday would be a better option.
I've blogged before about Sara Bozich of the Harrisburg Patriot-News and her fantastic weekly column. Well, she's written a book about Hershey. Hershey: A Guide To The Town Built On Chocolate is now available online. If you haven't been off of Hersheypark Drive when you've been to Hershey, then this is a great read. Find out more at www.touristtown.com/books/hershey.html.
Happy reading!
Buckle up,
TS
I will be there for state football championships this weekend. I highly advise not going to Hershey if you aren't going to the Selinsgrove/Manheim Central game on Friday night. I expect 10,000 of my closest friends to be there. Saturday would be a better option.
I've blogged before about Sara Bozich of the Harrisburg Patriot-News and her fantastic weekly column. Well, she's written a book about Hershey. Hershey: A Guide To The Town Built On Chocolate is now available online. If you haven't been off of Hersheypark Drive when you've been to Hershey, then this is a great read. Find out more at www.touristtown.com/books/hershey.html.
Happy reading!
Buckle up,
TS
Monday, December 14, 2009
The adventures of Sunday driver...
The weather was not kind to me yesterday. If you drove between 8AM-11AM, you drove slower than usual, or not at all.
I parked on the side of the road, awaiting snowplows on route 443 from 8:15ish-9:50. As I decided to hit the road, one did come the other was on 443 in Friedensburg.
I was supposed to be in Elizabethtown by 9:30... ended up getting there at 12:45. The inclement weather often leads to road closures, crashes, and detours. Did I hit them? Yes, yes, and yes.
No wonder I had a headache.
The advisories were posted the night before to start at 5AM, then got moved up overnight to 7AM. Lesson learned? Travel waaay ahead of time, and shell out a few sheckles for a hotel room and good tires.
I parked on the side of the road, awaiting snowplows on route 443 from 8:15ish-9:50. As I decided to hit the road, one did come the other was on 443 in Friedensburg.
I was supposed to be in Elizabethtown by 9:30... ended up getting there at 12:45. The inclement weather often leads to road closures, crashes, and detours. Did I hit them? Yes, yes, and yes.
No wonder I had a headache.
The advisories were posted the night before to start at 5AM, then got moved up overnight to 7AM. Lesson learned? Travel waaay ahead of time, and shell out a few sheckles for a hotel room and good tires.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Believe it or not...
Hockey season starts today. Yes, I know. It's still technically summer.
But, my favorite hockey team, the Hershey Bears, start training camp today. Team Broadcaster John Walton has all the details on his excellent website, www.johnwaltonhockey.com.
======
The T-102 Netcast game for this Friday will now be Schuylkill Haven at North Schuylkill.
======
Buckle up,
TS
But, my favorite hockey team, the Hershey Bears, start training camp today. Team Broadcaster John Walton has all the details on his excellent website, www.johnwaltonhockey.com.
======
The T-102 Netcast game for this Friday will now be Schuylkill Haven at North Schuylkill.
======
Buckle up,
TS
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Residency
I mark 10 years this week that I'm an official Skook. After working in State College for eight months, I returned full-time to T-102.
The day I moved was even hotter than today's temperatures. The Summer of '99 was a hot, dry one. It was 95 degrees on the 4th of the July. I remember it because I was on air that day and night. The owner of the station I worked at in Happy Valley also coordinated fireworks shows. Through a sophisticated system of computers and antennas, I ran the 1999 State College fireworks. All I did was click a mouse... and put up with lousy air conditioning in the studio. I never got to see any of them until the staff meeting two days later.
The day after, RC asked me to come back to T-102, and I said yes.
A month later, my parents and aunt came to Bellefonte with a U-Haul to help me move. Wouldn't you know it, the day move was the day it rained cats and dogs. Three of us made the trip from I-80 back to Wilkes-Barre through a line of storms. That weekend was also my parents' anniversary. Their dinner was at the Wendy's at Buckhorn, sitting beneath windows that leaked.
These are moments that memories are made of... especially with family. I went to a family reunion last month, and had a ball. In fact, it is now my responsibility to add to the photo album for next year. Dad and I will start working on that over Christmas. I had another family get-together this past weekend, at my Godson Josh's graduation party. Hot as hell, but it was fun to see everyone again.
Josh starts classes at King's next week. You couple that with the fact that there is a head coach in the NFL younger than I am, and you can tell I'm getting old.
I look forward to the day that I can host family get-togethers at my place of residence... wherever it may be. I think I can count 12 states where I have relatives (PA, NJ, MD, FL, IL, GA, CA, LA, SC, NC, MA, VA, and probably more)... not bad for a kid who has roots in the mid-South, Ireland, Poland, and Lebanon. My great-great-great-great-great-uncle is a Saint... Nimutallah Kassab Hardini, who was born 200 years ago. I also remember my great-grandmother telling me I am also a descendant of Vice President John C. Calhoun.
I have more investigating to do.
Buckle up,
TS
The day I moved was even hotter than today's temperatures. The Summer of '99 was a hot, dry one. It was 95 degrees on the 4th of the July. I remember it because I was on air that day and night. The owner of the station I worked at in Happy Valley also coordinated fireworks shows. Through a sophisticated system of computers and antennas, I ran the 1999 State College fireworks. All I did was click a mouse... and put up with lousy air conditioning in the studio. I never got to see any of them until the staff meeting two days later.
The day after, RC asked me to come back to T-102, and I said yes.
A month later, my parents and aunt came to Bellefonte with a U-Haul to help me move. Wouldn't you know it, the day move was the day it rained cats and dogs. Three of us made the trip from I-80 back to Wilkes-Barre through a line of storms. That weekend was also my parents' anniversary. Their dinner was at the Wendy's at Buckhorn, sitting beneath windows that leaked.
These are moments that memories are made of... especially with family. I went to a family reunion last month, and had a ball. In fact, it is now my responsibility to add to the photo album for next year. Dad and I will start working on that over Christmas. I had another family get-together this past weekend, at my Godson Josh's graduation party. Hot as hell, but it was fun to see everyone again.
Josh starts classes at King's next week. You couple that with the fact that there is a head coach in the NFL younger than I am, and you can tell I'm getting old.
I look forward to the day that I can host family get-togethers at my place of residence... wherever it may be. I think I can count 12 states where I have relatives (PA, NJ, MD, FL, IL, GA, CA, LA, SC, NC, MA, VA, and probably more)... not bad for a kid who has roots in the mid-South, Ireland, Poland, and Lebanon. My great-great-great-great-great-uncle is a Saint... Nimutallah Kassab Hardini, who was born 200 years ago. I also remember my great-grandmother telling me I am also a descendant of Vice President John C. Calhoun.
I have more investigating to do.
Buckle up,
TS
Friday, June 26, 2009
If this gets passed...
If the "Performance Tax" bill gets passed, you'll probably hear a lot less music on radio. Here's the other side of it... http://www.noperformancetax.com
Friday, June 19, 2009
We lose another good guy...
First, it was Harry Kalas. Now, it's Gary Papa. The longtime sports director at Channel 6 WPVI in Philly passed away this afternoon. He fought a long battle with prostate cancer. An excellent tribute is posted at www.6abc.com.
Buckle up,
TS
Buckle up,
TS
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
This TV poll...
WNEP-TV is conducting a poll, asking you to vote for your favorite local DJ.
Go to WNEP.com, click on Decades of DJ's. Click on the link to vote for your favorite.
I'm not going to tell you who to vote for, but I will tell you that the two gentlemen who Andy Palumbo highlighted are two of the best in the business in their areas.
I first met Frankie Warren when I was 12, and he was at WILK. This was in 1987, when WILK still played music as "AM 98." The only thing that has changed about him in recent years in that he shaved off his mustache, and now has a family. He's always been a great guy, both on air and off air. We've worked a few Bowl For Kids' Sake events together in Wilkes-Barre, and always had fun.
Gary Chrisman has been a guest with me on Sports Saturday in the past, and he knows his stuff. He was actually on T-102 a few times... back when Railway Park was in the Little League World Series in 1997. He's the radio voice of the LLWS. He also owns his own TV production company, broadcasting local football and basketball. He's also a very nice guy, and never short on stories to tell.
If I get any votes in WNEP's poll, I'm grateful.
Buckle up,
TS
Go to WNEP.com, click on Decades of DJ's. Click on the link to vote for your favorite.
I'm not going to tell you who to vote for, but I will tell you that the two gentlemen who Andy Palumbo highlighted are two of the best in the business in their areas.
I first met Frankie Warren when I was 12, and he was at WILK. This was in 1987, when WILK still played music as "AM 98." The only thing that has changed about him in recent years in that he shaved off his mustache, and now has a family. He's always been a great guy, both on air and off air. We've worked a few Bowl For Kids' Sake events together in Wilkes-Barre, and always had fun.
Gary Chrisman has been a guest with me on Sports Saturday in the past, and he knows his stuff. He was actually on T-102 a few times... back when Railway Park was in the Little League World Series in 1997. He's the radio voice of the LLWS. He also owns his own TV production company, broadcasting local football and basketball. He's also a very nice guy, and never short on stories to tell.
If I get any votes in WNEP's poll, I'm grateful.
Buckle up,
TS
Monday, May 11, 2009
14 years ago...
May 12th, 1995 was my first day on radio as a "DJ." I found out the day before that my first show would be the next day.
It was a rainy morning on the campus of King's College in Wilkes-Barre. Finals had wrapped up the day before. The campus was kinda barren, since everyone had moved out.
What set 88.5 WRKC apart from the other college stations in the area was the Radio Home Visitor... a daily news program for the blind. It aired at 10AM, and replayed at 11AM.
I was already scared that morning, and the fear doubled when the "RHV" wasn't on at 10AM. The rule was no RHV, no music. The program director got there at 11:10 and signed the station on. Father Tom, the station manager, was at a funeral. I got there shortly after and got things ready for my show.
The station always played an entire album during the noon hour. My first record that I played was, "Live Nude Guitars" by Brian Setzer. Then, my show ran from 1:00-4:00. A couple other DJ's had stopped in. Father Tom came back, hearing that RHV got on late. I thought my first day would be the last day. Luckily, I was spared.
I played mostly R&B and a bit of dance music. I did my shows on Friday, then on Thursday throughout the summer. Honestly, my biggest fans were the temporary residents at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. I'm sure you can figure out my euphemism.
I did one or two more shows after school started, then I got hired at two stations in Scranton.
I might have done 13 or 14 shows on 88.5... I supplied most of my own music, on cassette. There were some CDs and some records, but not too many. While the RHV played, I would venture back into the music libraries and look through all the albums.
The station as I remember it had only one functioning studio. When the student center got remodeled, an entirely new facility was built, complete with all music on hard drive. A new tower is in the works for the station as well.
College radio has always been a great breeding ground for budding talent. It's one of the few places left where you can get real radio experience. Most colleges around here have one or two stations, some even closed circuit. If you're interested in going to college for communications, get hooked up with its radio station. I'm thankful I did.
Father Tom still hosts the Radio Home Visitor every day. It's the nation's longest-running radio reading service for the blind. I owe them a night sometime soon.
Buckle up,
TS
It was a rainy morning on the campus of King's College in Wilkes-Barre. Finals had wrapped up the day before. The campus was kinda barren, since everyone had moved out.
What set 88.5 WRKC apart from the other college stations in the area was the Radio Home Visitor... a daily news program for the blind. It aired at 10AM, and replayed at 11AM.
I was already scared that morning, and the fear doubled when the "RHV" wasn't on at 10AM. The rule was no RHV, no music. The program director got there at 11:10 and signed the station on. Father Tom, the station manager, was at a funeral. I got there shortly after and got things ready for my show.
The station always played an entire album during the noon hour. My first record that I played was, "Live Nude Guitars" by Brian Setzer. Then, my show ran from 1:00-4:00. A couple other DJ's had stopped in. Father Tom came back, hearing that RHV got on late. I thought my first day would be the last day. Luckily, I was spared.
I played mostly R&B and a bit of dance music. I did my shows on Friday, then on Thursday throughout the summer. Honestly, my biggest fans were the temporary residents at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. I'm sure you can figure out my euphemism.
I did one or two more shows after school started, then I got hired at two stations in Scranton.
I might have done 13 or 14 shows on 88.5... I supplied most of my own music, on cassette. There were some CDs and some records, but not too many. While the RHV played, I would venture back into the music libraries and look through all the albums.
The station as I remember it had only one functioning studio. When the student center got remodeled, an entirely new facility was built, complete with all music on hard drive. A new tower is in the works for the station as well.
College radio has always been a great breeding ground for budding talent. It's one of the few places left where you can get real radio experience. Most colleges around here have one or two stations, some even closed circuit. If you're interested in going to college for communications, get hooked up with its radio station. I'm thankful I did.
Father Tom still hosts the Radio Home Visitor every day. It's the nation's longest-running radio reading service for the blind. I owe them a night sometime soon.
Buckle up,
TS
Monday, April 27, 2009
Random musings...
You can't spell twitter without twit.
Why in the world do I want to know what somebody is doing every single moment of their lives? There's one aspect of life that I greatly treasure... privacy. This is why you don't hear me publicize where I am 24/7/365. Where you are is more important than where I am.
All you need to know is that I'll be on your radio tonight from 6:00 to midnight... and I'll tell you where I've been after it happens.
The next time you check someone's twitter, just remember how you got along without it, and how much less complicated life was.
Go on youtube and watch any commercials from the 70s... no websites, no cell phones, no internet, no video games and you had to actually leave your house to buy something. No reality shows, no CDs, DVDs, DVRs, CNN, ESPN, or HDTV.
You went to Hess's to buy a console TV that could never be hung on a wall. You wrapped aluminum foil around the antenna to be able to watch the Phillies games. Standing in line waiting to get checked out at Zayre's and A&P? That was a reality show. No infomercials.
You listened to the radio for new music, then went to the record store to buy the entire album... no I-tunes back then. Heck, cassette singles were a big deal in the late 80s.
News anchors had the voice of God, and were revered and remembered as such... Walter Cronkite, Huntley & Brinkley, John Facenda, Franklin D. Coslett, and so many more.
You can tell that I long for some parts of the good ol' days. My earliest memory dates back to 1977. I first remember paying attention to what was going on in the world in 1980, when my parents got cable. What a big deal it was to have 12 channels!
Let's see... WDAU, WBRE, ESPN, WNEW, WNEP, WPHL, WVIA, WOR, WCAU, WPIX, CNN, and KYW.
What memories! Vic's Vacant Lot on ESPN, Tom & Jerry on WPIX, and the Pink Panther on Fridays at 7:30 on KYW. I'm not sure why, but my parents let me have a black and white TV with rabbit ears in my room when I was five. I would watch Keith Martin on Eyewitness News at 11, then Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show. We only had four channels back then, and none of them aired anything overnight. Ah, the good ol' days!
----
Miniature golf! We have a few nice courses in this area. Heisler's, Goody's, and Burnie's.
My friends and I went to Carlisle Sports Emporium on Saturday night... two courses, $10. Crowded, but worth it. I got two holes in one on the Western Course. Yee-haa! Shot 4-under par, best round I've had in a few years!
Is there still a mini golf course in Pine Grove?
----
Buckle up,
TS
Why in the world do I want to know what somebody is doing every single moment of their lives? There's one aspect of life that I greatly treasure... privacy. This is why you don't hear me publicize where I am 24/7/365. Where you are is more important than where I am.
All you need to know is that I'll be on your radio tonight from 6:00 to midnight... and I'll tell you where I've been after it happens.
The next time you check someone's twitter, just remember how you got along without it, and how much less complicated life was.
Go on youtube and watch any commercials from the 70s... no websites, no cell phones, no internet, no video games and you had to actually leave your house to buy something. No reality shows, no CDs, DVDs, DVRs, CNN, ESPN, or HDTV.
You went to Hess's to buy a console TV that could never be hung on a wall. You wrapped aluminum foil around the antenna to be able to watch the Phillies games. Standing in line waiting to get checked out at Zayre's and A&P? That was a reality show. No infomercials.
You listened to the radio for new music, then went to the record store to buy the entire album... no I-tunes back then. Heck, cassette singles were a big deal in the late 80s.
News anchors had the voice of God, and were revered and remembered as such... Walter Cronkite, Huntley & Brinkley, John Facenda, Franklin D. Coslett, and so many more.
You can tell that I long for some parts of the good ol' days. My earliest memory dates back to 1977. I first remember paying attention to what was going on in the world in 1980, when my parents got cable. What a big deal it was to have 12 channels!
Let's see... WDAU, WBRE, ESPN, WNEW, WNEP, WPHL, WVIA, WOR, WCAU, WPIX, CNN, and KYW.
What memories! Vic's Vacant Lot on ESPN, Tom & Jerry on WPIX, and the Pink Panther on Fridays at 7:30 on KYW. I'm not sure why, but my parents let me have a black and white TV with rabbit ears in my room when I was five. I would watch Keith Martin on Eyewitness News at 11, then Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show. We only had four channels back then, and none of them aired anything overnight. Ah, the good ol' days!
----
Miniature golf! We have a few nice courses in this area. Heisler's, Goody's, and Burnie's.
My friends and I went to Carlisle Sports Emporium on Saturday night... two courses, $10. Crowded, but worth it. I got two holes in one on the Western Course. Yee-haa! Shot 4-under par, best round I've had in a few years!
Is there still a mini golf course in Pine Grove?
----
Buckle up,
TS
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Losing a few great ones...
Forgive me for not blogging lately. I didn't give it up for lent, but have been busy here.
----
If you're younger than 40, then you know no other voice than Harry Kalas when it comes to the Phillies. Look at any media site in Philadelphia and the suburbs. You'll see tributes abound. I'm sure Youtube is flooded with them.
When the Phillies won the World Series in October, I was lucky enough to be able to pick up WPHT in Philadelphia up at my parents' house that night. The radio signal was 10 seconds behind the TV play-by-play. When I saw Brad Lidge kneel on the ground in disbelief, I turned up the radio so I could hear Harry's call. I'll never forget the joy in his voice that night.
I credit whoever had the foresight at Comcast Sportsnet to put a camera in the press box to record Harry making the final call, and Chris Wheeler celebrating like crazy.
WBRE used to carry a few Phillies games here and there, and I'd occasionally watch and listen to Harry, Richie Ashburn, and Andy Musser. I've watched the Phils more in recent years, and smiled anytime I got to hear "Outta Here!"
A few years ago, we had a Harry Kalas call as a contest cue. "Here's the stretch. The 1-0 pitch. Swing and a LONG DRIVE... IT'S OUTTA HERE!!!! TREMENDOUS HOME RUN, JIM THOME, AND THE BIG MAN DELIVERS AGAIN!" Vintage Harry Kalas.
Thanks for the Memories. Eternal High Hopes.
----
As I type this, Al Kovy is playing Night Ranger's "Goodbye"... "I was never much good at goodbye" is the lyric that sticks in my head.
An hour ago, I found about John Madden's decision to retire. Since 1979, John has been on NFL telecasts. He was probably one of the few broadcasters to be prominently featured by all 4 major networks... CBS, Fox, ABC, then NBC.
For the first time in a very long time, he took a week off last season. I sensed retirement was near, but not this soon. It's tough to imagine watching football without hearing his voice. To me, Pat Summerall and John Madden are still the gold standard in broadcasting teams.
John picked a good time to go out on top. He and Al Michaels had one of their best games ever in Super Bowl 43. Not many people can go out on top. Good luck, John.
Frank Caliendo is crying somewhere, because he won't have any new material for a while.
----
WYOU dropped their news department a few weeks ago.
They were the top news station in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the 60s and early 70s. However, the ownership couldn't keep up with WNEP once Newswatch 16 went full steam ahead in the 70s. When they finally moved to 415 Lackawanna Avenue, things slowly got better. They were at their best in the mid-90s, especially with the 11:00 leading into David Letterman. They really scored points with us in the media who were watching their coverage when Bill Clinton came to Wilkes-Barre.
When WYOU was sold to new owners around 1997, things began to change for the worse. Five high-priced talent were let go, including Debbie Dunleavy. Honestly, the news product looked alright for a few years during the 22 Action News era. Unfortunately, it's gone. I'm glad my buddy Scott Stuccio went to work for the Penguins when he did.
When the (bonehead) owners of WYOU in 1998 entered into the shared services agreement with WYOU, we were all skeptical. Most of their footage could be seen on both WBRE and WYOU. Some people referred to the two as Channel 50 (22+ 28).
Speaking of (bonehead) owners, another leader in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the 60s and 70s is on life support. The Mighty 590 W-A-R-M was the station to listen to from 1958 through the 70s. By the 90s, they were news/talk, and I listened often... especially when their signal went to FM in 1995.
Then Susquehanna Broadcasting sold them and their sister stations in 1996 for $10 million. Slowly, WARM became lower on the priority list. Lately, WARM has been oldies via satellite and running on the backup transmitter. That transmitter went kaput two weeks ago. Not sure when it will be back.
For both WYOU and WARM, the people who have been working there the last 10-12 years should be credited for trying to make lemonade out of a pretty small lemon. It's too bad that their owners don't live in the area and don't know the people who make things tick around here.
That's what I've always liked about working here... I see the owner every day. He grew up here, and he knows the area. That's just about true for everyone who is here.
I've worked for the big corporation, and never saw anybody associated with direct ownership... just via e-mail and memos. I'd love to see the rules return to a company only allowed to own one am, one fm, and one tv in a market... I can dream, can't I?
----
Buckle Up,
TS
----
If you're younger than 40, then you know no other voice than Harry Kalas when it comes to the Phillies. Look at any media site in Philadelphia and the suburbs. You'll see tributes abound. I'm sure Youtube is flooded with them.
When the Phillies won the World Series in October, I was lucky enough to be able to pick up WPHT in Philadelphia up at my parents' house that night. The radio signal was 10 seconds behind the TV play-by-play. When I saw Brad Lidge kneel on the ground in disbelief, I turned up the radio so I could hear Harry's call. I'll never forget the joy in his voice that night.
I credit whoever had the foresight at Comcast Sportsnet to put a camera in the press box to record Harry making the final call, and Chris Wheeler celebrating like crazy.
WBRE used to carry a few Phillies games here and there, and I'd occasionally watch and listen to Harry, Richie Ashburn, and Andy Musser. I've watched the Phils more in recent years, and smiled anytime I got to hear "Outta Here!"
A few years ago, we had a Harry Kalas call as a contest cue. "Here's the stretch. The 1-0 pitch. Swing and a LONG DRIVE... IT'S OUTTA HERE!!!! TREMENDOUS HOME RUN, JIM THOME, AND THE BIG MAN DELIVERS AGAIN!" Vintage Harry Kalas.
Thanks for the Memories. Eternal High Hopes.
----
As I type this, Al Kovy is playing Night Ranger's "Goodbye"... "I was never much good at goodbye" is the lyric that sticks in my head.
An hour ago, I found about John Madden's decision to retire. Since 1979, John has been on NFL telecasts. He was probably one of the few broadcasters to be prominently featured by all 4 major networks... CBS, Fox, ABC, then NBC.
For the first time in a very long time, he took a week off last season. I sensed retirement was near, but not this soon. It's tough to imagine watching football without hearing his voice. To me, Pat Summerall and John Madden are still the gold standard in broadcasting teams.
John picked a good time to go out on top. He and Al Michaels had one of their best games ever in Super Bowl 43. Not many people can go out on top. Good luck, John.
Frank Caliendo is crying somewhere, because he won't have any new material for a while.
----
WYOU dropped their news department a few weeks ago.
They were the top news station in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the 60s and early 70s. However, the ownership couldn't keep up with WNEP once Newswatch 16 went full steam ahead in the 70s. When they finally moved to 415 Lackawanna Avenue, things slowly got better. They were at their best in the mid-90s, especially with the 11:00 leading into David Letterman. They really scored points with us in the media who were watching their coverage when Bill Clinton came to Wilkes-Barre.
When WYOU was sold to new owners around 1997, things began to change for the worse. Five high-priced talent were let go, including Debbie Dunleavy. Honestly, the news product looked alright for a few years during the 22 Action News era. Unfortunately, it's gone. I'm glad my buddy Scott Stuccio went to work for the Penguins when he did.
When the (bonehead) owners of WYOU in 1998 entered into the shared services agreement with WYOU, we were all skeptical. Most of their footage could be seen on both WBRE and WYOU. Some people referred to the two as Channel 50 (22+ 28).
Speaking of (bonehead) owners, another leader in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the 60s and 70s is on life support. The Mighty 590 W-A-R-M was the station to listen to from 1958 through the 70s. By the 90s, they were news/talk, and I listened often... especially when their signal went to FM in 1995.
Then Susquehanna Broadcasting sold them and their sister stations in 1996 for $10 million. Slowly, WARM became lower on the priority list. Lately, WARM has been oldies via satellite and running on the backup transmitter. That transmitter went kaput two weeks ago. Not sure when it will be back.
For both WYOU and WARM, the people who have been working there the last 10-12 years should be credited for trying to make lemonade out of a pretty small lemon. It's too bad that their owners don't live in the area and don't know the people who make things tick around here.
That's what I've always liked about working here... I see the owner every day. He grew up here, and he knows the area. That's just about true for everyone who is here.
I've worked for the big corporation, and never saw anybody associated with direct ownership... just via e-mail and memos. I'd love to see the rules return to a company only allowed to own one am, one fm, and one tv in a market... I can dream, can't I?
----
Buckle Up,
TS
Thursday, February 26, 2009
This is the worst excuse...
I thought I heard it all...
I heard this morning about the plight of one schoolgirl who didn't go to school today because she didn't have a brush to brush her hair.
RIDICULOUS!!
Kids these days think of the best excuses not to do homework or chores... why not a good one to explain the unstraight hair? Come on... you can think of something better than "I can't find my brush." Be lucky you have hair! You can take any kidding from your classmates for a day... it ain't the end of the world. Heck, look at me, you think I'd ever take a day off because I had a bad hair day? I can't, I hardly have any hair!
Buckle up,
TS
I heard this morning about the plight of one schoolgirl who didn't go to school today because she didn't have a brush to brush her hair.
RIDICULOUS!!
Kids these days think of the best excuses not to do homework or chores... why not a good one to explain the unstraight hair? Come on... you can think of something better than "I can't find my brush." Be lucky you have hair! You can take any kidding from your classmates for a day... it ain't the end of the world. Heck, look at me, you think I'd ever take a day off because I had a bad hair day? I can't, I hardly have any hair!
Buckle up,
TS
Friday, February 13, 2009
Random Musings...
I stayed up all last night watching the breaking news from Buffalo... My heart goes out to those affected by this tragedy. Never easy to think about 'do I know anyone on it?'
As one who enjoys following the ins and outs of local TV news coverage in areas away from ours, I found it interesting that CNN was carrying the coverage from the NBC station in Buffalo, but MSNBC could not. I'd love to see what those contracts and agreements say. NBC does own some of its affiliates, but not all of them. WGRZ (NBC in Buffalo) is owned by Gannett, the same folks who own USA Today. I wonder if CNN and Gannett have an agreement. CNN easily topped MSNBC and Fox News last night, simply on its access to coverage from WGRZ and the ABC affiliate, WKBW. I think all those MSNBC budget cuts reared their ugly heads last night.
MSNBC has good nighttime programs, if you lean that way politically. If Olbermann's not talking too much politics, I'll watch him. Everything else doesn't really interest me.
Fox News and CNN are alright. I'll watch HLN (formerly CNN Headline News) in the morning. I used to watch Glenn Beck, but now he's on FNC at 5pm, and I'm usually watching local news.
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Speaking of local news, a co-worker commented to me how many people they didn't recognize on Newswatch 16. Aside from the anchors, most of the reporters have changed over the last few years.
It's good to see Bob Reynolds when he and I run into each other when he's in town. His wife, Paula, gave me my first commercial radio job in Scranton. My first day on the job was 2/18/96, the day President Clinton visited Wilkes-Barre and I covered it... I've blogged about this before, but my first day on the job included being in the same room with Bill Clinton, Tom Ridge, Brian Williams, ABC's Ann Compton, CBS's Mark Knoller, Wendell Goler (now with Fox), and a lot of the traveling White House Press Corps.
----
Did your house almost blow away last night?
----
Congratulations to the 93% of baseball players who have never used performance-enhancing drugs in their lives. It's the other 7% who make the news and SportsCenter.
----
Bye, Brett Favre. Again. In other news, Vinny Testaverde will come out of retirement to quarterback the Buccaneers next year. ;)
----
Happy Valentines Day. I'm taking my folks out to dinner before my show tonight. Talk with you after basketball.
Buckle Up,
TS
As one who enjoys following the ins and outs of local TV news coverage in areas away from ours, I found it interesting that CNN was carrying the coverage from the NBC station in Buffalo, but MSNBC could not. I'd love to see what those contracts and agreements say. NBC does own some of its affiliates, but not all of them. WGRZ (NBC in Buffalo) is owned by Gannett, the same folks who own USA Today. I wonder if CNN and Gannett have an agreement. CNN easily topped MSNBC and Fox News last night, simply on its access to coverage from WGRZ and the ABC affiliate, WKBW. I think all those MSNBC budget cuts reared their ugly heads last night.
MSNBC has good nighttime programs, if you lean that way politically. If Olbermann's not talking too much politics, I'll watch him. Everything else doesn't really interest me.
Fox News and CNN are alright. I'll watch HLN (formerly CNN Headline News) in the morning. I used to watch Glenn Beck, but now he's on FNC at 5pm, and I'm usually watching local news.
----
Speaking of local news, a co-worker commented to me how many people they didn't recognize on Newswatch 16. Aside from the anchors, most of the reporters have changed over the last few years.
It's good to see Bob Reynolds when he and I run into each other when he's in town. His wife, Paula, gave me my first commercial radio job in Scranton. My first day on the job was 2/18/96, the day President Clinton visited Wilkes-Barre and I covered it... I've blogged about this before, but my first day on the job included being in the same room with Bill Clinton, Tom Ridge, Brian Williams, ABC's Ann Compton, CBS's Mark Knoller, Wendell Goler (now with Fox), and a lot of the traveling White House Press Corps.
----
Did your house almost blow away last night?
----
Congratulations to the 93% of baseball players who have never used performance-enhancing drugs in their lives. It's the other 7% who make the news and SportsCenter.
----
Bye, Brett Favre. Again. In other news, Vinny Testaverde will come out of retirement to quarterback the Buccaneers next year. ;)
----
Happy Valentines Day. I'm taking my folks out to dinner before my show tonight. Talk with you after basketball.
Buckle Up,
TS
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Now you REALLY know that times are tough...
Skycam 16 is being sold. Channel 16 has had a helicopter in one form or another for about 30 years. NewsBlues says the pilot has been laid off as well.
Next thing you know, Snedeker will be auctioning off his dress clothes to raise money... oh wait, he doesn't have any.
Buckle up,
TS
Next thing you know, Snedeker will be auctioning off his dress clothes to raise money... oh wait, he doesn't have any.
Buckle up,
TS
Thursday, January 29, 2009
It's a brand name, not an adjective...
Last night on WGAL, Sports Director Mike Hostetler, at 5:50pm...
"You can see Super Bowl XLIII here on WGAL. Kickoff scheduled for Sunday at 6:30. Pregame show begins in about 10 minutes."
Steelers 27, Cardinals 17... close first half, but Steelers run and run some more in the second half.
Buckle up,
TS
"You can see Super Bowl XLIII here on WGAL. Kickoff scheduled for Sunday at 6:30. Pregame show begins in about 10 minutes."
Steelers 27, Cardinals 17... close first half, but Steelers run and run some more in the second half.
Buckle up,
TS
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Slowly, but surely...
This is a good sign, in more ways than one.
1. The Sonic Drive-In chain is expanding. In this era of job-cutting and business closing, it's good to see someone expanding.
2. They're coming to Wilkes-Barre. The old KFC at the Wyoming Valley Mall is being converted into a Sonic.
It's refreshing news, considering that Waldenbooks (a mall original in 1971) is closing on Saturday. I see quite a few empty storefronts in malls all around our area... and there's a feeling all around that things will get worse before they get better.
If you want to see an interesting website, see www.deadmalls.com. Unfairly, Schuylkill Mall is listed from a few years ago... perhaps because of all the empty stores. It's a shame that Steve and Barry's went under, plus Waldenbooks and Claire's are closing up.
The trend now is outparcels or big box stores. Go to the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley or Shoppes at Montage, or even the Wegman's in Mechanicsburg, and you'll see what I mean. You can see what the mall in Hunt Valley, MD used to be, and how it's been transformed into the Shoppes at Hunt Valley.
Some good examples of dead malls are the Richland Mall in Johnstown, Landover Mall outside of DC, and whatever that mall used to be at the parking garage in Niagara Falls.
Five years from now, we'll be reminiscing how we remembered shopping at Circuit City.
That site also has lists of old stores... I'm sure you remember Ames, Hills, and Jamesway. How about Bradlees, Caldor, Service Merchandise, Fay's, Revco, Woolworth, McCrory's, Kresge's, Lazarus, Grant's, Pomeroy's, Hess's, King's Department Store, and (my favorite) Zayre's. Zayre's will forever be remembered in Wilkes-Barre as where the Cabbage Patch Kid riots broke out in 1983. Picture Black Friday 50 times worse.
While I'm being nostalgic, I miss having Acme, A&P, Insalaco's, and Shop Rite around here.
Happy shopping and buckle up,
TS
1. The Sonic Drive-In chain is expanding. In this era of job-cutting and business closing, it's good to see someone expanding.
2. They're coming to Wilkes-Barre. The old KFC at the Wyoming Valley Mall is being converted into a Sonic.
It's refreshing news, considering that Waldenbooks (a mall original in 1971) is closing on Saturday. I see quite a few empty storefronts in malls all around our area... and there's a feeling all around that things will get worse before they get better.
If you want to see an interesting website, see www.deadmalls.com. Unfairly, Schuylkill Mall is listed from a few years ago... perhaps because of all the empty stores. It's a shame that Steve and Barry's went under, plus Waldenbooks and Claire's are closing up.
The trend now is outparcels or big box stores. Go to the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley or Shoppes at Montage, or even the Wegman's in Mechanicsburg, and you'll see what I mean. You can see what the mall in Hunt Valley, MD used to be, and how it's been transformed into the Shoppes at Hunt Valley.
Some good examples of dead malls are the Richland Mall in Johnstown, Landover Mall outside of DC, and whatever that mall used to be at the parking garage in Niagara Falls.
Five years from now, we'll be reminiscing how we remembered shopping at Circuit City.
That site also has lists of old stores... I'm sure you remember Ames, Hills, and Jamesway. How about Bradlees, Caldor, Service Merchandise, Fay's, Revco, Woolworth, McCrory's, Kresge's, Lazarus, Grant's, Pomeroy's, Hess's, King's Department Store, and (my favorite) Zayre's. Zayre's will forever be remembered in Wilkes-Barre as where the Cabbage Patch Kid riots broke out in 1983. Picture Black Friday 50 times worse.
While I'm being nostalgic, I miss having Acme, A&P, Insalaco's, and Shop Rite around here.
Happy shopping and buckle up,
TS
Thursday, January 15, 2009
An original (kinda) top list
Temperatures here in Schuylkill County won't reach 10 degrees tomorrow. Here are the top places that will have temperatures higher than our area tomorrow.
15. Truth or Consequences, NM... 57
14. Pago Pago, American Samoa... 89
13. Death Valley... 76
12. Stockholm, Sweden... 28
11. Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada... 34
10. Seattle... 48
9. Boise... 37
8. Minot, North Dakota... 29
7. Uranium City, Saskatchewan... 16
6. Honolulu... 79
5. Glendale, Arizona (where the Eagles will beat the Cardinals on Sunday)... 75
4. Pittsburgh (where the Steelers will beat the Ravens on Sunday)... one degree warmer
3. Ocean City, Maryland... 29
2. Wildwood Crest... 21
(Gotta think warm here, folks)
1. Anchorage & Fairbanks, Alaska... they'll be in the 30s & 40s tomorrow! Even Barrow will have a high of 15!
Bundle Up and Buckle Up,
TS
15. Truth or Consequences, NM... 57
14. Pago Pago, American Samoa... 89
13. Death Valley... 76
12. Stockholm, Sweden... 28
11. Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada... 34
10. Seattle... 48
9. Boise... 37
8. Minot, North Dakota... 29
7. Uranium City, Saskatchewan... 16
6. Honolulu... 79
5. Glendale, Arizona (where the Eagles will beat the Cardinals on Sunday)... 75
4. Pittsburgh (where the Steelers will beat the Ravens on Sunday)... one degree warmer
3. Ocean City, Maryland... 29
2. Wildwood Crest... 21
(Gotta think warm here, folks)
1. Anchorage & Fairbanks, Alaska... they'll be in the 30s & 40s tomorrow! Even Barrow will have a high of 15!
Bundle Up and Buckle Up,
TS
Monday, January 12, 2009
Straight out of George Orwell...
The first thing I thought of when I saw this application was the book "1984" by George Orwell, and it's theme of "Big Brother is watching."
Go to www.mogulus.com and you'll see a website that offers live video of anyone who subscribes and has a webcam. My buddy Weather Kim now has a live feed of her at work at WUSA-TV in the mornings. You get to see all the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes on, and have a live chat at the same time. If you have a laptop with a webcam (and a decent-speed web connection), you can also "broadcast" on mogulus.
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My New Year's Resolution is proving successful so far... watch more movies. The snow had a lot to do me seeing a few this weekend. Deep End of the Ocean, most of Zoolander, and the last half-hour of Mooseport were what I saw, while waiting for football. Zoolander will be featured in the Movie Monday edition of the Time Machine.
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Channel 8 slightly shuffles its lineup... Jere Gish comes back after spending five years in KC... he and Lori Burkholder will anchor News 8 Today, and Susan Shapiro will handle News 8 at Noon.
Speaking of WGAL, the sports department has to be thrilled that all three of the NFL teams closest to them are in the conference championships. It will end up as an all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl in Tampa. Who'll want to see a Arizona vs. Baltimore Super Bowl? The Ravens would crush the Cards. An Eagles/Steelers matchup will make the sponsors smile. Catch all the games on AM 1360 WPPA. The Eagles play at 3:00, and the Steelers at 6:30.
---
Buckle Up,
TS
Go to www.mogulus.com and you'll see a website that offers live video of anyone who subscribes and has a webcam. My buddy Weather Kim now has a live feed of her at work at WUSA-TV in the mornings. You get to see all the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes on, and have a live chat at the same time. If you have a laptop with a webcam (and a decent-speed web connection), you can also "broadcast" on mogulus.
---
My New Year's Resolution is proving successful so far... watch more movies. The snow had a lot to do me seeing a few this weekend. Deep End of the Ocean, most of Zoolander, and the last half-hour of Mooseport were what I saw, while waiting for football. Zoolander will be featured in the Movie Monday edition of the Time Machine.
---
Channel 8 slightly shuffles its lineup... Jere Gish comes back after spending five years in KC... he and Lori Burkholder will anchor News 8 Today, and Susan Shapiro will handle News 8 at Noon.
Speaking of WGAL, the sports department has to be thrilled that all three of the NFL teams closest to them are in the conference championships. It will end up as an all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl in Tampa. Who'll want to see a Arizona vs. Baltimore Super Bowl? The Ravens would crush the Cards. An Eagles/Steelers matchup will make the sponsors smile. Catch all the games on AM 1360 WPPA. The Eagles play at 3:00, and the Steelers at 6:30.
---
Buckle Up,
TS
Thursday, January 8, 2009
From PA's Snow Belt...
In surfing headlines of TV and newspapers, this one caught my eyes. Two Catholic schools in Erie are merging, kinda.
High school sports fans are familiar with Erie Cathedral Prep through their football success, and with the Villa Maria Academy in Erie for their girls' basketball.
ECP is all-boys, and VMA used to be all-girls, but now is about 75% girls. Both will merge, and be under the same name. Yet, ECP stays all boys and VMA goes back to all girls for classes. All activities will be co-ed. The diocese operates ECP, while the Sisters of St. Joseph's of NW PA oversaw VMA. Some VMA alumni wanted the school returned to its all-girls roots. The diocese will still have a co-ed high, Mercyhurst Prep. Declining enrollment and the economy were mentioned in all reports as to a cause for the agreement between the schools.
That got me wondering... will something like this every happen in our area? If our population was higher and economy greater, then perhaps. But with how the Allentown Diocese and Scranton Diocese recently closed a number of schools, I think that staying open is more of an issue than seperating the genders. It could have a put a few of the closed buildings to good use, i.e. Cardinal Brennan.
Buckle up,
TS
High school sports fans are familiar with Erie Cathedral Prep through their football success, and with the Villa Maria Academy in Erie for their girls' basketball.
ECP is all-boys, and VMA used to be all-girls, but now is about 75% girls. Both will merge, and be under the same name. Yet, ECP stays all boys and VMA goes back to all girls for classes. All activities will be co-ed. The diocese operates ECP, while the Sisters of St. Joseph's of NW PA oversaw VMA. Some VMA alumni wanted the school returned to its all-girls roots. The diocese will still have a co-ed high, Mercyhurst Prep. Declining enrollment and the economy were mentioned in all reports as to a cause for the agreement between the schools.
That got me wondering... will something like this every happen in our area? If our population was higher and economy greater, then perhaps. But with how the Allentown Diocese and Scranton Diocese recently closed a number of schools, I think that staying open is more of an issue than seperating the genders. It could have a put a few of the closed buildings to good use, i.e. Cardinal Brennan.
Buckle up,
TS
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Slip slidin' away... & NFL picks
Good decision by the schools today not to chance it. I ventured out this morning, and for about the 4th time this winter, my car and pavement were covered in a layer of ice. Be careful traveling all day. The stuff could refreeze tonight.
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The renovation of a main section of Wildwood boardwalk is hitting a snag. The Press of Atlantic City says that about 90% of the black locust wood shipped in for the project was rejected. The builder has gone looking for wood from the tropical rain forest. As you can expect, environmental groups are concerned.
There are two sides you can take with this; those who want to preserve the rain forests, or the Rush Limbaugh-type who consider the rain forests a renewable resources and suggest that the "Environmentalist Wackos" not get too uptight.
I'm no lumberjack, and I can't tell wood from an oak tree apart from black locust. But wouldn't a couple of drums of Thompson Water Seal strengthen everything and make it all equal?
The Mayor of Wildwood put a deadline on the project of Easter Sunday, April 12. Don't be surprised if it's not completed by early May, especially if the weather doesn't behave.
I'm interested to see how much longer before more sections have to be replaced... the south end in front of the shops near the expo center are quite worn, and all the traffic between Mariners' Landing and 26th Avenue has taken its toll.
----
NFL Predictions this weekend:
All games can be heard on AM 1360 WPPA.
Both AFC matchups are going to be defensive struggles... the NFC games will be more wide open.
Baltimore 19, Tennessee 16... Neither D will give up a big play. Tennessee has the edge in rushing, but I give a slight edge in passing to Baltimore. The last team to make a field goal wins... Bironas will be forced to try another 60-yard field goal, but will fall short.
Carolina 35 Arizona 14... won't be as close as their first meeting. Arizona will pass for more yards, because they'll have to. Edgerrin James's last game for Arizona will be dreadful. Panthers' Stewart and Williams run wild, and Steve Smith catches two TD's.
Philadelphia 18 New York 15... no TD's, all field goals. Akers beats Carney. Bryan Dawkins won't let Philly lose. The loss of Plaxico and an injured Tyree still hurts the G-Men.
Pittsburgh 21 San Diego 7... this just may the ugliest game of the weekend. How hurt is Ben? How hurt is LT? How effective will Parker and Sproles be? It won't snow this time, but the Steeler D will step up at the right times.
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Buckle up,
TS
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The renovation of a main section of Wildwood boardwalk is hitting a snag. The Press of Atlantic City says that about 90% of the black locust wood shipped in for the project was rejected. The builder has gone looking for wood from the tropical rain forest. As you can expect, environmental groups are concerned.
There are two sides you can take with this; those who want to preserve the rain forests, or the Rush Limbaugh-type who consider the rain forests a renewable resources and suggest that the "Environmentalist Wackos" not get too uptight.
I'm no lumberjack, and I can't tell wood from an oak tree apart from black locust. But wouldn't a couple of drums of Thompson Water Seal strengthen everything and make it all equal?
The Mayor of Wildwood put a deadline on the project of Easter Sunday, April 12. Don't be surprised if it's not completed by early May, especially if the weather doesn't behave.
I'm interested to see how much longer before more sections have to be replaced... the south end in front of the shops near the expo center are quite worn, and all the traffic between Mariners' Landing and 26th Avenue has taken its toll.
----
NFL Predictions this weekend:
All games can be heard on AM 1360 WPPA.
Both AFC matchups are going to be defensive struggles... the NFC games will be more wide open.
Baltimore 19, Tennessee 16... Neither D will give up a big play. Tennessee has the edge in rushing, but I give a slight edge in passing to Baltimore. The last team to make a field goal wins... Bironas will be forced to try another 60-yard field goal, but will fall short.
Carolina 35 Arizona 14... won't be as close as their first meeting. Arizona will pass for more yards, because they'll have to. Edgerrin James's last game for Arizona will be dreadful. Panthers' Stewart and Williams run wild, and Steve Smith catches two TD's.
Philadelphia 18 New York 15... no TD's, all field goals. Akers beats Carney. Bryan Dawkins won't let Philly lose. The loss of Plaxico and an injured Tyree still hurts the G-Men.
Pittsburgh 21 San Diego 7... this just may the ugliest game of the weekend. How hurt is Ben? How hurt is LT? How effective will Parker and Sproles be? It won't snow this time, but the Steeler D will step up at the right times.
----
Buckle up,
TS
Monday, January 5, 2009
Two weeks
The long two week period encompassing Christmas and New Year's was great.
My station work wrapped up on the 23rd (although it never does end). After the ice storm passed over on Christmas Eve, I went to York to visit friends and their families. To my surprise, I got fed well and a few gifts. Watching kids at my friends' grandparents' house passing around gifts was a trip back in time for me. The little ones ran around, and the adults sat near the tree awaiting their presents. Lotsa clothes, lotsa cards, and little Keegan got a toy combine to play in the dirt with. I wonder if Tonka also included a coupon for laundry detergent...
Up to my parents on Christmas Day. It was a busy day... went to church, exchanged gifts, took a 3 1/2 hour nap, then ate dinner.
Friday the 26th, we had 153 kids at our bowling tournament in Allentown.
I slept in on Saturday, and watched college bowling in Allentown, and reconnected with some good friends. Sunday morning was spent with Uncle Dave, at church and then for breakfast. It was 60 degrees that day, so I cleaned out my car while it was still warm. I am an incurable pack rat, so I did my best to do more cleaning in my old office at my parents' house.
I was here at the station Monday and Tuesday. Thank you for my birthday well wishes.
Wednesday, another tournament... 78 at Strike Zone Alleys here in town... then up to my buddy Matt's for New Year's Eve.
We watched Dick Clark at 11:30. I love the guy, and realize it's not New Year's Eve without him... his speech is still affected from his stroke four years ago. I imagine his brain is still sharp as a tack. However, I am not a Ryan Seacrest fan, so I paid more attention to the Monopoly game I lost, instead of TV.
New Year's Day was travel day to Pittsburgh. I listened to the first half of the Rose Bowl in the car... then was peeved when I couldn't pick up any station west of Ebensburg that carried PSU. Oh well, it was 31-7 USC at that point.
Friday was another successful tournament in Pittsburgh... 108 entries and over $1500 in scholarships awarded. Thanks to Rich at Nesbit's Lanes for putting my name on the marquee.
Saturday was my first trip to Nadine's in Pittsburgh. If you watch Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, Nadine's was featured on a recent episode. It's a neighboorhood bar (19 South 27th Street on the South Side of Pittsburgh)... if you go, they do allow smoking. I had the french toast, and it tastes just like my Mom's. I also had a taste of a meatball sub, and it was great. Nadine didn't make her pasta that day, but I will have some next time I go... and yes, all the specials are just $4.50.
I also ate a few meals at Kings Family Restaurants... home of the frownie. Yummy. The blackberry pie and mozzarella wedges were good, too.
Sunday meant more bowling in Lancaster. My one friend convinced me to go to the movies afterwards. I saw Jim Carrey's new movie, "Yes Man." I swear that I was looking my life story. I'm very hesitant to say yes to things I'm not sure of. Jim's character, Carl Allen, is worse. I won't spoil the plot, but it's funny, and there are plenty of parts featuring Carrey's trademark physical comedy. The co-star Zooey Deschanel was a good pick.
Before I headed home, I stopped by Stauffers of Kissel Hill... a local chain of grocery and garden stores in Lancaster County. OMG!! It's the Dutch Country version of Meijer! The bakery has sooo much stuff! I'm eating the baked oatmeal for lunch, and they have so many homemade foods. I'll be back before too long. They even carry Kerry Dowd's favorite, Vernor's Ginger Soda.
As much as I enjoyed the time off, I was kinda eager to get back to the station today. Time off is good, but I was ready to get back to my daily routine.
Talk with you at 6:00.
Buckle up,
TS
My station work wrapped up on the 23rd (although it never does end). After the ice storm passed over on Christmas Eve, I went to York to visit friends and their families. To my surprise, I got fed well and a few gifts. Watching kids at my friends' grandparents' house passing around gifts was a trip back in time for me. The little ones ran around, and the adults sat near the tree awaiting their presents. Lotsa clothes, lotsa cards, and little Keegan got a toy combine to play in the dirt with. I wonder if Tonka also included a coupon for laundry detergent...
Up to my parents on Christmas Day. It was a busy day... went to church, exchanged gifts, took a 3 1/2 hour nap, then ate dinner.
Friday the 26th, we had 153 kids at our bowling tournament in Allentown.
I slept in on Saturday, and watched college bowling in Allentown, and reconnected with some good friends. Sunday morning was spent with Uncle Dave, at church and then for breakfast. It was 60 degrees that day, so I cleaned out my car while it was still warm. I am an incurable pack rat, so I did my best to do more cleaning in my old office at my parents' house.
I was here at the station Monday and Tuesday. Thank you for my birthday well wishes.
Wednesday, another tournament... 78 at Strike Zone Alleys here in town... then up to my buddy Matt's for New Year's Eve.
We watched Dick Clark at 11:30. I love the guy, and realize it's not New Year's Eve without him... his speech is still affected from his stroke four years ago. I imagine his brain is still sharp as a tack. However, I am not a Ryan Seacrest fan, so I paid more attention to the Monopoly game I lost, instead of TV.
New Year's Day was travel day to Pittsburgh. I listened to the first half of the Rose Bowl in the car... then was peeved when I couldn't pick up any station west of Ebensburg that carried PSU. Oh well, it was 31-7 USC at that point.
Friday was another successful tournament in Pittsburgh... 108 entries and over $1500 in scholarships awarded. Thanks to Rich at Nesbit's Lanes for putting my name on the marquee.
Saturday was my first trip to Nadine's in Pittsburgh. If you watch Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, Nadine's was featured on a recent episode. It's a neighboorhood bar (19 South 27th Street on the South Side of Pittsburgh)... if you go, they do allow smoking. I had the french toast, and it tastes just like my Mom's. I also had a taste of a meatball sub, and it was great. Nadine didn't make her pasta that day, but I will have some next time I go... and yes, all the specials are just $4.50.
I also ate a few meals at Kings Family Restaurants... home of the frownie. Yummy. The blackberry pie and mozzarella wedges were good, too.
Sunday meant more bowling in Lancaster. My one friend convinced me to go to the movies afterwards. I saw Jim Carrey's new movie, "Yes Man." I swear that I was looking my life story. I'm very hesitant to say yes to things I'm not sure of. Jim's character, Carl Allen, is worse. I won't spoil the plot, but it's funny, and there are plenty of parts featuring Carrey's trademark physical comedy. The co-star Zooey Deschanel was a good pick.
Before I headed home, I stopped by Stauffers of Kissel Hill... a local chain of grocery and garden stores in Lancaster County. OMG!! It's the Dutch Country version of Meijer! The bakery has sooo much stuff! I'm eating the baked oatmeal for lunch, and they have so many homemade foods. I'll be back before too long. They even carry Kerry Dowd's favorite, Vernor's Ginger Soda.
As much as I enjoyed the time off, I was kinda eager to get back to the station today. Time off is good, but I was ready to get back to my daily routine.
Talk with you at 6:00.
Buckle up,
TS
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