It Is A Super Week

Some of my favorite times in my career are of covering the Super Bowl.  Long hours, lots of parties and being on the field.  I am already missing not being in Dallas this year.  There is something very special about the Super Bowl.  It touches sports fans and those mildly interested.

How many of you will throw a party this year?  How many are more interested in the commercials than the game?  Betty White’s commercial last year put her back to the top once again.

For me, my Super Bowl coverage went to a different level when I was the news director and senior anchor at Fox Sports Radio.  FSR’s general manager, the late Andrew Ashwood decided to bring every show on the network to the Super Bowl.  It was a daunting task manning radio row during Super Week, and he and the staff pulled it off.  Producers lined up greats guests, editors back in Los Angeles got us outstanding sound bites to use in my updates, and the parties, well what goes on at the Super Bowl…

It was also reunion time for me, especially when the Steelers were in the game.  I worked in Pittsburgh for ten years, so when the local Pittsburgh media came to town, it was like attending a reunion for me, seeing friends and former colleagues I had not seen for years. 

Being on the field after the game brought chills to me, the feeling of standing there is indescribable, but I made sure I took pictures.  The only other time I had this feeling was when I stepped onto the field at Yankee Stadium, a place my dad and I spent countless weekends while growing up.

This year, I will be watching the Super Bowl on TV, rooting for my Steelers, a team I had the privilege of doing the pre and post game shows live from all of the tailgate parties.  It will not be like being there working 18 hour days (ok that includes the nightly parties), but I look forward to this Sunday.

I will have to rely on my Direct-TV service to watch the game.   Sunday night while watching the SAG Awards my box went out.  After trying to get through the maddening computer answering system I finally found a human to speak with after ten minutes.  I told them I wanted a new box post haste!!  After a small um debate they promised to get me a new box this week.  Let us see if they are true to their word.  I have found Direct-TV customer service to be maybe the worst in the business, but they have the best sports programming so I deal with it.

Time to end this, so I can figure out what food to plan for Super Sunday, and all to say now is GO STEELERS!!!!  

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My Mind Is Full

Sitting in the hospital for ten days made a lot go into my head, very little went out.  I was glad to get out of Cedars on Wednesday so Charlie Sheen could have my bed early Thursday morning.  Amazing how ABC News makes this a huge news story.  Charlie kicks their butt every Monday night, and they would love him to go away.  In limited contact with the Sheen family, all I can say is they were good to me.  My son did a movie with dad Martin, and Charlie and I met at the Charlie Sheen Room at a sports restaurant in New York City.  Martin remembered my son years later and Charlie very gracious doing an interview when he had nothing to promote.  My best to Charlie.

25 years ago was the explosion of the Challenger.  I remember it well being at the news desk at WTAE     in Pittsburgh, I was reminded how I was looking to buy a new TV in downtown Pittsburgh when the incident happened, an eerie quiet throughout the story and I was off to work.  The same memories of Three Mile Island, looking for a TV when my station broke in with a special report, I was at WTPA (now WHTM)      post haste.

To the Los Angeles School police officer who staged his shooting and kept thousands of kids locked down for hours, they cannot throw the key far enough away.  They need to teach this joker a lesson.

My hats off to Fresh and Easy food stores for introducing no sugar added products.  As a diabetic I thank you.  It would be nice to see other food stores jump on this band wagon. Fresh and Easy also keeps the price down, so diabetics are not charged more because they have a disease and must limit sugar.

Finally today, my tongue is in my cheek, thanks to all of the law makers who shoved this healthcare bill into law.  It was suppose to save me money.  Due to my disability I was put on Medicare.  So now my insurance premium is 270 more than I was paying for private insurance and my drug co-pays are now 47 dollars as oppose to 25 with my private insurance.  Thank goodness for the pharmacy at Ralphs Grocery store who allow me not to pay7 dollars for a generic, but 10 bucks for three months.  Now that’s a savings!!

I’m Back…..

It has been a tough ten days for me; I spent it at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Beverly Hills California.  It all began with a trip to my cardiologist’s office.  I was suffering from chest discomfort for a few days, and I thought it was just a case of angina, but it became worse.  So it was off to the ER.  The place was jammed and the receptionist asked if I needed to see a doctor, I told her of my chest pain, and bang I was in a room.

I have an awesome team of doctors who made me feel as comfortable as possible with my chest pain.  It was going to be a trip to the Cath Lab.  I assumed I probably needed another stent.  The pain was just like pre stent visits in the past, after my angiogram I was told everything looked great, the double by-pass was open and flowing as were my seven stents.

Ok, what was going on?  Was this all in my head?  My doc said no and ordered a CAT Scan of my aorta.   That is when they found the culprit, a pulmonary embolism in my lung.  So it was on meds and education on how to deal with my new meds for life.  Not to let my nurses just have an easy time I also had a T.I.A., a minor stroke, which resolved itself in about 5 hours, but more education for me.  A wonderful visit from the Stroke Team Nurse for a little class time to keep me stimulated.

Late Wednesday afternoon my doctor told me my medicine was therapeutic, in other words my blood was good and thin.

So now it is doctors’ visits, a change in life style, and a positive attitude.

Thank all of you who sent their prayers and well wishes, what could have been a disaster turned into something I will learn to deal with.  All of your comments gave me the fight I needed to deal with this.

See everyone tomorrow on this blog where I am sure I will again upset someone.


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Even More Things I know I Think

What a great time of the year, the NFL Playoffs.  There were some great games this weekend.  Last week I thought the Steelers, Packers, Seahawks, and Patriots would advance, saying the Jets did have the talent to win the game.  They not only won, they got the QB Tom Brady so many times Brady probably thought he played in five games.

The Steelers Ravens game was a classic, and in the end the better team won.  Yes I am a Steelers fan, but they were the better team in the second half, and got it done.

The Packers winning on the road again just embarrassed the Falcons, as did ‘Da Bears stopping the Seahawks.  I cannot wait for this week’s action.

Reports out of the Arizona jail say the madman who went on a shooting spree shows no signs of remorse.  I refuse to print his name; he got more than his 15 minutes of fame.  He is in “the hole” 23 of 24 hours a day and has six guards around him for his hour out.  My question, why waste the guards, keep him locked up 24 hours a day.

My hope for the extreme left and right being ignored may just be happening.   I do not think the tea party is the extreme right, I do believe the Jane Fonda followers are the extreme left.  For those of you who still believe he is a tea party advocate, according to the New York Times, he became enraged at the sight of President Bush. 

Finally, the Golden Globes.  Host Ricky Gravis was nothing more than an ignorant person.  His humor was not funny, it was hurtful.  If he was trying to emulate people like Don Rickles, he missed the mark by miles.  I was happy to see Colin Furth win best actor, I believe the voters missed the boat not making the movie Kings Speech as picture of the year.  I guess to enjoy this picture it would be helpful to be a fan of history.  I think they were not.  Kudos to Jim Parsons, wining for best actor in a comedy for television.  He was truly awed by the honor, and his character on The Big Bang Theory is just plain funny.

Good Sports, Bad Sports, and This is What Customer Service is All About

The only bad sports are those who try and keep us from watching the NFL Playoffs this weekend.  On Saturday it all begins with the Ravens at the Steelers.  For years I have had to take the high road when analyzing a game and making my picks.  I do not have to do that this time around, so I am pulling hard for my Pittsburgh Steelers.  Go Down Baltimore.  I cannot support any team with murderer Ray Lewis on board.  Take away all of that, and the Steelers are the better team period.

Then on Saturday night it is the Pack at the Falcons.  I know the game is in Atlanta, but I like the way Green Bay has been playing of late, and I think the Pack will come away from this with the W.

Wait it gets better!!!!  Sunday’s early game is the Seahawks at da Bears (da Bears!!!!!!—I miss my sound effects I used on the air!!!).  Pete Carrols team has much to prove.  The Seahawks were 7-9 during the regular season and friends were posting they did not deserve to be on the same field with the defending Super Bowl champs the Saints last week.  Well those posting that were very wrong, they are playing on Sunday and the Saints ain’t.   I pick Seattle.

Then the late game is the Jets at the Pats.  When you’re a Jet you’re a Jet all the way.  Good luck to them.  I stopped being a Jet fan years ago because they were always a disappointment.  They in my humble opinion have the ability to beat New England, but I really believe they will come up short.

DO NOT BET THE HOUSE ON MY PICKS!!!!!!

Finally today I applaud Southwest Airlines.  A man was waiting in the TSA line to make an emergency flight to see his dying grandson.  The TSA did not give a damn about this and made him wait.  Mark Dickinson wanted to get home before his grandson would be taken off life support.  The L.A. TSA group told him to wait in line.

His grandson had been flung against a wall by his daughter’s boyfriend.  He wanted to get to Denver.  His wife called customer service at Southwest and asked the plane be held.  When Dickinson got to the gate… running with just socks on his feet, he was met by the pilot who told him he held the plane for him.  This was not for Southwest publicity; it was an act of kindness and customer service.  Kudos to the pilot and customer service rep who are not identified yet.  They did this so a grandfather could see his dying grandson after an inexcusable incident by a violent man.   Let me say thank you for the decision to say to hell with on time statistics and allow Mark Dickinson to say goodbye to his grandson Caden.

I applaud Southwest Airlines for being so caring and thoughtful!!!

Prayers, Health and Service

Three topics on my mind today.  First and foremost my prayers to all of the victim of the tragedy in Tucson over the weekend.  To those recovering and to those who passed may God be with you.  I am praying for all of you.

To those who still insist on making this a political issue, SHAME ON YOU.  This is no more political than deciding what you want for dinner.  The lowlife who shot these people has no political agenda.  According to those who know him he is a pot smoking skull worshiping sicko.  So stop placing blame on any ideology or party or person.  I have said this before and I will say this over and over, lets us pull together and be great Americans.  Thos of you who cannot do this, know you are no better than the person (I refuse to state his name, no publicity for him) who pulled the trigger on Saturday.  And to the students at the memorial service, to those cheering, this was not a pep rally.  What are you thinking?

To health, and again mine.  I have been suffering from angina attacks over the past few days.  I have been reading a great deal about angina and I do not mind telling you I am quite concerned.  Is this a warning sign of something which may happen?  I hope not. In 2009 I spent some time in the hospital in ten months of the year, in 2010 visited the hospital just twice, once because I broke my thumb, giving me the klutz of the year award.  2011 health wise has not started well, high blood sugars, angina and eye problems.  Imagine if I was not taking care of myself.  So if any of my friends get panic calls during the night, I apologize ahead of time.

Finally today, Service.  I am a volunteer Docent at the Getty Museum.  I man the family room, sketching gallery and give an architecture tour.   I Iove giving of my time for this.  I have met wonderful people from all over the world, I have learned so much about architecture and art, and now am preparing my garden tour of the Getty.  I smile from the time I get to the museum, until the time I leave anticipating my next tour of duty.

Just this week I have started being of service to Wheels of Humanity.  This organization restores wheel chairs and ships them all over the world.  They do not however provide these chairs to Americans, because of the chance of lawsuits.  What a sorry commentary on the people of our great country.

I have learned to take the wheel chairs apart, grease the bearings, and shine them up so they can be shipped out.  It is a detail job, something I have gotten far away from since I have had health issues.  Again, like the Getty I am getting more out of it than I am giving.  Let me suggest that all of us find a way to be of service.  Whether it be one day a week, a month, or more, I promise you it will make your heart smile.

The Blame Game

I knew I would write about the terrible acts of violence this weekend.  There is so much to be said.  First and foremost, Jane Fonda is at it again.  You all remember Jane, the woman who supported Hanoi during the Vietnam War.  Now she has gone from Hanoi Jane to Blame Jane.  According to her tweets Sarah Palin and Glen Beck are responsible for the shootings in Tucson this past weekend.  I would say shame on you Jane, but why waste my time.

We, as a nation need to unite during this time of tragedy.  We need to pray for the victims of this senseless crime and for their families.  I pray for the full recovery of Gabrielle Giffords, and my heart goes out to the family of the 9 year old child, a victim of this senseless violence.  Shame on the sheriff who blames talk show hosts for causing this shooting.  He used the incident to further his political agenda.   I put him in the low life category.

As a nation we need to come together and support each others right to speak our minds.  I will not use the sheriff’s name or the name of the shooter; they have received enough attention from the American Public.  I will say no political party activity has been found yet as far as the shooter goes.

Shame on a former boss who “reports” the news saying “f” the governor of Arizona.  This is not reporting, and the use of the “f” word has no place in a journalistic piece.

Let us all as Americans act like the responsible people we should be.  I do not agree with some, but I will fight for their right to express their opinions, and I will fight for the right to continue to express mine.  Our political leaders need to grow up and stop playing the blame game as well, not in this incident but in the way they conduct themselves as representatives of  you and me.

As for this deviant who took the lives of many, injured more; throw away the key.  There is no doubt he did it.  He is innocent until proven guilty, but the eyewitness accounts and his assassination plan found in his belongings say it all.

We must all fight to stop the needless violence which has become prevalent in our country.  And we need it to stop now.

A Wrap On A Wonderful Week

The best gift I received was after Christmas.  My son and daughter-in-law came to visit with my two grandkids Ava and Gavin.  You know I do not like the in-law tag, she is just like a daughter!!  When we met, Ava, who turns four on Monday, ran and gave her G-Pa (that is me!!) a big hug and a kiss.  As for 17 month old Gavin, I got a big smile from him while in his stroller.  My health issues kept me from visiting them at their home in Memphis, so this was my first meeting with Gavin, and except for Skype, I had not seen Ava in two years.

I give my son and his wife a great deal of credit, traveling with the two young ones.  Their flight here gave them a three hour layover in Detroit.  So after dinner Ava was looking forward to a sleep over at her G-Pa’s; so was I.  She got in my car with her child seat and by the time we got home she was sound asleep.  Not for long, because she wanted to help me get her ready for bed, and brushed her teeth, and then we turned the television on for some good night cartoons.

The next day it was off to Starbucks for a baby donut and hot chocolate, then to the mall before it opened to play on the climbing toys there, and then I took her to a place called Creation Station, a great place in Studio City Ca. for a ballet and tap class.  We had a ball.  Back home to rest and then out to dinner, where the chips and fried ice cream were her favorites.

Yesterday I told her it was time to drive back to her mama, but I had a huge surprise for her and her brother Gavin.  We took another car ride, then on a tram.  She looked at me and asked, “Are we going to Disneyland?”  When I said yes, it was an ear to ear smile.  We met up with her mom and Gavin, and thanks to a very dear friend Jayne, who had passes, we spent the day at the happiest place on earth, riding rides and she even got to walk hand in hand with Sleeping Beauty and Ariel!!!  Gavin loved the rides too; especially all of the lights in It’s A Small World.

Very tough when it was time to leave, back to the hotel for them, then Memphis today, and G-Pa shed some tears.  G-Pa also learned some important lessons.  One how much I miss my family, and two my health issues, Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease have taken their toll.  It was difficult keeping up with the kids.  I was happy I was able to do it.  I do however have to keep up the fight and keep the progression of these two diseases in check.  Walking is one thing I must do more.  Oh look a New Year’s Resolution handed to me on a platter.  One easy to keep for the next round with Ava and Gavin.  I must watch what goes into my mouth, is a piece of candy worth the consequences?  That is easy to answer. No! 

I have my work cut out for me, but it is a task very much worth it, so I can keep up with these two precious ones.  I cannot wait for the next Skype and visit.  A huge THANK YOU to Joe and Brandie, you have put just like Ava, an ear to ear smile on your father’s face!!  Love you both!!

Good Start For Me In 2011

What a great day January 5^th is!   Today I spent the day with my 4 year granddaughter visiting from Memphis.  

Because of my health problems, I have not seen her since she was 2.  What a difference 2 years makes in a young life! 

I am doing things like going to dance class, the mall to play on their toys and a play date.   When my kids were little there were no such things as play dates!”

It amazes me how smart she is.  No this is not a proud g-pa talking.  On the way home she took her I-Pad, dialed up “Dora The Explorer” and watched it all of the way home.  She will be four on the 11^th; I would not know how to turn it on. 

We had a blast, walking the dog, getting dressed, going to ballet class, and even spending  some time at the Getty Museum, where she went to the family room to play, and the sketching gallery to draw.  Then it was home to have some strawberry ice cream.  No doubt I am a proud g-pa.  My grandson stayed with his mom and dad, they did not think I could handle two!!!  Hey who handled my two when they were growing up?

If I ever needed a reason the keep my diabetes in check yesterday and today say it all.  I need to be around for my grandkids.  They need the advice, and spoiling from their ole g-pa, especially the spoiling!!!!  I now must triple my effort to keep my health in control so I am around for the important things in life.

I also worry about what our leaders have done to our country, knowing the debt will be the problem of my grandchildren.  I am tired of providing money for illegal aliens who demand money and health care; why, because they are entitled to it.  Let us take a good look at what our leaders are doing to future generations of Americans, and if they continue to put their hands in their pockets, fire them!!

OK enough of that, I need to dwell on my grandkids, and continue to spoil them while I can.  So this blog is over, my granddaughter wants to play a game!!

Watching this little girl enjoy her carefree life makes me pause and wonder what will she see and experience as she grows up.

From Governor Moonbeam to Ignoring The Diabetic Market and More

Happy New Year Everyone!!!  We have our challenges ahead of us, and it will be interesting to see how we handle them.

First my challenge with diabetes.  It will not be an easy journey for those of us who have this devastating disease, however if we are diligent in watching what we eat, our weight, and our exercising we can help ourselves.  I would like to say shame on you Kraft Foods.  The good people at Albertson’s Grocery Store were trying to order sugar free Tang for me.  I was told this item is no longer available from Kraft.  Albertson’s and Fresh and Easy have told me they are trying to be more diabetic friendly in their food choices.  We must continue to keep diabetes in the forefront so we can find a cure.

Is it just me or are pro athletes represented by the dregs of the earth?  More and more are being arrested for violent acts, fined for breaking the rules, and acting out by ignoring their coaches.  I believe the leagues MUST make sure their players follow rules on and off the field, or kick their butts to the curb, just like you and I would be kicked to the curb if we acted this way in our lives.

OK, I have saved the best for last.  Jerry Brown was elected as governor by the voters of California.  This will be his second time around.  During the campaign, he admitted Politian’s lie.  So when he said no new taxes unless voted on by the people, he was lying.   He has been going around talking about tightening belts, and has hinted more than once he wants to repeal proposition13 here in California, which would greatly raise real estate taxes.  Brown has never found a tax he did not like.  Those of you who voted for him, you get what you vote for.  Then again I have three words for the man serving hot dogs and chips at his inauguration.  (Hey can I get a dog?  I am a taxpayer!!!)  The three words; Grey Davis Recall.

Yes 2011 will bring challenges for all of us.  Are we up to the task to keep up the fight and good work?  I know we are.