Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Darn! Wait a minute....Cool!
I didn’t tell you what happened the other night. We had a short power outage….and, unlike Neal’s clock that automatically resets itself, makes coffee and notifies the media when major events happen, mine had to be reset. So I reset the time----but never fixed the time for the alarm. It always resets to 12am when the power goes out. So, I went to bed around 9:30 or 10:00….and the alarm went off. When I realized it was only midnight….HOW COOL WAS THAT! I got to go back to sleep for 4 and a half hours!!!!!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
No news is not right!
It's hard to imagine what is must be like in Iran right now. First of all, you have an election that some think was rigged. Now we can SORT OF relate to that. We've been through something similar. Memories of hanging chads and Supreme Court decisions. I know it's not the same, but there were questions.
In America we have recounts. In America we have appeals. And in America we have a free press. I know the media doesn't have the best image all of the time and many times that is well deserved. But can you imagine living in a country where you're not allowed to see what's going on? Can you imagine rioting in the streets and Brian, Katie, Charlie, Wolf and O'Reilly are not allowed to talk about it? I don't know about you but I think O'Reilly's head would explode!
Yes we have a media that goes overboard ALOT! But, we have a media, we have a justice system. And we have a country I love!
In America we have recounts. In America we have appeals. And in America we have a free press. I know the media doesn't have the best image all of the time and many times that is well deserved. But can you imagine living in a country where you're not allowed to see what's going on? Can you imagine rioting in the streets and Brian, Katie, Charlie, Wolf and O'Reilly are not allowed to talk about it? I don't know about you but I think O'Reilly's head would explode!
Yes we have a media that goes overboard ALOT! But, we have a media, we have a justice system. And we have a country I love!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
ANOTHER Reality Show?
We have a great time on the morning show. I come in the studio everyday with a plan, a general idea, but I'm always looking for new ideas. I talk with Neal and Jack and Dr. Joe and get their input.
Today I saw a story about a new show coming to MTV called "16 and Pregnant." At first I thought , "Oh great! Another show glamorizing irresponsible living and people getting their "15 minutes of fame." Upon further review---I think it's a great idea. Here's why.....
I did a search, typing in "16 and pregnant" and went to a website that I didn't even know about. 16 and pregnant.com. It's a site that seems to offer some good information to teens.
I kept searching and found a release from MTV. Here are some of the highlights:
This summer, MTV brings one of the most controversial and thought-provoking topics to its viewers with the new series, "16 & Pregnant." With statistics showing that three in ten girls in the U.S. will get pregnant before the age of 20, the show will take an intimate look inside the lives of pregnant teenagers as they face the challenges that come with being a young parent and dealing with relationships, finance, school and other new responsibilities. "16 & Pregnant" premieres on Thursday, June 11th at 10:00pm ET/PT and will have six one-hour episodes.
"MTV has a long history of reflecting the lives of our viewers with compelling reality stories," said Tony DiSanto, President of Programming MTV. "'16 & Pregnant' follows the journey of six young women going through an immensely life changing experience at such a young age.
Some callers today worried about MTV being the right place for a show like this. I think it's the perfect place. This is what teens are watching. I think if this was on "DATELINE" or "60 MINUTES" that would be a waste. We need to get the message delivered in a way or format that will be recieved.
I do think this is not enough. Parents, mentors, friends, coaches....need to tell the kids about it, maybe watch it with them, and then (maybe most importantly) discuss it after.
Today I saw a story about a new show coming to MTV called "16 and Pregnant." At first I thought , "Oh great! Another show glamorizing irresponsible living and people getting their "15 minutes of fame." Upon further review---I think it's a great idea. Here's why.....
I did a search, typing in "16 and pregnant" and went to a website that I didn't even know about. 16 and pregnant.com. It's a site that seems to offer some good information to teens.
I kept searching and found a release from MTV. Here are some of the highlights:
This summer, MTV brings one of the most controversial and thought-provoking topics to its viewers with the new series, "16 & Pregnant." With statistics showing that three in ten girls in the U.S. will get pregnant before the age of 20, the show will take an intimate look inside the lives of pregnant teenagers as they face the challenges that come with being a young parent and dealing with relationships, finance, school and other new responsibilities. "16 & Pregnant" premieres on Thursday, June 11th at 10:00pm ET/PT and will have six one-hour episodes.
"MTV has a long history of reflecting the lives of our viewers with compelling reality stories," said Tony DiSanto, President of Programming MTV. "'16 & Pregnant' follows the journey of six young women going through an immensely life changing experience at such a young age.
Some callers today worried about MTV being the right place for a show like this. I think it's the perfect place. This is what teens are watching. I think if this was on "DATELINE" or "60 MINUTES" that would be a waste. We need to get the message delivered in a way or format that will be recieved.
I do think this is not enough. Parents, mentors, friends, coaches....need to tell the kids about it, maybe watch it with them, and then (maybe most importantly) discuss it after.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Hurry up and wait
Why is it that we have to wait so long to see a doctor? I'm sure I'm not the only one who has made an appointment, rushed to get there on time only to.... WWWWAAAAAIIIITTTTT for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. I haven't had to wait more than hour, because I get up and LEAVE!
I can understand if the doctor has been called away or is delayed because there was an emergency. I've had that happen. Then when the receptionist explains it, most people in the waiting room understand. But on a regular day, why do we wait so long? And is it just around here? If you are reading this in another part of the country and you don't have this problem, I would really like to hear from you.
I have seen doctors in Boston (for my shoulders)and the doctor's office in Waltham. I have been seen by doctors at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD because of a drug study I am involved in, and I must say I never wait there! I have an appointment, I show up, they see me. Many times before I can even finish the article in the magazine. Here at home....I wait. I have a doctor who is upset with me because I didn't get some bloodwork done, but when I went to the local lab, I waited for one hour, then got up and left! I'm sorry but my time is just as important as the doctors. And if the arguement is, "We're very busy," then hire more people! It looks like business is good! Or, if you can't handle that many appointments in an afternoon, don't book that many! I know there are only so many hours in a day, don't try to cram in so many people.
The straw that broke the camels back (I always feel sorry for the camel when I use that phrase).....the one that really sent me over the edge occurred this week. I went for a phsyical at 3pm. This had been scheduled for 6 months. I had it in my calendar for 3pm. When I walked in I was told I was late, I should have been there at 2pm. I apologized, saying that my calendar had 3pm and they said there was no way it was at 3pm because that's when the doctor saw sick people. Okay. Maybe I made a mistake. Did we reschedule? Yes. They can see me in 6 months! Good thing I feel okay. Maybe I should have coughed a few times and claimed to be a sick person.
I can understand if the doctor has been called away or is delayed because there was an emergency. I've had that happen. Then when the receptionist explains it, most people in the waiting room understand. But on a regular day, why do we wait so long? And is it just around here? If you are reading this in another part of the country and you don't have this problem, I would really like to hear from you.
I have seen doctors in Boston (for my shoulders)and the doctor's office in Waltham. I have been seen by doctors at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD because of a drug study I am involved in, and I must say I never wait there! I have an appointment, I show up, they see me. Many times before I can even finish the article in the magazine. Here at home....I wait. I have a doctor who is upset with me because I didn't get some bloodwork done, but when I went to the local lab, I waited for one hour, then got up and left! I'm sorry but my time is just as important as the doctors. And if the arguement is, "We're very busy," then hire more people! It looks like business is good! Or, if you can't handle that many appointments in an afternoon, don't book that many! I know there are only so many hours in a day, don't try to cram in so many people.
The straw that broke the camels back (I always feel sorry for the camel when I use that phrase).....the one that really sent me over the edge occurred this week. I went for a phsyical at 3pm. This had been scheduled for 6 months. I had it in my calendar for 3pm. When I walked in I was told I was late, I should have been there at 2pm. I apologized, saying that my calendar had 3pm and they said there was no way it was at 3pm because that's when the doctor saw sick people. Okay. Maybe I made a mistake. Did we reschedule? Yes. They can see me in 6 months! Good thing I feel okay. Maybe I should have coughed a few times and claimed to be a sick person.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Good time, good time
I had a great time this week at a College Fair at my son's high school. To be honest, I really wasn't looking forward to going. It had been a long day and after supper, I would have loved to just flop on the couch with the clicker for the rest of the night. But, I went. My wife was working and she said "You need to go with him." So, I sucked it up and did the dad duty thing. Looking back on it....I'm really glad I did.
We arrived just after it started and picked up the map of the fair. It showed which schools were located where inside the gym. My son, Doug, had done some prep work and he had an idea of who he wanted to talk to. So I found them on the map and we began. Doug wants to be a firefighter. He always has. You now how every little boy , at one time or another, wants to be a fire fighter., Doug never outgrew it. And, with my wife being a paramedic, the conversation at the dinner time is often about trauma and the latest accident in the news.
We wandered through the College Fair talking to schools that offered Fire Science and Engineering. When I thought we were done, Doug said he just wanted to walk around a little more. We started to talk to schools that also offered communications and theater. Those are two of his other interests. Then there was also discussion about college sports. Doug plays football, runs track but really loves baseball. Some of the reps even gave him the coaches phone numbers to learn more about what the coach expects.
In the end we spent time with spokespeople for the University of New Haven, Mass Maritime, Bristol Community College, Becker, Barry College (Miami---good baseball, great weather)and the University of Hawaii. (We had to! Doug's thinking of minoring in bikinis. What can I say.)
It's been a couple of days since we went and I think I finally figured out why I had such a good time. It was fun to spend time with Doug , just the two of us. But I also realized it was two hours that I spent in a room filled with hope! Hope and dreams! With all the bad news and economic fear, that was a welcome change. Sure, a lot of those kids may ever end up at those schools, we may not be able to afford these schools. But for a few hours, there was hope and excitement!
We arrived just after it started and picked up the map of the fair. It showed which schools were located where inside the gym. My son, Doug, had done some prep work and he had an idea of who he wanted to talk to. So I found them on the map and we began. Doug wants to be a firefighter. He always has. You now how every little boy , at one time or another, wants to be a fire fighter., Doug never outgrew it. And, with my wife being a paramedic, the conversation at the dinner time is often about trauma and the latest accident in the news.
We wandered through the College Fair talking to schools that offered Fire Science and Engineering. When I thought we were done, Doug said he just wanted to walk around a little more. We started to talk to schools that also offered communications and theater. Those are two of his other interests. Then there was also discussion about college sports. Doug plays football, runs track but really loves baseball. Some of the reps even gave him the coaches phone numbers to learn more about what the coach expects.
In the end we spent time with spokespeople for the University of New Haven, Mass Maritime, Bristol Community College, Becker, Barry College (Miami---good baseball, great weather)and the University of Hawaii. (We had to! Doug's thinking of minoring in bikinis. What can I say.)
It's been a couple of days since we went and I think I finally figured out why I had such a good time. It was fun to spend time with Doug , just the two of us. But I also realized it was two hours that I spent in a room filled with hope! Hope and dreams! With all the bad news and economic fear, that was a welcome change. Sure, a lot of those kids may ever end up at those schools, we may not be able to afford these schools. But for a few hours, there was hope and excitement!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Well, THAT was fun!
The end of another week. I thought I'd jot down a few thoughts. Don't forget, I'm now on Twitter everyday. I Twit during the show and after as we put the next show together...or just live life.
I was just saying how I don't think there's anything better than flopping on the couch in your sweats after a long week.
It was a fun week. We covered alot of great stories on the show and had some good guests. I enjoyed the chat I had with Pamela McCloud Lima from the Women's Center. It's not a nice topic-domestic violence- but I admire Pam and the work that they do. She was in to talk about a fundraiser but we also touched on how the economy is affecting (or is that "effecting"? I always get confused) how it is also a factor in domestic violence. Plus, Rhianna and Chris Rock. Pam said it is common....the woman going back to the guy. I pray for the best.
Some fun trivia: what group has the longest name w/out containing a vowel? Lynyrd Skynyrd.
We also had a math mindbender---how can u give someone $63 using 6 bills and using no ones? 1-$50, 1-$5, 4-$2 bills.
Assorted stories----a great tip from theNest.com, before stressing out about something, stop and ask yourself, Will this make a huge difference 5 years from now?"
I read a story from Rome...Catholics being asked to give up texting for Lent! Good idea? Plus there was a story today about Textual harassment. One of my daughters had this happen to them. A guy harassing them thru texting. Luckily we found out who it was and put a top to THAT!
Have a great weekend. I can't believe I start softball practice with my rec league team this weekend. Snow still on the ground.
I was just saying how I don't think there's anything better than flopping on the couch in your sweats after a long week.
It was a fun week. We covered alot of great stories on the show and had some good guests. I enjoyed the chat I had with Pamela McCloud Lima from the Women's Center. It's not a nice topic-domestic violence- but I admire Pam and the work that they do. She was in to talk about a fundraiser but we also touched on how the economy is affecting (or is that "effecting"? I always get confused) how it is also a factor in domestic violence. Plus, Rhianna and Chris Rock. Pam said it is common....the woman going back to the guy. I pray for the best.
Some fun trivia: what group has the longest name w/out containing a vowel? Lynyrd Skynyrd.
We also had a math mindbender---how can u give someone $63 using 6 bills and using no ones? 1-$50, 1-$5, 4-$2 bills.
Assorted stories----a great tip from theNest.com, before stressing out about something, stop and ask yourself, Will this make a huge difference 5 years from now?"
I read a story from Rome...Catholics being asked to give up texting for Lent! Good idea? Plus there was a story today about Textual harassment. One of my daughters had this happen to them. A guy harassing them thru texting. Luckily we found out who it was and put a top to THAT!
Have a great weekend. I can't believe I start softball practice with my rec league team this weekend. Snow still on the ground.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Random thoughts
Random thoughts while doing the show......
We had a lot of great guesses with the Impossible Question today. "The average man has more of this than the average woman." People said "Ego" among other things. We'll take more calls Monday.
Tiger Woods got eliminated from the golf tournament on Thursday. I'm thinkin' NBC must be ticked as they were banking on him being part of their coverage this weekend.
Chelsea Clinton turns 29 today! When did THAT happen?
We had a lot of great guesses with the Impossible Question today. "The average man has more of this than the average woman." People said "Ego" among other things. We'll take more calls Monday.
Tiger Woods got eliminated from the golf tournament on Thursday. I'm thinkin' NBC must be ticked as they were banking on him being part of their coverage this weekend.
Chelsea Clinton turns 29 today! When did THAT happen?
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