8/13: 52 Ways

Click here to check out “52 Ways to Change the World," a website of podcasts set-up by a 17 year old Dresher girl, the focus of this week’s “Where You Live.”

7/29: Miss Edie

I can still hear her soulful voice swelling from the other side of our vast newsroom as I darted off, “Pizzi, what are you doing?” The exchange played out countless times, usually as she was putting fresh flowers in a vase or filling the candy dish on her desk. “Miss Edie, some of us have to make it on the air today.” I would always give her guff about having her editor work to the very last second before her story was supposed to air. She’d say, “Get over here, kid.” There’d be a hug every time and a quick conversation about my story of the day, a little office gossip, or some song one of us discovered on the internet. She was a hip lady with a nifty port for both her Ipod and Blackberry next to her computer. The conversation would often end with me saying something outrageous to get this great laugh out of her that made her face light up and she’d say “Get out of here, Pizzi."

The first time I met Edie Huggins I said, “Hi Edie, I’m Justin Pizzi.” Not missing a beat she said, “Listen Pizzi, I can just tell you’re not 30. And everyone under 30 calls me Miss Edie.” I though OK, Diva! The next time we met we were short chairs in the morning meeting, so she sat on my lap... for the whole meeting! It was hilarious. I can’t count the number of times I’d get dirty looks from our managers in meetings because Miss Edie would sit next to me and get me in trouble (she was untouchable after 40 years) for a conversation she started while the meeting was going on. I mean, how do you not talk to this woman, she’s a legend?!?

We lost a sweet, graceful, thoughtful woman. She broke down barriers in this business I can't even phathom. Have you seen pictures of Miss Edie when she was younger? She was beautiful. And you know what, she was a beautiful woman until the day she died, inside and out. NBC10 and Philadelphia lost someone special. She will always be alive in our memories, treasured memories.

High Gas Prices: Complaint or Concern?

We do tons of stories about the record high price of gas prices. And we also find people to talk about it. But here’s my question: it is just complaints or real concern? I realize paying a dollar more a gallon over last year is a lot more. But how many people are really doing something drastically different because of the prices at the pump? I haven’t done anything differently. And I’m a complainer, but gas prices aren’t one of my (many) gripes. I love driving and the freedom of being able to go anywhere. With that being said I only drive to work and back, an eight minute trip, and to the shore whenever I can. So are you really doing anything differently as the price ticks up at the gas station or just complaining about it? Hit me back by clicking the feedback link up on the right.

6/24: An Adventure, As Usual

I need glasses. This was my last conclusion on my first day of grad school, after a string of embarrassing incidents. Let’s start from the beginning. After getting my schedule from the admissions office, I headed to the bookstore to stock up. While reaching for a book, my backpack managed to swing off one of my shoulders and knock over a stack of notebooks. Only a couple people noticed, so this caused just mild anxiety. After checking out, it was off to my first class. When I got outside the building I reached in my pocket for my schedule and it wasn’t there. I furiously checked and re-checked every pocket, convinced it would appear if I kept checking, then tore apart my backpack, with no luck. So I walked the halls of three floors of the building hoping something would trigger a memory (like maybe even the name of the class, which I’m still unsure of). My next hope was waiting for a voice in my head to say, “It’s this one. This is your classroom, Justin.” Clearly that didn’t happen. At this point, I’m sweating profusely as the class starts in a few minutes. Embarrassed, I ran back to the admissions office to get a copy of the schedule and got there as it was closing. I immediately entered the names and room numbers in my Blackberry and headed to class. After wiping sweat from my brow, I settled into a seat in the classroom and took out my computer. I was overwhelmed as everyone around me seemed to know each other and was talking about how hard the teacher was going to be, according to some website. More sweating. The teacher started the class and about a minute in said its name, which I knew wasn’t the class I was taking. With my head hung low, I grabbed my computer and backpack and made the walk of shame from what had to be the furthest seat from the door. Everyone was laughing. A lot. Even the teacher! As I walked out the door she said, I guess you’re in the wrong class. I managed to mumble a defeated “Clearly!” as I walked out the door. More laughing through the closing door. I made it to the right class before it started, the sweating now out of control. As I looked up at the board, at the notes the professor said he emailed (but I didn’t get, of course) I realized everything was very blurry. I couldn’t make out anything. I asked the person next to me, “Is that stuff on the board blurry?” “Nope.” Perfect. I need glasses. The good news this was not as bad as a first day as it was in college. You’ll have to buy my book for that story.

6/23: The Sunday Pit

Since I started working this shift, I wake up with a pit in my stomach on Sundays. It's the kind of pit I had as a kid knowing I’d have to go back to school the next day. I feel the pit now as soon as I turn over on Sunday morning, look at the clock and count the hours until 6pm, when I know I must put myself to sleep so I don’t start the week sleep deprived, knowing the hours of lost sleep will only build as the week goes on.

Yesterday the pit felt a lot bigger. I start grad school today. So it’s a double pit, really. When I woke up and counted the hours ‘til six o’clock I started thinking, “What if I’m the dumbest person in the class?” “Will my classmates make fun on me?” “Is it acceptable to check my Blackberry every four minutes, which is business as usual?” And this is what I was thinking before I even got out of bed. Clearly the concerns are growing, “What do I do if I have to go to the bathroom?” “How will I find the classroom and will I manage to not fall asleep in class?”

It’s amazing how quickly the childhood/teenage insecurities come rushing back. I would have sworn they were long gone, secretly stashed in some part of my brain. But apparently not.

6/17: VLOG!

Here's my first ever shot at a vlog -- some thoughts on Tim Russert.

Morning Vlog: How I Knew Tim Russert

Let me know what you think! Click the feedback link up on the right side under "Where You Live." And speaking of "Where You Live," send me your ideas about what's special about your neighborhood or somebody there who's making a difference.

6/13: Where You Live

We’re excited to tell stories “Where You Live” every Friday morning. Maybe there’s something really unique about your neighborhood, maybe you have a neighbor who is extraordinary, or maybe there’s something bothering you and your neighbors. We want to tell special stories that you can’t find on other newscasts, stories that matter to you or are something you’re really proud of.

This segment will really be driven by you. I promise you I’ll read every story idea you send us. Just click on the link right under the “Where You Live” link. This week’s story came from an email. You really have the power here to share something with all of our great viewers. We look forward from hearing from you!

6/10: Hot=Cranky

It’s almost hard to breathe this morning the air’s so thick, and it’s hours before the sun comes up. Ugh! Have you noticed most people seem crankier in a heat wave? What are your heat complaints? And can they top mine? (Click the feedback link under my pic after taking in my rant.)

I’m wearing flip-flops because my feet burn up in the trusty truck we’re in, which is going on 256,000 miles. The engine kicks up a massive amount of hot air that is fighting the air conditioning, which, by the way only works on the highest setting. And if it weren’t for the separate a/c unit we have in the back of the truck, the a/c in the front would be blowing hot air. To make matters worse, there are cockroaches crawling around outside my door here in Kensington. I’m sure they came to street level during the heat-related water main break we’re covering this morning. Flip-flops and cockroaches are not a good match. I fear no bugs, but cockroaches give me the willies. So that’s my heat rant for now, and it’s not even 5am. Please, beat my story.

6/9: Dragon Boat Results

Sitting next to, and at three points on, the Schuykill River on Saturday was like seeing a mirage on a desert journey. From 9am until 5pm our dragon boat team was ripe for relief, but we weren’t getting it from the river. We were forced to sweat it out to compete in the second annual Dragon Boat Regatta. It was 95 degrees, we were stuck in the sun and it was so humid that I drank 15 bottles of water. Easily.

Our first race was at 10am. We were amazing. We won the heat by more than two boat lengths of open water. 20 people rowing in rhythm like a well-oiled machine. There are 10 rowers on each side (sitting in pairs), a drummer at the front and someone steering in the back. Our time was the seventh best out of about 60 boats. We were thrilled, but wanted more. We would never get it.

Our next race wasn’t until 2pm. Four hours of fighting for space under a small tent on the side of the Schuykill was interesting, to say the least. At sometimes it was painful. Our captain, Vai Sikahema, stood over the grill for an hour cooking the ribs he’d slow marinated for the event. And they were good. By the time we got back in the boat we were a little more sluggish and finished third in our heat, but we went up against some pretty tough teams. These people are practically professionals and practiced a lot more than us. At least that’s what we kept telling each other. After the second race we lost people: Jade McCarthy and Dave Warren had to go to work (I can’t even imagine how tired they were after the 11) and we lost others to house warming and bachelor parties. The third race, at almost 5pm, was a little rough. It wasn’t horrible, but we weren’t quite moving like a well-oiled machine at that point. We ended up finishing in the top ten, which isn’t bad at all. Even though it was brutally hot we had a lot of fun. And appreciated the people who made the long, hot walk out to the banks of the river cheer us on.

6/2: June!

Happy Monday. Record high gas prices continue to give us more incentive to walk, especially us city dwellers, as cab fares increase today.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of going to the 1st Danielle Bledy Memorial Run/Walk in Cherry Hill. In 2006, the 13 year-old got a headache that ended up ending her life. Turned out to be a brain aneurysm. Her parents turned their pain into something positive by starting a charity in Danielle’s name to support the things she cared about.

They’re using the money raised from the run to create scholarships for students interested in becoming photographers and veterinarians.

Money will also go to CHOP and research there to detect brain aneurysms in children. You could tell by the awesome turnout, Danielle was a girl that was clearly loved and is missed. Thanks to Ben Kramer for the pics.

5/28: All About Vai

Sports Director Vai Sikahema is getting a lot of play about his upcoming charity boxing match against ex-A Jose Canseco in Atlantic City. The fight was even a topic up for debate of “PTI” (Pardon the Interruption) last night on ESPN. Clearly Vai will win. If he does, he’s donating the prize money to the family of fallen Philadelphia Police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski. I’m definitely in for a ringside seat on July 12th.

Vai is the captain of NBC10’s Dragonboat team. We have two boats racing on the river on June 7th. Vai is very competitive and really wants to win this year. We actually have a varsity boat and a jv boat. We’re just days away from Vai posting who makes which boat. Here’s a picture of last year’s team. There have been a lot more practices this year and I have high hopes. I’ll keep you updated. (P.S. I already know I made the varsity team. Don’t doubt me.)

5/26: Memorial Day

It’s hard to believe it’s already Memorial Day. Time really does fly the older you get. This weekend is the unofficial start of another season, for me marking another time to think about what I want to accomplish before Labor Day, mostly trying finish what I didn’t accomplish in the last season. Ha!

If you were lucky enough to get down the shore this weekend like me, you know it was a great beach weekend. The weather was the best it’s been for a Memorial Day weekend in a few years.

Not to be preachy, but it is nice to take a moment and think about what this holiday is all about. Sitting here looking at the Korean War Memorial in Society Hill, I think about all the military funerals I’ve covered in the last few years and the family’s I’ve interviewed who’ve lost loved ones. This probably isn’t an easy day for them. They are the people I really remember today.

5/20: Sgt. Liczbinski Benefits

Here are the restaurants participating in the “Old City Cooks for Cops” event tonight. Each of the places are donating 10% of their profits to the family of fallen Philadelphia Police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski:

Amada- 217 Chestnut Street, Beneluxx- 33 S. 3rd Street, Brownies Pub-46 S. 2nd Street, Buffalo Billiards-118 Chestnut Street, Campo's Deli-214 Market Street, Café Spice-35 S. 2nd Street, Cebu-123 Chestnut Street, Eulogy-136 Chestnut Street, Fork-306 Market Street, Gigi-319 Market Street, Karma-114 Chestnut Street, LaFamiglia-8 S. Front Street, Lucy's Hat Shop-247 Market Street, Marmont-222 Market Street, Mad River-126 Chestnut Street, Mexican Post-104 Chestnut Street, Mizu-111 S. 40th Street, National Mechanics-22 S. 3rd Street, Nicks Roast Beef-16 S. Second Street, Old Original Bookbinders-125 Walnut Street, Panini Trattoria-317 Market Street, Patou-312 Market Street, Philadelphia Fish & Company-207 Chestnut Street, Pizzacato-248 Market Street, Plough & Stars-2nd Street between Market & Chestnut Street, Positano Coast-212 Walnut Street, Ristorante Panorama-Front & Market Street, Rotten Ralphs-201 Chestnut Street, Sassafras International Café-48 S. 2nd Street, Serrano, Tin Angel-20 S. 2nd Street, Spasso's Italian Grill-34 S. Front Street, Swanky Bubbles-10 S. Front Street, Triada-120 Market Street, Triumph Brewery-117 Chestnut Street, Cork Restaurant-90 Haddon Avenue Westmont, NJ

Tonight WMMR is holding a fundraiser for the Liczbinski family at Finnegan’s Wake at 3rd & Spring Garden in Northern Liberties from 6-9pm. They held a benefit there last year for Officer Chuck Cassidy and raised over $20,000!

5/19: Gas Gone Wild

No one is as outraged about gas prices as my mom. For some reason she is obsessed with the increases, and it’s a constant conversation topic. If she watches this morning, I have no doubt I’ll get a call after she sees me standing in front of this BP sign on City Line Avenue. It’s $3.96 for a gallon of regular. $3.96! We were headed to Havertown and we had to turn around because I didn’t believe it when I saw it. Don’t fret, because the place right across the street is charging a mere $3.79 for a gallon of regular. But the experts say all the stations in our area will be over $4.00 soon enough.

The good folks who work on our website have put together a special section, ”Pain at the Pump”, you can find the cheapest gas in your area and a lot of other good information.

5/14: Deep Thoughts

The things that pass through my mind are ridiculous as I toss and turn, trying to fall asleep, while the sun is setting and most people are just settling down to a bowl of ice cream with prime time tv. Mmmm ice cream. Vanilla with chocolate syrup. I digress. Anyway, last night I was focused on the Flyers. Or more accurately, phocused on the phlyers. In between promising myself I wouldn’t see another half-hour roll around on my alarm clock, I was trying to figure out why the team name starts with an “f,” rather than “ph,” like the Phillies. Who knows what deep thought-provoking topic will trouble me tonight. Feel free to contribute to my concerns by clicking the feedback link under my pic.

5/13: Give 'Em A (Bathroom) Break

The murder of a third Philadelphia police officer in two years conjures up a lot of thoughts, feelings and concerns. I'll be honest with you, I'm not even sure I've processed what I've seen since last Saturday to thoughtfully go into it here.

With this job, I use bathrooms in all kinds of odd places. I've knocked on random people's doors at all hours to "borrow the bathroom." Of all the bathrooms in all the places, I can easily say the worst are at Philadelphia police stations. They aren't public restrooms, usually it's a courtesy that I am able to use them. And let me make this clear, these bathrooms aren't dirty because they're not kept clean by the officers that use them. They are often disgusting because they appear not to be maintained by the city over several years. The ones I've often used reflect the general state of the police stations they are in. There's no liquid soap, it's a luxury if there a bar of soap on the sink. There's no fixture to hold the soap, just like there's often not one to hold the toilet paper, which usually sits on the floor. I've gone to one bathroom in a police station where three of the four toilets were cover with black trash bags and was told they had been like that for months.

We all know the city's strapped for cash and the police department needs to use its resources to keep us safe. But after what we've all witnessed again over the last week, the least the city can do is give the people that protect us a clean, well-kept place to go the bathroom with a toilet paper holder and some liquid soap.

5/5: Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski

Saturday was shattered by the horrifying sound of automatic gunfire for people who live near the corner of Almond and Schiller in Port Richmond. Take a second and think about this. A very typical Saturday. A very typical Philadelphia neighborhood. Then the piercing sound, the rat-tat-tat of an assault riffle. Neighbors say they immediately took cover inside their homes, but then, just as quickly, looked outside. They say there’s usually a crowd of 15-20 kids playing on the street, especially on a Saturday. When they looked out the window, people saw the flashing lights of a lone patrol car, with the driver’s side door open. Neighbors ran to the cruiser. Some held a man they never met. Others put pressure on his wounds. Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski could hardly talk, neighbors say they were holding his body together, but they heard him utter the words “Tell my wife I love her.” And then he was gone.

People were screaming. Some furiously dialed 911. One man told me as he was holding the officer, he grabbed Sgt. Liczbinski’s radio and screamed, “Officer down! Officer down!” Another patrol car quickly arrived. That officer and neighbors loaded him into the car. There wasn’t enough time to wait for an ambulance.

I cannot even find the words to tell you how deeply affected these people are from what they witnessed. It was gut wrenching to hear them tell the stories. See witnesses react to officer's slaying. I honestly had trouble looking at them the whole time because you could see the scene flashing in their minds as they struggled to describe something they will never forget.

In the minute after police cleared the crime scene tape on Saturday, a woman walked from her front porch and carried a flower to the spot where Sgt. Liczbinski was shot, still wet from firefighters washing away his blood. The woman’s son and husband helped him. Within an hour the same neighbors who held Liczbinski were building a memorial to him. They needed to do something. All they could think about was what happened to him… and the wife and three children he left behind. He also left behind the people in this neighborhood.

5/2: A Horse is a Horse, Unless it’s Barbaro

Before a couple years ago, horses or horse races weren’t part of my world at all. I’m allergic to horses and hay and growing up in the city, I was never really exposed to them.

Flashback to the Kentucky Derby, two years ago. Barbaro was running and I was at Delaware Park, the first place he won a race. We were watching the Derby with people there and all of a sudden something happened. I couldn’t really figure out what at first, I just remember telling my photog to shoot people’s faces. It looked like people were in pain. The injury happened so fast and the race kept going, but it was like no one at the park cared it was still going on. We had to run to the truck on the other side of the track to get on the air because our newscast came on right after the Derby. Vai and Jade were in Kentucky and in my ear I heard them talking about Barbaro being brought to the New Bolton Center in Chester County and I said to my photographer, “guess where we’re going the minute we’re done here.” We rushed there, to beat the equine ambulance with choppers hovering above. There were kids waiting with signs, adults waiting with flowers and a growing crowd. I was amazed at the immediate outpouring of concern. I didn’t get it at first. But I grew to understand.

Linda Hanna, a West Chester University professor and former archdiocesan teacher, just released a book called “Barbaro, Smary Jones and Ruffian: The People’s Horses.” Hanna, from Drexel Hill, takes the reader inside the world of these three horses, two of them Philly favorites. You can read more about the book here. You can check out my interview here tonight on NBC10 News.

4/30: Feedback

Wow! Yesterday’s story really touched a nerve; my blackberry was buzzing all day. Thanks for all the great responses. The debate proves why we live in such a great country. Everyone made great points. Here are some of them that represent all of them:

Nancy, Delaware County: “The fact that so many young people are willing to stand in line for hours to buy a game that depicts the killing of police officers - among other horrors -well that is a very sad commentary on our times. Yes, the game is a fantasy, but it is a fantasy that, in my opinion, fosters disrespect for the law and, basically life itself.”

Bettina, Philadelphia: “I don’t think there's any way to prove that people are acting out the scenes they see in violent video games in their real lives. There's a difference between a game controller or a joystick and an actual weapon. It would be interesting to ask professional therapists and academic or medical researchers if a link can ever be observed or proven.”

Yvonne: “Here's a simple rule- if you don't like it- don't buy it, but don't have the nerve to ban it because you can't control your children! Let's have today's parents actually do their jobs- teach their children the difference between fantasy and reality- it's NOT up to the government to do that! You have to be 17 to purchase this game- by that age you should know that difference, and if others are purchasing this for under 17 year olds, then THEY are the ones who are at fault- NOT the manufacturer!”

Chad, Philadelphia: “This game is not different than recent movie releases that critics including this news station has praised for it's wonderful sales - Movies like, "Shoot'em up, The Departed, No Country like Old Men, Yuma 3:10" and the list goes on.”

John, Philadelphia: “Living in Philadelphia, I feel that I don’t need to live in a “fantasy”. I can just watch the news and see how people have no thought about anyone else but themselves,. This game should be banned because no matter if you teach people the difference between right and wrong there are always people that are just plain stupid. People have no regard for human life in this city.”

Todd, Trenton: “I'm going to play this game, I'm going to shoot tons of cops, I'm going to blow up a bunch of mafia drug dealers, and i may even beat up some prostitutes… but it’s a game. There is no game, movie, album, art, or literature in the world that ever put a gun into someone's hand. The individual made the choice to do it.”

4/29: Games Gone Wild

There aren’t many times I can honestly say I’m shocked. Working in news desensitizes you to a lot of things. But this morning I was shocked, at least a little bit. I was listening to interviews a photographer did last night as “gamers” bought “Grand theft Auto IV” as it went on sale at midnight. The photog asked one of the guys why he liked the game and the dude said, “It’s a good game you get to kill cops and run people over”. I’m sorta sad I didn’t do the interview because I would have liked to say something to the guy, probably starting with, “Are you kidding me?” and “What’s wrong with you?” Maybe the kid just said it for shock value, but that wasn’t the sense I got.

You have to be 17 years old to buy “Grand Theft Auto IV.” The game clearly states it contains blood, intense language, partial nudity, strong language, strong sexual content, use of alcohol and use of drugs.

Listen, I’m a big believer in the First Amendment, especially doing what I do. And I know this game has every right to be on there on the open market. But does it have to be out there? And once it’s out there, how do you stop kids under 17 from getting their hands on it?

A friend, who’s a high-ranking cop in Philly, has told me before he’s interviewed shooters who talk about video games when they’re interviewed. And maybe they’re just using that as excuse, but when you look at this game you have to wonder if fantasy is fueling reality.

What do you think? Take a look at the story from this morning if you didn’t see it. Click the feedback link under my pic to shoot me an email.

4/24: Gas

I remember paying $.99 a gallon to fill up my first car, a copper-colored 1982 Mercury Lynx with maroon pleather interior. The gas lasted longer in that car because only three of its four cylinders worked, the trade off was sometimes it was an effort to get up steep hills.

Today a Philadelphia gas station is running a promotion selling gas at $.76 a gallon for 76 minutes. For me, it’s not worth waiting in the line that’s going to be hours long. My executive producer said this morning the only way she’d wait is if she parked in line and could nap. (We are very sleep deprived people who choose nothing over sleep.) The whole thing is a publicity stunt, which may cost a couple hundred bucks for the gas station that will garner endless news coverage.

The good folks who work on our website have put together a special section, ”Pain at the Pump”, you can find the cheapest gas in your area and a lot of other good information.

P.S. I just learned how to insert hyperlinks myself, so I’m probably going to have one in the next several blogs until the novelty wears off.

4/24: Read This Story!

Last night I read an article that combines captivating storytelling with some of the best journalism I’ve ever come across. It’s called “The Things that Carried Him Home.” It’s the story of one soldier’s return home from Iraq, really the return of his body. There is absolutely no political slant about the war, it simply tells the stories of all the people who were involved from the soldier’s death to his burial. It is fascinating, gripping and painful to read. It's in the May issue of Esquire, you can click here to read it. What’s interesting, or maybe sick, is the cover of the magazine shows Jessica Simpson shaving ala an old Marilyn Monroe conver shot. And the text says something to the effect that “we put this on the cover so you’d pick up this issue and read the best story you’ll read this year.” It’s the best story I’ve read in several years. Trust me, it is well worth your time.

4/23: Cash Quandary

I’m really interested on your take on this, because I’m baffled (but let’s be honest, it doesn’t take much).

Last night I locked my keys in my condo as I was leaving for class. I had my backpack and was going to throw out a bag of trash as I left the building. I went down to the front desk and found out I had to pay $40 for an emergency maintenance call. So handed the guy $40 and he said he’d take care of it while I was out. I had left the bag of trash outside my door, so I took the elevator back up to my floor. The guy from the desk had taken an elevator right after me and had a master key, which ended up opening my door, so no need for the emergency maintenance call. Great! I grabbed my keys and the trash and went down the back elevator to throw the bag in the compactor. I went out the back door and realized the guy at the desk still had the $40. I was late and figured I’d deal with it when I got home. While walking to class I figured I’d give the guy at the front door $20 bucks for his help when he gave me the $40 back. And then I decided, heck I’d let him keep the whole $40 for getting me in quickly and because he always has to sign in friends or family when they come to visit.

So on the walk home from class, furiously using my fat thumbs to navigate my Blackberry to get election results, the Flyers score and an “American Idol” recap, I noticed a group of what looked like businessmen with their phones, PDAs and Blackberrys out while trying to get someone walking by to give them directions. I stopped and told them where they need to go (which was around the corner). One guy tries to hand me a $10 bill. I was shocked. And said, “Really no problem, it took a minute of my time.” I guess I wear the “struggling college student” look well with a hat, backpack, jeans and one sneaker without laces (see “Flip Flops” below for an explanation). I understand that the group of guys was happy to finally get where they were going, but $10 for directions?!?!

When I returned to my building the guy at the front desk was talking with a couple people, but I made sure to make eye contact to get his attention to thank him again for his quick help earlier getting my door unlocked. He looked at me, said “no problem” and turned away. On the elevator ride up I guessed he forgot about the $40. I was sure he would say something and I was just going to tell him to keep it. But he didn’t. Maybe he forgot. But $40!

As I banged away on my laptop looking for up-to-the-minute election results, fast forwarded through “Idol” on DVR and watched the clock tick toward less and less sleep, I couldn’t help but think of these two weird incidents involving cash. What’s your take? Click the feedback link under my pic.

4/22: Flip Flops

No, not the candidates. That was the last presidential election. Flip flops are what I’ve been wearing. And not because of the warm weather. Last Friday I was wrapping up my week, covering a Hillary Clinton event in North Philly, when a network photographer dropped his tripod on my foot. We were in a high school auditorium. Clinton was shaking hands. I was checking out the crowd. And everyone heard this boom. I felt the boom. As I looked down toward the boom and the stinging pain, realizing I’d been “hit” I noticed heads turn toward me, including Clinton, the crowd around her and everyone else in the auditorium. This stopped me from squealing, screaming like a little girl or spewing foul language. So bottom line, I broke my baby toe. It looked like a grape tomato on Friday, now it just looks like a grape. It doesn’t really hurt, except when I squeeze the swollen toe into a shoe, hence the flip flops.

Any good injury stories like this? Hit me back by clicking the feedback link under my pic.

4/15: Tax Day

Divorce lawyers say divorce filings generally rise sharply the day after taxes have been filed, according to an article in the Palm Beach Post. Once April 16th rolls around, spouses have access to lots of financial information that might not have been available before.

I totally forgot about my taxes this year. They were done and I put them in a drawer. Then when I found out I was doing this story I didn’t remember sending the returns. And I didn’t…. because I never have stamps. Maybe this sounds sexist, but I swear men never have stamps, where women are generally more likely to have them. I pay all my bills on the Internet, so it’s really rare I need a stamp. But when I do I’m always mooching one from a woman at work or my mom. Do you know men who have stamps in their wallets? Why is there a gender divide? Hit me back by clicking the feedback link under my pic. I always welcome your comments, concerns, questions and recipes.

4/11: Random Ramblings

New shows are back on TV, finally, after a long lull of new material because of the writers’ strike. Luckily shows like “John Adams” and “The Tudors”, on HBO and Showtime respectively, have been keeping me occupied.

I watch most of my shows on DVR because of my bizarre bedtime. Last night I was watching “The Office” on “live” TV and found myself pressing the fast forward button on the remote trying to quickly cue past the commercials. I did this every time the show went to break. I realize I’m contributing to the demise of my own business. But even on the fastest fast forward settings certain images pop out. So advertisers, if you’re listening, I recommend somehow making sure you can get you message across in flash frames as we fly through on DVR or Tivo.

I somehow managed to miss “30 Rock,” which is hilarious and the “American Idol” shocker last night. I forget the dude’s name that got kicked off (a friends said to me this week there are eight left, know their names if you’re going to talk about the show). I know him as the Aussie. He was good but wearing those weird scarves around his neck the last two weeks could have killed him. There’s a name for them, I just can’t remember what it is. I’m rambling now, by Friday’s by brain is fried because lack of sleep has accumulated over the course of the week. Have a good weekend.

4/9: Environmentally Friendly

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter announced the results of Saturday’s “Philly Spring Clean Up.” A national beautification organization called it the largest one-day clean up ever of an American City. The numbers are impressive: 15,000 volunteers, 2.5 million pounds of trash hauled away, 186 abandoned cars cleared from city streets and 27 parks and 28 rec centers spruced up.

To use the old news cliche, "switching gears." Have you seen this story? It's been on our website and cracks me up:

Police said an Ohio man has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a picnic table. Police arrested Arthur Price Jr. after an anonymous tipster dropped off three DVDs that reportedly showed Price in the act. According to NBC Toledo, Ohio, affiliate WNWO-TV, the videos show Price tilting the metal round picnic table on its side and then laying up against it to have sexual intercourse with the table. Afterward, he can then be seen cleaning the table and the deck. During questioning, he reportedly admitted to having sex with the table. Police said he also admitted to bringing the table inside his home for sex. Price faces four counts of public indecency. He was freed after posting $20,000 bond, authorities said.

4/8: “Going Mean:” A Continuing Series on Indirectly Hating Saving the Environment

For the record, I recycle. And I don’t hate the Earth. I even reuse towels for a couple days when staying at a hotel (but isn’t it nice to have clean towels everyday when you’re at a hotel?). Some of the measures to protect the planet are annoying. I didn’t mean for this to become a series, but twice yesterday morning I was waving my hands in bathrooms (note: no toe tapping involved). I was waving my hands like a conductor in different bathrooms to make motion detectors work to get paper towels to dry my hands.

Unless it’s one of those “Xcellorator” hand dryers, paper towels are the most convenient to dry off wet hands. So many places have gone automatic in bathrooms, from flushers, to sinks and soap. All of that is fine and sanitary. But, I rather have the toilet flush while I’m on it if I meant I didn’t have to deal with automatic towel dispensers. And here’s the problem: they never give you enough paper towels and it takes forever to get enough to dry your hands. For me, it takes three of the small sheets to do the job. But these automatic machines won’t immediately dispense another sheet, there’s some kind of delay. What is the thinking behind this? Do the brains behind these machines think I’ll give up and dry my hands on my clothes because I have to waive my hands for 30 seconds near the sensors to get another sliver of paper towel? I’ll admit when there’s someone behind me needing paper towels, I cave to the pressure and just take one tiny sheet and continue to dry my hands on my shirt. What are next, automatic toilet paper dispensers?

Yesterday’s rant struck a chord with a lot of you. A couple of you wrote about the “dollar donation” thing a lot of places do as you’re checking out. You know the ones, where you’re hassled for a buck to write your name on one of those pieces of paper in the shape of a hot air balloon or whatever and places use to wallpaper the front window to support some cause.

Yesterday’s blog caused controversy in the newsroom (spearheaded by Photographer Geoff and Assignment Editor Melissa), but nothing to do with the content. It was over my rhyming ability. I’m going to be classy and not write you a phrase to show off my rhyming skills.

4/7: Grocery Guilt Trip

There’s a supermarket where I dread checking out. As you’re in line you’re at least prepared for what’s coming as the cashiers bombard the people in front of you. Many places are pushing the whole “bring your own bag” campaign. And listen, I love the earth and recycling and want to save the planet and all, but at this one grocery store (it may or may not rhyme with “cold dudes”) the cashiers not only push try to sell you reusable grocery sacks, but do it along with a donation to a group of “abused women and children.” On the surface, this seems nice, and it’s a great cause. The problem I have is the way I’m made to feel guilty for a) hating the environment and b) basically adding to the abuse of women and children by not buying a reusable sack. I choose not to buy these reusable bags because they’re too small and the sole reason I don’t just buy one just to support the abused women and children is because of the assaulting manner in which I am made to feel guilty by not buying one. What happened to no means no? And for the record I said, “no thanks” but the pitch continues… “but not only are you getting the bag that’s good for the environment, but we’re donating some money to abused women and children.” I get it. But, I’m put off by the pitch. It’s practically pan-handling I’m forced to endure as I’m checking out. I have charities I choose to support. And ironically they don’t guilt me into giving.

4/2: Back to School

Getting up at 2am isn’t enough torture, so I’m going back to school at night. Last night I started my GMAT prep class. My teacher looked and sounded familiar. Then he did the old name on the board bit. And I knew the last name. Ready for this, he is the younger brother of high school classmate! I, of course, had to immediately confirm this by messaging my buddy on Facebook. Back in the day, the last time I was in class, I didn’t have not one, but two Blackberrys to distract me. I may have to leave them at home when I go to class. Who am I kidding? I would have a panic attack.

Speaking of panic attacks and school, my brother got my parents good last night. Keith is a sophomore at Wharton (a business school no GMAT prep course, or miracle, for that matter, can get me into). He called my parents, got them both on the phone and in a shaky, scared voice told them of a pregnancy scare with an ex-girlfriend. And he recorded the whole thing and sent it out in a mass email. It was so difficult to listen to this morning, painful even. My parents fell hook, line and sinker. Finally after five minutes he came out with the April Fool’s. My poor parents, but they took it well.

Anybody have a really good April Fool’s story? Click the feedback link under my pic.

4/1: Pronunciation Problems

It was the one question I had during an interview for my second tv job. When the news director asked if I had any questions, I needed to know how to say the name on the city we were in. The answer: Wilkes-Barre (wilks-ba-rE). The second part of the city is said like berry, with the long “e” sound stressed. Growing up in Philadelphia, I had always said (wilks-bare), the second part sounding like bear. Turns out the city is named after the two men who settled it, a dude with the last name Wilkes and a guy with the last name of Barre, who was from France, which explains the pronunciation.

The tv market covered two cities, the other being Scranton. Enter another pronunciation pickle. My Philadelphia dialect dictated me saying (scran-on), with the “t” missing… just like New Jersey’s capitol city (tren-on). Despite have pronunciation problems, I got the job.

Both democratic presidential candidates will be crossing those cities along with Philadelphia in the next couple days and for the next 21 days as “Battleground Pennsylvania” continues until the polls open on primary day on April 22nd.

3/31: Back to Blogging: Phillies Phever

It seems like I was just standing outside The Park as we were riding the high of the Phillies in the playoffs in the warmth of last fall. It’s a lot colder today. But we’re still riding the high as the reigning NL East champs take the field for the home opener against the Nationals. We haven’t had such “high hopes” (can’t you just hear Harry Kalas singing it) at the start of a season for a good decade. We have six months until the season winds down and hopefully the Phils ramp up for another playoff run. Inside this beautiful Park it looks ridiculous to see just the 1980 World Series pennant blowing alone. I was two. I know it’s early, but how great would it be to see a parade up Broad Street? It’s a dream of mine to cover one. One of the greatest things about Philadelphia sports fans, as criticized as we are, is no matter how many times our teams rip the hearts out our chests, we always come back for more. We want to hear Harry singing “High Hopes” in late September, even though his pitch would be bashed by Simon on “American Idol.” I’ve had my ticket for today’s game hanging on my fridge for a couple weeks and it made me really happy to put it in my wallet at 2:30 this morning on my way out the door (actually I had left and had to come back for it.)

For those of you who check this blog with some sort of regularity, my apologies for slacking off. I got stuck in a rut of not writing, but I’m going to do my best to get back to blogging everyday. I welcome, encourage and am begging for your feedback (click the link under my picture) with ideas, comments, questions and inspiration for an entry.

What’s your phavorite Phillies memory? Shoot me an email and let me know.

3/13: Fragrance Freak

An open letter to all those people who douse themselves in perfume or cologne, rub themselves down with powerfully pungent lotions and hang those atrocious air fresheners in their cars:

You’re killing me. And everyone else with allergies. People think I’m just a complainer. Ok, I am indeed a complainer, but I am allergic to fragrances. They make me gag, give me several different varities of headaches and force my eyes to become watery and itchy. Listen, everyone has a right to use smelly products, but I am begging you, on behalf all those who suffer, to think “personal perfume” when applying potent products. We don’t need to be bombarded with your latest buy from that smelly shop that’s in all malls in America and I have to quickly walk by while holding my breath.

I’ve had to switch seats on planes, find another pew in church and change out of live trucks because of overwhelming scents that make me sick. I had to ask one photographer to switch to a non-scented fabric softener because I spent one shift clawing at my eyes. It’s a constant battle with another photographer to get away from horrible hand cream. And these are guys! I have a friend who suffers with the same issue who fights through migraines to get through her day because people sitting around her have decided to douse themselves in some smell. True story: I sneezed and itched my way through a dance in high school. The culprit: eucalyptus in the bouquet I bought my date. She is now married. To someone else.

Please keep your scents to yourself. No one needs to smell you from across the room, especially those of us who are fragrance freaks. Thank you.

3/12: N.B.: Check AM/PM

Last night I woke up at 7:04. I jumped out of bed in a panic, looked outside and it was a bluish blur. I was thinking, “Uh oh, I slept through the show.” I furiously tried to call the station, but my phone wouldn’t work. I started throwing things out of my briefcase, looking for my station cell phone. More furious dialing. Then I yell into phone (expletives omitted for good, clean blogging): “I just woke up! Is Erin there?” (Erin’s our overnight assignment editor.) Response: “Erin works overnights.” This is the point where in my sleepy voice I uttered a string of choice words, realizing my error. Response: “Who is this?” Me: “Just Justin. I though it was 7:04AM!” At this point I realized I was talking to Marlena, a nightside assignment editor, who says, “I thought you were some crazy person!” Well she wasn’t far off, was she?

3/10: Day Light Saving Time = Depressing

I hope all of you all enjoy your extra sunlight courtesy of Daylight Saving Time, because you’re taking it away from me. If it’s not bad enough that my sleep-deprived body had to give up an extra hour of sleep this weekend (sure, what’s an extra hour at this point?!?!). It’s 7am as I write this, pitch black.

Random thought: you just don’t appreciate cup holders until you don’t have them… and you spill half of a cold coffee (in the pitch black, no less) all over you and your coat. This message is brought to you by Mini 7. We call our live trucks “minis” but no one can explain why.

3/5: My Old School: Two Days & Counting!

Every Friday for the next four months you’ll be treated to some spectacular stuff on NBC10 “Live at 5” and NBC10.com. Get ready for pictures of Kristen Welker asleep in the yearbook office after an all-nighter, Ted Greenberg glued to an Apple IIe, Deanna Durante with hair teased 12 inches higher than her head, Glenn Schwartz in track shorts, Dawn Timmeny with pigtails, Tim Furlong in his band uniform… (I’m making this up as I go along, but you’re getting the idea). We’re going back to high school! Our high schools specifically, all over Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

So I'll kick things off this Friday. I went to St. Joe’s Prep in North Philly. This is a picture of me on my first day in 1993. I don’t think anyone really believed that fat kid when he told anyone who would listen he wanted to be a tv reporter. The "popular" kids called me "Fake Byrant Gumbel" (this was before he lost the weight, during his heavy period in the 90s).

I have to tell you it was a little unnerving going back to The Prep. It’s amazing how all the high school insecurities come rushing back as you step through the door. It’s like all of a sudden I was that awkward fat kid, only this time I was wearing make-up. The best part was walking through the halls with Mike Nutter, class of ’75, better known as the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. His yearbook photo is phantastic! I’ll make a deal with you, if 10 of you e-mail me today (say it with me, click the feedback link under my pic on the top right) with a funny high school memory you have, we’ll post his pic here tomorrow. Here’s a hint, the mayor had hair then, lots of it. Rise to the challenge blog readers!

3/3: March!

March is a great month, mainly for two reasons: it’s the last month of winter and the NCAA tournament.

Once we make it through March, the winter is done. I’m no meteorologist, but once April hits there’s really a chance of snow and the temps rise to a tolerable level. And the good news is it looks like the first week of the month won’t be cold. I’m betting we’re in for at least one more snow event and the very popular “wintery mix” messes. But so far, we’re off to a good start.

The NCAA tournament is great entertainment. Not only does it give any yahoo who can fill out a bracket based on a school’s colors steal an office pool, but it’s a chance to watch superior athletes not motivated (necessarily) by money. I love researching the teams to make educated guesses when I fill out my bracket then filling out one with just pure guesses. My educated bracket usually loses to the one with random picks.

Do you have a secret to filling out your bracket? Fill me in. Click on the link under my picture to send me an email. Feel free to send a joke, a comment, concern, question or anything you’d like, I’m easily entertained.

2/29: Leap Day

I'm leaping for joy it's Friday! Clearly I'm not really leaping, I would hurt myself. I haven't been to the gym in weeks and my trainer is stalking me with text messages. I think I'll give in and get back on track... next week.

I keep hearing from you how you can really judge how cold it is out by watching my live shots. I can’t help the shivering. The first day it was really cold this season I was up at Camelback and my teeth were full on chattering on the air. Vince couldn’t get enough of it and kept asking me questions.

Friday mornings are always a good show at Wawa at 2:50am. Most other days my car is the only one in the parking lot, but Friday’s are special. Intoxicated patrons are hungry for hoagies. I feel bad for my new friend, Doris, who works the overnight shift; she really get abused. We roll our eyes at each other as people in line in front of me pull wads of unorganized one-dollar bills out of their pockets and loose change falls to the floor. It’s always interesting to watch the recovery, which is usually anything but smooth.

To update a blog from last week, our morning executive producer, Jennifer, was kind enough to share popcorn with us this morning (in the usual classy coffee filters) and she did not burn it, the kernels were light and fluffy! She blamed the newsroom microwave last time. It was a feast this morning… on Fridays Terry brings in doughnuts and Lori brings in cookies (boxed of course, if you watch the show you know her baking abilities are severely limited.)

Have a wonderful weekend.

2/28: Soccer/School

Soccer’s coming to Chester. It’s a major boost to the struggling city’s waterfront, but more importantly, very exciting for soccer fans. I’ve never been to a professional soccer game, but come 2010 will probably find myself at the 18,500 seat stadium that will be built at the foot of the Commodore Barry Bridge.

I’m headed back to my high school today, St. Joe’s Prep, to shoot a story that will air later in March. All of us local reporters and anchors are profiling our high schools in a fun project. I’m meeting up with Mayor Nutter and a history teacher that made an impact on both of us. Keep your eye out for these stories; they should be really entertaining, especially seeing pictures from back in the day.

2/27: I May Have Seen Jesus

So yesterday after the show, we’re investigating bear tracks and possible bear sightings in West Philly. Turns out it was a dog, but that’s a story for another day (and easily a blog, blog-and-a-half itself).

While we’re there a cop whispers to me, “When my lieutenant leaves I need to show you a picture of the ghost of Jesus I took in Fairmount Park.” Now I admit I have become slightly delusional because of sleep deprivation. But this is what the officer said. So sure enough, after her lieutenant left, she comes over to the truck with her camera. After zooming in and showing off some orbs in the picture (you know those bubble-like things often seen in ghost pictures some say are ”spirits”), she points to what clearly looks like what’s commonly depicted as the face of Jesus Christ.

I know, I know, you want to see it too. I’m hoping she e-mails it to me today and I’ll get it up here. And let me tell you, it’s easy to find in the picture, and this is coming from someone who could never see anything (no matter how much I squinted) in those “Magic Eye” books.

2/26: Murder in Philadelphia

Teven Rutledge, Tykeem Law, Cashe Rivers. A 15-year-old in a snowball fight in Feltonville, a 14-year-old riding his bike in South Philly, a five-year-old sitting in the back of her mom’s car in Strawberry Mansion. Kids doing what kids do. Until the blast of a bullet ended their lives amid hundred and hundreds of other lives in this city over the past few years.

Teven Rutledge, shot after a snowball hit a passerby Sunday night, on his 15th birthday, didn’t deserve to die. Like Tykeem Law and Cashe Rivers, friends and family members held Teven after one second, one shot changed everything, ending another young life in yet another seemingly senseless shooting.

If you’re human, you feel bad for Teven, Tykeem and Cashe and their families. But don’t forget the children who witnessed these three murders, watched their friend’s life slip away as whaling sirens and screams grew louder in the moments after a bullet blew their innocence away while taking their friend’s life.

If Teven’s murder upsets you, Tykeem and Cashe’s probably did too. There is more you can do than shake your head… from writing a check to giving some of your time. You can do something to make a safer city. Why not use your anger for good? We have a ton of resources for you. Check out our Safer City Section.

2/25: Common Courtesy

I’m the first to admit I’m a little “edgy” lately because of lack of sleep. But on three occasions this weekend the edginess approached anger. And for something stupid. But maybe not (I’m starting to get worked up about it again). Not once, not twice, but three separate times this weekend I let people into traffic in front of me, but they didn’t wave to acknowledge it. Not even a nod of the head. Like it was owed to them. And it wasn’t, in all of the occasions. I clearly had the right away, but I slowed down to let them in. And not so much as a tip of the hat. I’m not one for road rage, but I had some ugly thoughts. Especially the third time it happened in two days.

Listen, I know there are bigger problems in this world. But common courtesy is the bedrock of living harmoniously. (Like why do people not know you let people OUT of a door or elevator before you enter?) I guess these are things never taught in school. To this day my family will be out to eat and as the waiter leaves something on the table my mom will say to my brothers and I (we’re all between 20-30), “What do you say?” We’re quick with a chorus of “thanks yous” while rolling our eyes. I guess my point is common courtesy is taught at home. But clearly not at the homes of the three people I let into traffic this weekend and didn’t even wave. (Is that so difficult???)

What drives you nuts? Feel free to tell me. I’ll post some of my favorites. Have a good week.

Oh, and as promised, here's the beer babes story I told you about Friday.

2/22: BEER BABES!!!

I promise you the headline is not just sneaky tease, but first, the weather. The sky is falling, but it’s just some snow. I lost my gloves. I guess sometime yesterday. I unearthed my back-up pair from the depths of my car. I really don’t like them, but they’ll have to do, the microphone is very cold in the morning because it sits outside the whole time. If you would like this experience for yourself, put a metal pipe in the freezer for a couple hours then hold it for five minutes. Then repeat every 20 minutes.

I’m sure a lot of kids are hoping, wishing, praying for a snow day. I feel like we got a lot more snow when I was in school, way back in the 90s. At that time, only KYW Newsradio did school closings, and of course, the famous numbers. My grade school was 160 and high school was 218. You never forget those numbers. As a young news nerd I always felt bad for the anchors that had to rattle all off those numbers.

Now… BEER BABES! Check out NBC10 News at 11 tonight for this story. It’s about an all women’s beer club taking Philly by storm. They have 300 members and are serious about suds. It’s called “In Pursuit of Ale.” The ladies get together on Wednesday nights at different bars all over the area and discuss beer, pair the different high class beers with good food and basically have a good time. Boys aren’t allowed. Although sometimes guys show up at the meetings and wait until it’s over to mingle with the beer babes with a particular palate for sensational suds. The women in the club are very cool and it was a good time hanging out with them. They know a lot more about beer than I do and made fun of me liking Miller Lite.

Check out their Web site.

We’ll post the story here on Monday in case you miss it tonight.

Jerry Springer was in the studio yesterday. You can check out the interview Terry and Lori did with him on the front page of our website.

After the show he took pictures with people including Assignment Editor Erin. She’s blushing in this pic because Springer said to her as they were taking it, “"I may not be good looking, but I'm rich as s***."

Have a great weekend!

2/21: Lunacy

I fell off the wagon yesterday. It was so ridiculously cold and I was really tired I just couldn’t muster the energy to write a blog. Plus I didn’t have anything to write about. But I’m back and better than ever. Well, I’m back, better to leave it at that.

I’m even more tired this morning. I’ve had to ask twice what day it is… and it’s 4:30am as I write this. I was up late watching the moon and "American Idol." I snapped some pictures of the lunar eclipse. I had a great view of it.

I would look up every commercial break of the show and was amazed. I’ve missed the other two in the last year. I think it was too cloudy for the one in the summer, so it wasn’t my fault.

I know the pictures aren’t great, they are courtesy of my Blackberry and me hanging out my window, trying to compose an interesting shot. I think I took the first pic at 8:45 and the second at 10pm.

I heard Derrick Pitts from the Franklin Institute say on “Live at Five” (plug) last night that there won’t be another lunar eclipse for like a year. I could listen to that guy talk forever. He’s so smart and so good at explaining anything that goes on in the sky. He’s just a really nice guy who clearly loves what he does. We’re lucky to have him as a resource here in Philly.

For the second time in as many weeks I spilled my entire cup of coffee before even taking a sip, between my car and the door of the station. I should of taken a picture of the 20 ounces of a mess this morning about two feet from the front door. I also wanted to take a picture this morning of Lori Delgado with her hair in rollers, but she wouldn’t let me. I think she thought I was joking. I told her I was not. She may have threatened me at that point. Oh well, I’ll keep trying. Not like it’s scandalous, she looks good no matter what.

2/19: Tuesday

One of my favorite parts of the morning is quickly becoming the five to ten minutes I spend in the station before heading out on my story of the day. There’s a small group, but we fill the vast newsroom with laughter. Jennifer, our executive producer, usually has some sort of food of interest.

Yesterday it was homemade spaghetti Bolognese, today it was just slightly burnt popcorn (she refutes this fact as editor of this blog, but I'm telling you, there were black kernels... and it was really salty), which we ate out of coffee filters (classy).

Dennis and Deryl, the producers, are quick-witted and there’s barely a pause between some comment I’ll make and a hilariously sarcastic comment out of one of them.









Erin, our assignment editor, is way too cheery for 3am. Every day we have different writers who add to the mix. Today’s highlight was the dramatic reading of a letter written to one of my colleagues, an on-air type, from an inmate admirer. I left the newsroom in tears.

I’ll take pictures of the gang tomorrow morning and the nice web staff will post them so you can see the good folks who get us on the air everyday.

Tuesdays are about simple pleasures for me. “Newsweek” comes in the mail and “American Idol” is on TV. Somewhat sad, but things to look forward too.

2/18: President's Day

Good Monday morning.

It took me a while to figure out why there were so many cars on the expressway this morning and why Wawa was full at 2:40am. I finally figured out it’s President’s Day.

Usually this is a big ski weekend, but 60 degrees and rain isn’t good skiing weather. It’s been a bizarre, wild weather month so far and appears more changes are in store.

I got the chance to visit the newest member of the Jersey Shore Bureau this weekend. Here’s a picture of Shoshanna Rosenthal Greenberg and me. Luckily, Ted Greenberg is a better reporter than he is photographer.

Ted, Shoshanna and mom Toby headed home yesterday, to countless nights of little sleep. But “Baby S,” as we were calling her in-utero, is quiet, not a big crier so far. She’s a good baby and very expressive, possible drama queen in the making.

Have a great week and hopefully many of you are off. Enjoy it.

2/15: TGIF!

Moving in slow motion today. Not really fully functional. At least it’s Friday. I have to admit I have no clue what to do with the weekend off; I’ve worked weekends for the last three years. I need to find some sort of volunteer work that interests me. Please make suggestions.

Congrats to first-time parents Ted and Toby Greenberg. The South Jersey Bureau has a new member, Shoshanna Greenberg. Did you see how cute she is? Check out pics and video on the front page of NBC10.com. She was really alert when our cameras were there, just a couple hours after she was born. I can’t wait to meet her. Ted and Toby are going to be great parents.

Thanks for all of your emails throughout the week. Keep ‘em coming. Feel free to give me ideas, ask questions or make comments on whatever.

Have a great weekend. The best part for me will be not being woken up by that wretched alarm clock and it’s horrifying noise. I’m trying to figure out how to record the sound and post it here. Of course, it won’t have the same effect unless it wakes you out of a dead sleep at 2am.

Click the link under my pic to send me feedback.

2/14: V-Day

Well, Happy Valentine’s Day. Headed to Robertson’s Florist. The shop’s in Chestnut Hill, but we’re going to the operation’s center in Wyndmoor. It’s funny, I didn’t set this story up, but this florist has always been a part of my life. I used to get prom flowers there. In an unauthorized tale, my parents splurged on one thing for their simple wedding… flowers from Robertson’s. My mom was working as a nurse at Chestnut Hill Hospital and always noticed how awesome their flowers were in patients’ rooms.

Here’s a fun fact from the U.S. Census Bureau: there are 120 single men (i.e., never married, widowed or divorced) who are in their 20s for every 100 single women of the same ages. So single ladies, you can’t complain.

Some random thoughts: there are a lot of drunk drivers on the expressway at 2:45am when I’m headed to the station. There are even more drunk people at WaWa when I stop for coffee. The alarm clock I talked about Monday makes me literally leap out of bed. It’s so loud I feel like I’m under attack. My photographer Kobi is struggling to figure out a v-day gift for his girl. He had flowers sent already, but she topped him last night (she got him a fancy ring and bracelet). I’ve got no ideas. Email me if you can help him!

My baby brother is 20 today. Happy Birthday, Keith! He should (fingers crossed) be sharing his birthday with the newest member of the NBC10 family. News of a baby should come later today... stay tuned.

Click the feedback link under my pic to send me an e-mail.

2/13: Yo, Forbes: You’re the Fifth Most Miserable Magazine!

As far as I’m concerned on this horribly ugly morning, I have a right to be miserable, but I refuse. It’s on principle at this point. I’m now getting up at the time I used to go to bed and am constantly tired, yet can’t fall asleep. I'm soaking wet and cold. But I won’t say I’m miserable, just because of Forbes Magazine ranking Philadelphia the “fifth most miserable city.”

We’ve been recently ranked the ugliest, fattest and even most constipated city. But this miserable label annoys me. This is an awesome area. I feel so lucky to live here and have spent most of my life here. I’m proud to be a Philadelphian. And we are not miserable people.

Magazines create these lists to get media attention, and here I am falling for it hook, line and sinker. But they’re all so negative. And that’s to get attention. But why not the most “healthy, pretty, positive or regular (opposed to constipated)” cities? Why not a positive spin?

Here’s my challenge to myself and all of you: fight the label! Be positive! As Michael Nutter said after being sworn in as mayor, a better city (and surrounding area) starts with us being civil to each other. Let’s do it! Say hi to people you pass. Smile. Tell people what a great place this is to live and work. We'll show you how miserable we are! We just need make sure our passion is perceived positively.

Hit me back by clicking the feedback link under my picture.

2/12: The Great Chicken Caper

Dozens of chickens spent more time in school than Northeast High students yesterday. The senior prank was quite successful. As many as 85 hens, some laying eggs, scurried through the halls early yesterday morning, following feed scattered in the building. The students were dismissed early because there was such a mess. The school district’s hoping surveillance video shows the chicken culprits. The chickens are clucking away, very happily, at Fox Chase Farm. Workers spent the day cleaning up the school.

I got some funny feedback from Rich in Warminster. He wrote, "We just returned last week from Kauai, HI. Each time we go there, the chickens and roosters seem to multiply. Currently they are free ranging everywhere. I mean EVERYWHERE. Thousands and thousands of the things. The current refrain to visitors is when you go home, please take a chicken and a hippie. Baby boomer hippies abound there also."

I got a bunch of emails yesterday and I really appreciate it. Apparently a lot of you are watching us on the treadmill. I admire your dedication. Maria from Bucks County, a treadmill watcher, said she had an alarm clock that beats the annoying clanging of my new one. She wrote, “My mom bought me this Winnie the Pooh and Tigger alarm clock. It sang the most obnoxious song ever.” I’ll stick with the blaring bells.

Keep the feedback coming… just click the link under my picture.

2/11: 2:22AM

I’m not going to lie to you, I have trouble getting out of bed at 8am. So when the blaring beeping of my Blackberry sounded at 2:22 this morning I let out an audible groan. I had finally fallen asleep less than an hour before. Let’s start from the beginning. I got into bed at 7pm (showered and shaved... I was worried I wouldn't want to get out of the warm water in the morning because of the torturous temps. Plus, let's be honest, it means more time in bed in the morning.) I watched the profiles of Obama and Clinton on "60 Minutes" (which were quite good. I wish they’d also profiled John McCain, but he couldn’t find time. My bet is consultants are busy working to define exactly what the presumed republican presidential nominee will stand for to make both moderates and conservatives happy. This is such a fascinating election. I still have no clue who I will vote for.) Anyway I fell asleep by 8pm. This was great. Oh but when I woke up at 10pm and started answering text messages and e-mails, I knew I was in trouble. Next thing I knew I was watching the 11 o’clock news. Then “Sports Final.” Then I started praying to fall asleep. I know I saw the clock read 1:26. Cut to the blaring beeping of the Blackberry.

So today’s the first day of the morning shift. Two friends bought me an old fashioned alarm clock. I took a picture of it to show you. It’s really loud and its ringing, or hellish clanging, makes my Blackberry alarm sound cheery.

I'm going to start blogging every morning. I’m not sure what I’m going to write about each and every day, but I’m hoping you’ll help. Send any comments, questions and concerns to me by clicking the feedback link under my picture on the right side of this page.

I thought today I’d also share the picture of me at the Syracuse/Villanova game from last Saturday (think it’s clear I was routing for the victorious team.) It’s actually a still shot from ESPN. I was on during the game for a brief moment.

Then the texts and e-mails started from former college friends all over the county watching the game. The power of television is pretty amazing. Speaking of tv, I have to get ready for my live shot, standing out in the bitter cold. Have a great day and stay warm!

Back to Blogging!

There's suddenly a lot of competition in the blogging world here at NBC10.com, which forced me to get back on the horse. I really have no excuses, but I'll make them anyway. I bought and moved into my first place, but mainly I've been sucked in by Facebook.

Listen, I know you're already making fun of me, but the website is addicting. For the last week and a half I've check my page more than my email, have made 70+ friends and convinced at least a half-dozen of my colleagues to join in the last couple days. I'd poke fun of people who were into Myspace and Facebook, but now I can't get enough. On Facebook, I've been in touch with former friends and co-workers I never thought I'd talk to again. It's also fun to look at other people's pictures and see who their friends are. I can see why kids get into trouble on these sites. It's a lot easier to be more revealing because the web is such an impersonal form of communication. But like most things, it's all good in moderation. OK, I'm off to check my facebook. But I promise I'll be better bout blogging. Feel free to hit me up on the link under my pic over on the right (Facebook lingo).