Recovering News Director

Social Networking

2010-07-24T12:40:00.004-04:00

My absence from writing here represents more than just the discovery of Facebook, it was a transition in my personal life. Strange that I didn't recognize it until it was over, until I found myself again.

Those who know me know it's been a tough five years. A major career pivot, a marriage that I was struggling to save (albeit for all the wrong reasons), and a job choice that when combined with all the other change, caused new financial challenges.

Well, I am here. I made it, granted some challenges linger, and a few of those may never go away, but that is life.

I have learned so much in this time, especially in the last 18 months.

I have learned the value of true friends.
I seek honesty in everything from business deals to laughter.
I love being a dad. I love living life and meeting people, talking to them, learning something from everyone. I've learned how to forgive and wondered what took me so long.

I could go on and on but I wont bore you.

Someday I may regret writing so much online, but today I don't.

My hope is someone who is dealing with some struggle, who's alone, lonely, surfing the web for insight - may find some tidbit here that helps. If that were to happen, then my struggles, my lonely seeking of answers to what I faced will have actually helped someone else. How amazing would that be?

Where have I been?

2010-01-23T11:09:00.003-05:00

Busy!

But then a tornado developed right over the downtown area of Huntsville and as I drove along, I watched the wall cloud grow stronger and start to spin off a funnel cloud... I cut a phone call short - stopped - took pictures and e-mailed them to TV stations... I thought I was helping and then I got home to see I was one of thousands doing the same (and my pics were not that good)....

Not only that but the TV stations had dramatic, great video of what I saw happen.

Thankfully no one was seriously hurt by the storm. But it did do a lot of damage, not only to homes and neighborhoods, but to plans.

A news event like this makes one reconsider decisions.

We'll see.

By the way, this picture is from the Huntsville Times - taken from the Five Points neighborhood moments before the tornado touched down there. Bob is an amazing photographer and he was in the right place at the right time... but most importantly, he knew what to do when he was.

I hope my friend Iqbal can vote...soon.

2008-11-05T10:16:00.001-05:00

You see Iqbal's note in the previous post - he's been waiting to vote for quite some time..because of this....

Bangladesh...

An election was scheduled for the end of 2006, however it did not take place. The caretaker government was accused of BNP bias by Hasina and her coalition, who fomented nationwide protests and shutdowns. In January 2007, the head of the caretaker government stepped down, many believe under pressure from the military.

Fakhruddin Ahmed, former World Bank economist, was selected to replace him and has committed himself to rooting out corruption and preparing a better voter list. Emergency law was declared and a massive campaign to crack down on corruption is underway. By July 2007 some 200,000 people had been arrested. The government says it will hold elections before the end of 2008.

In April, Ahmed's administration attempted to reform the political parties by exiling Hasina and Zia, but they backed down amid domestic and international protestations. Hasina, who had been visiting her children in the US, was allowed to return but she faced serious charges, including involvement in the assassination of four political rivals. In July, she was taken into custody after two businessmen testified that she had extorted 80 million taka (US$1.16 million) from them.[4] This provoked angry protests from her supporters; even her bitter rival Khalida Zia, as well as six British MPs and MEPs, called for her release.[5] Khaleda herself faces charges of tax evasion.

A Letter from my Friend, Iqbal, in Bangladesh

2008-11-05T10:13:00.001-05:00

Dear Kevin,

Congrats on Democratic Party's landslide victory!

The euphoria in the United States as well as in the rest of the world on the ascendancy of a black man to the highest office of the world's hegemony a supremely historic moment in America, From his campaign speeches, from his book" The Audacity of Hope"- Thoughts of Reclaiming the American Dream' such victory was highly calculable. I deem he will emerge as a technician who is best equipped to fix broken policies,repair the system,and get America working once again. To believe in Mr. Obama, one needs to hope against hope.

Stay well.

Iqbal

Proud to be an American

2008-11-04T22:04:00.002-05:00

When Americans elect a president, the world stops and watches. It's truly an amazing example of what makes our nation so different from all others. Yes, on election day I have the chance to do my job as a citizen, help pick the next leader of our country and the free world. When I cast my vote I can't help but think of the American men and women who have given their lives - just so I can do this. How incredible. Then I think of the people in countries all over the world - where people have died trying to create this very opportunity for themselves or their children - all they wanted was to have the opportunity to vote. To make their voice heard.

Tonight my voice was heard. But within that voice is a chorus of my fellow Americans,where the lyrics may be different - but we're all on the same sheet of music.

PS
For my friends who wanted things to turn out differently... Don't worry, that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach will fade in a few weeks... I know, I had that same feeling twice in the last eight years. :)

Harmony Safari Park

2008-08-31T23:35:00.011-04:00

What a place! I had heard about this place and today we decided to check it out. Two miles of driving through a free-range wild animal sanctuary. We had animals halfway into the back seat of the Jeep... and blocking the road... Josef had a great time... OK - we all did! If you want to see all 59 pictures - check out my Facebook page....

Josef loves his Lego's!

2008-08-24T20:42:00.001-04:00

The latest HD Set Project by Inergi...WSFA Montgomery

2008-08-17T22:24:00.004-04:00

Josef's 1st Day Walking in to school....

2008-08-07T18:00:00.000-04:00

Josef's in Kindergarten

2008-08-07T17:39:00.005-04:00

Josef's first day was today, it was more an orientation - there at 8:30 and out by 10! He admitted he was a little scared.... so tomorrow will be more telling.

I love how Morgan County is slowly getting the new kindergarten kids acclimated, orientation today - parents stay the 90-minutes with them. They go 8-10 on Friday and 8-10 on Monday.. so really Tuesday is their first full day - but by then they'll know their classmates, know their teacher and know their way around the school.

Another Fine Set.... This one in St. Louis, MO

2008-08-03T17:56:00.004-04:00

Wrapped up a project at Washington University this weekend. They now have this custom set, that gives them all kinds of varied uses... It was a tough install because it was on the third floor and on the opposite side of the building from where the semi pulled up. A 5500 lb set, hand carried...

USS Towers, a Life Gone By...

2008-07-25T00:25:00.003-04:00

I found a great site with crew listings for all those who have served or are serving aboard destroyers in the U.S. Navy; Destroyers Online.

On the site was this amazing image. I finally found a picture that describes life in heavy seas aboard a DDG. I've described for years what it's like, but this picture captures the 'feel'.

Looking at the names of those who served aboard the USS Towers over the years and I spotted a couple names of old friends.

Amazing, after nearly 25 years, I can still see their faces and remember their personalties. How strange is that? I mean I can barely remember some people I worked with in TV in the years since then!

I hate that the Towers is at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Sunk by the US Navy for target practice. I did find out on there is a group in Jacksonville working to bring the USS Charles F Adams to town as as permanent museum and I've hooked up with a group in Rome Georgia who is putting up a monument to Admiral Towers (Rome is his home town).

Closing in on 300 Posts!

2008-07-01T00:40:00.002-04:00

Amazing. When I started the blog I had no idea what direction my life would go. I had no idea I'd still be writing posts two and a half years later. This post is number 295. Five away from 300.

I don't know how much blogging I'll be able to knock out from here on out - work is just going crazy... It's gotten to the point where I only have time to blog when I'm on the road - stuck in a hotel room... and I seem to be traveling more and more these days.... a sign that business is going very - very well.

I think word is out now. Inergi designs great CUSTOM sets and we don't take your first born in exchange for that set!

Tonight I'm in North Carolina... and have a station visit in the morning.. can't say who it is.. not yet!

Airshow Tragedy

2008-06-30T23:27:00.000-04:00

I am so lucky I took Josef to the airshow on Saturday. We thought about going on Sunday.. but no, Saturday it was. He enjoyed the Blue Angels for a few minutes.. then I guess, to a five year old, it was all the same and he was ready to go.

Sunday about an hour before the Blue Angels were to take to the sky, a thunderstorm rolled over the airport. There was a microburst - a rush of wind - clocked at 47MPH... and the tents started to lift off the ground, flipping over, smashing into people.

A dozen people were taken to the hospital and a five year old boy was killed. I've said several prayers for that family and several more prayers of thanks for the health and safety of my sons...

I can't imagine the grief that boys parents must feel...

More from WHNT.Com

Air Show 2008 Huntsville - BLUE ANGELS!

2008-06-28T09:50:00.003-04:00

The Huntsville Airshow started today. Josef and I went about a half hour before the Blue Angels flew. He climbed all over the Jeep and had a great time but said..."Wow!" when the Angels took off. We parked outside the airport along a farm road and they flew right over us - it was great to watch (especially for this ex-navy guy).

Cincinnati, Again.

2008-06-24T00:43:00.000-04:00

I love Cincinnati. This time I stayed in the heart of downtown at the Neatherland Plaza Hilton. Built in the early 1930's, it's a restored beautiful hotel... a pain to do a trade show in... but a very cool hotel.

We lost one of the few remaining true journalists

2008-06-15T13:04:00.001-04:00

Fathers and their sons..in Tim's own words

A Few Days in Mobile

2008-06-08T00:39:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day Fireworks

2008-06-01T00:34:00.002-04:00

Midnight Daylight from Hartselle

2008-05-11T01:39:00.006-04:00

I took these just after 12:30 AM - took about 20 pics to get 7 or 8 of the lightning.

All Arround Us!

2008-05-11T00:48:00.011-04:00

11:48PM We've got tornado warnings to the north of us... and to the west of us... We're likely next...

12:07AM Tornado warning Cullman County - South of us.. so now we have tornado warnings on three sides of us!

12:35AM Went outside to take pictures of the lightning(see next post)

12:47AM Morgan County tornado warning (That's us!)

12:48AM The possible tornado is just north of us in Priceville... so no closet for us... yet.

12:50AM There go the chairs from the table on the back deck.. blown out into the yard.

12:55AM Trees down in Somerville.

1:00AM TV reporting trees down on cars along Interstate 65 just south of us in Cullman / Hanceville .... People may be trapped... How lucky were we tonight? Amazing that it hit all around us and literally jumped over us and spun up again...

1:14AM Tornado Warning canceled for Morgan County (us). Several others are still under the gun - but I can go to bed now...
Happy Mother's Day... Goodnight.

By the way, Josef slept through it all... lightning, thunder, awesome wind... heavy rain... not a peep out of him - could he be a future storm chaser? (I hope not)

Stormy Night

2008-05-11T00:36:00.003-04:00

We're getting slammed tonight by severe storms.
Shelters are opening all over the area... I've got our shelter room ready.. just in case. Right now there are seven counties in our area under tornado warnings. And in at least one of those counties there are two storms that may have tornado's in them.

Yes, as a former storm chasing reporter I'm glued to the TV... and what a privilege it is to be home - swapping between three channels of coverage - watching online and if something happens... I'm at home instead of rushing off to the TV station. On nights like tonight, while part of me misses being in the midst of it to pass along life saving information... I kind of like being on the receiving end of that same information!

The radar image above is from WHNT's ARMOR Radar.. the radar I helped make happen.. by far the best radar in the market.

Preschool Graduation

2008-05-02T22:35:00.002-04:00

Josef is wrapping up his preschool days and tonight was the ceremony to send his class off to kindergarten. They all dressed as pirates and put on a great show, singing about getting ready for school - and even singing "Anchors Away."

After that they took a short break and came back in their caps and gowns to get their diplomas.

While they were getting their diplomas, Josef yelled out to a couple of his friends in the audience, calling them by name. Kind of made me wonder what he'll be like the next time he wears a cap and gown... will he still be doing "shout outs?"

Jonathan wasn't there tonight, he was out playing his first gig somewhere... he wouldn't say where he was, I can only guess he didn't want me there watching - taking pictures and blogging about it!

Preschool Graduation Pictures

2008-05-02T22:25:00.007-04:00

Ah, the Jeep and SPRING!

2008-04-19T22:52:00.002-04:00

Every days is a gift...

2008-04-16T23:00:00.000-04:00

I've had a life changing event happen.
Nothing anyone would notice when it happened... not many did.
But it is causing a lot of introspection, a lot of thoughts about the future... In fact, the more I think about it - the more one famous prayer fits it perfectly:

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change...
The courage to change the things I can...
And the wisdom to know the difference.

I've known this prayer for most of my life, but not until very recently has it had such meaning...

We're given only a few precious moments with others on this planet. We have to make the most of the opportunity.

Every days is a gift... what did you do with yours today?

RTNDA Las Vegas 2008

2008-04-15T22:58:00.001-04:00

It's RTNDA @ NAB.. Las Vegas. What a week. Our third year making a name for ourselves in the broadcast set design biz. This year's convention was slow traffic wise, but between previous and current clients we stayed very busy. Most of our clients met us at our hotel - NY NY... just a great place to meet, with all kinds of options for things to do. BTW, the larger picture was the view from my hotel room in NY NY.

"The Frozen Tundra" Josef's Lego-man Adventure

2008-04-07T21:05:00.000-04:00

OK, a child's imagination is truly an amazing thing and every now and then we are reminded of that. While in Florida for his grandfather's funeral, Josef found the frost filled freezer in the hotel room and launched the Lego man adventure in what he called "the frozen tundra". What he didn't understand was how come I had to use water to free the six trapped Lego men, after they spent the night in the freezer.

Taking to the Skyway

2008-04-05T13:45:00.004-04:00

A few hours aftger dad's service, I took the guys over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge that links St. Petersburg to Bradenton... it was a needed distraction..

The original bridge collapsed when I was in high school, after a ship hit it.

He waited for me....

2008-04-01T20:35:00.005-04:00

My dad waited, held on and fought to live long enough to know his family was together before he left us... He died as I walked into his room at the VA hospital in Bay Pines.

The fantastic people at Hospice had managed his pain and helped him stay with us... they all knew I was driving in... and so did he.

When I walked into the room, I saw first my sister sitting by his bed, holding his hand - or more exactly his writst likely keeping check on his pulse.... as she looked up and smiled at me... then a look of surprise came over her face and she shot her eyes back down to his writst - I had just gotten far enough into the room to see my dad... eyes closed - That with the look on my sisters face - I took his hand, felt for a pulse... I knew he was gone.

My mom started telling him, "Joe, Kevin's here..." We let her say it only twice and I put my arms around her and told her we thought he was gone.

The nurse came in and confirmed Joe had fought his last battle and had won.

The people there at Bay Pines VA Hospice were amazing. They left us together for a while... they prayed with us... They had us write notes to him and we lit a candle and had a prayer service in the hallway... We waited in a lounge room for paperwork to be brought up... One of the nurses talked with us about living with death day in and day out in Hospice has shown her how important it is to make the most of life. Get out, do things, enjoy and experience this place God has put us and we'll be better prepared for the next world.

She also said, "You know your dad waited for you don't you."

Hugs, Prayers, support... Even the cleaning staff came over and took part in our hallway prayer service...

Hospice you are amazing... I am so grateful my dad had you taking care of him... and us.

Joseph E. Yodjas

2008-03-30T19:59:00.007-04:00

Joseph E. Yodjas, 71, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully Sunday March 30, 2008, surrounded by his wife, daughter and son and the caring staff of the Hospice Unit at Bay Pines VA Hospital.

He was born in Boston, MA on September 20, 1936. Joe proudly served eight years in the United States Marine Corps, as well as the Marine Reserve unit in Tampa and the U.S. Navy reserve in St. Petersburg. He was also an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 72, Marine Corps Association, American Legion Post 273, Madeira Beach, VFW Post 6827, and held a USCG Masters Captain’s License.

His more than 30 years in St. Petersburg were spent providing for his family in the automobile and insurance sales business.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Ann Marie Conley Yodjas, St. Petersburg (formerly of Danvers MA), and two children Therese Fitzpatrick (James)of St. Petersburg and Kevin Yodjas (Rhonda) now living in Hartselle, AL, five grandchildren (Jonathan, Amy, Jimmy, Justin & Josef), sister Janice Thomas and brothers Frank and Bill Silva.

A service to honor his life will be held Friday April 4th at Bay Pines National Cemetery beginning at 9:15AM. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Bay Pines Veterans Hospice and Palliative Care Unit or to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, 5th floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Spring Break in Cedar Key, Florida

2008-03-21T22:30:00.000-04:00

NRB, Nashville 2008

2008-03-12T22:40:00.001-04:00

Three days alone in a booth at the National Religious Broadcaster's Convention in Nashville. We were the only set company on the show floor, so we had a lot of people come by and talk with us about improving their look.

My Old Station Merits MSNBC Attention

2008-02-26T14:45:00.002-05:00

Winter's Last Gasp in North Alabama

2008-02-19T20:35:00.000-05:00

The view out the front and back door. It looked great, but was melted in less than two hours.

Quick Trip to the Capitol

2008-01-17T17:46:00.001-05:00

Had a quick trip to DC this past week. It's always great to go there - but this time my meeting was in the Capitol itself. What an amazing place. To walk the halls of that building is something every American should have the opportunity to do at some point in their lives.

Now, If I had only worn a tie in the picture here, I could have used it as a campaign photo!

Josef's Quote of the Night

2007-12-23T22:07:00.001-05:00

Christmas shopping, and I took this picture of Josef. When we showed it to his mother he told her, "it was a picture of him and his best friend!"

I love the way a child's mind works!

Happy Birthday Josef

2007-12-20T21:00:00.000-05:00

Josef turned FIVE on Dcemeber 20th. After running the "Batmobile" around the top of the cake - he had to put on Grandma's gift, a Florida Gator's uniform... he had a blast!

Jonathan's New Gig

2007-12-17T22:59:00.000-05:00

Jonathan's new job is in the new Starbuck's Coffee in Decatur. The night before they opened they invited family and friends to come in and socialize with some free coffee!

My Favorite Picture of Josef & Rhonda ................................ A Christmas Kiss

2007-12-10T21:10:00.000-05:00

The Second Best Picure from Bridge Street

2007-12-09T22:07:00.000-05:00

A night at Bridge Street

2007-12-09T21:58:00.000-05:00

We saw the "Bee Movie" tonight at Monoco Theater at the new Bridge Street in Huntsville. Top of the line shopping, eating and fun. A bit on the pricey side, but worth it!

Bay Pines National Cemetery

2007-12-07T21:20:00.000-05:00

I made a mad dash to Florida to spend some time with my dad. He's at Bay Pines Veterans Hospital Nursing Home fighting Multiple Myeloma. We took a walk out in the National Cemetery there, visited my grandfather's marker and bench. I can't believe he's been gone 12 years. Time goes by so fast. It was an odd day. Dad and mom made their own final arrangements and it makes you think about your own life and how it could all end - without notice - at any time. It's a powerful thought that can really put your life in perspective.
I did learn that because of my service in the Navy, me and my family are eligible for a National Cemetery as well... not that it's on the agenda for the near future, I was just surprised that I was.

Thanksgiving School Program

2007-11-20T20:38:00.000-05:00

Today was the long awaited Thanksgiving program at Josef's school. He had one line and one line only... "We are happy to see the Pilgrims." We had practiced and practiced and he did very well! After lunch the school fed us turkey and dressing and all the T-day fixin's - it was a great preview of what's to come on Thursday!

Hurricane Creek Hike

2007-11-19T09:52:00.001-05:00

Hurricane Creek Park is just 15 minutes from our house! What a great place. Josef ran out of gas on the climb out, so our timing was perfect. We had a great day... we'll have to go camping there in the spring!

Gone Fishin'

2007-11-11T20:10:00.001-05:00

Josef and I went fishing today. He learned how to cast - and he's pretty good at it! We only caught one fish - a little bass. Most of all - we had a great father - son afternoon that I wouldn't trade for anything.

Oh, that sinking feeling...

2007-11-06T22:20:00.000-05:00

Can't read the words on the front of the police motorcycle? That's because I took the picture through my side view mirror. It's a very professional Douglasville Georgia Police officer writing me a speeding ticket while he stands behind his motorcycle. 84 in a 65. Yikes.

OK - So, when the cop asks, "How are you doing?" What are you supposed to say? Not that you could come up with something that's going to get you out of a ticket - but perhaps it wont make the officer think you're being a smart *** .

Me? Oh, when he asked me that I said, "I was doing pretty good up until a minute ago." Something tells me that wasn't the thing to say.

My View... more and more....

2007-11-05T20:14:00.000-05:00

Been doing a lot of back and forth from home to Atlanta for a client there. The scenery along the way is beginning to become more familiar than it it should!

Trick or Treat

2007-10-31T20:06:00.000-04:00

Josef was "Spider Man!" Grand-daddy was a scary skeleton.

U-6 Soccer... What an Experience

2007-10-31T15:01:00.000-04:00

From the 'puppet shows' to playing in the sand. Josef did manage to score one goal this season! As the 'coach' it was the most unusual soccer coaching I've ever done! But it was fun.

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-30T21:06:00.000-04:00

Here's Josef's Jack-o-lantern... He picked out all the decorations at the house... and he'll be Spider man Halloween night. The pumpkin you see here was carved by yours truly!

Ice, Ice, Baby

2007-10-28T18:05:00.000-04:00

A neighborhood child had a birthday party at the Decatur Ice-Plex. It was Josef's first time on skates. He tried and tried - but he did have fun! We stuck around to watch the Zamboni drive around on the ice and saw a little bit of a hockey game.

More from Florida

2007-10-19T20:38:00.000-04:00

A couple more pictures from Florida. The first two are from Fort Desoto. Josef loved the big guns and it looks like Rhonda and Josef are loving the sunshine.

On the way home, Jonathan fell asleep and Josef helped himself to his older brother's I-Pod. Amazingly, he plugged himself in and managed to turn it on. I guess they start early these days.

RTNDA Applauds Passage of a Federal Shield Law

2007-10-17T13:19:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 17, 2007

WASHINGTON -- The Radio-Television News Directors Association applauds House passage of a federal shield law October 16 to protect journalists from being forced to disclose their confidential sources. The representatives voted by an overwhelming margin of 398 to 21 in favor of the bill. A similar bill in the Senate (S. 1267) was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now awaiting a vote by the full Senate. President Bush said yesterday he would veto the bill, but the margin of the House vote is wide enough to override a veto in that body.

RTNDA is the world’s largest professional organization devoted exclusively to electronic journalism. RTNDA represents local and network news professionals in broadcasting, cable and other electronic media in more than 30 countries. For more information, visit www.rtnda.org.

Unexpected Florida Road Trip

2007-10-16T20:33:00.000-04:00

It was one of the most last minute things I've done. Load up the car and head off for my hometown, St. Petersburg Florida. I started off Sunday night only to call home and find out my mother had taken my dad to the emergency room. He has pneumonia so we turned around and came back. To our surprise they did not admit him so Monday morning we started off for Florida. But when I got to the parents place no one seemed to be there. I walked in, walked around and found my mother getting dad ready for a return trip to the ER. So after 9.5 hours driving, I took them to the hospital and they promptly admitted him. So it certainly wasn't a "vacation" in the traditional way - but we got some quality family time together at the beach.

I also got to see my best friend from high school, Billy and his wife Debbie. That was a lot of fun and we'll have to not wait another quarter century to do it again.

How Lucky am I?

2007-09-24T01:05:00.000-04:00

All this traveling, alone give a guy plenty of time to think and over the last couple days the question above struck me... I have a VERY rich life, full of amazing experiences... Consider this list of a few of them....

I survived a news helicopter crash (I've got to get that video posted here).
I married the love of my life....twice!
My wife is my best friend - and she's amazing!
My oldest son is amazing.
My youngest son is amazing (in a different way!)
I've been to more than a dozen countries.
I was arrested at gunpoint by Filipino Police- and released (They later turned out to be working for a gang)
I went through Navy boot camp with a saltwater catfish barb in my foot.
I've been in a news car - pelted by rocks at a political riot / protest in Bangladesh
I've been a TV news photographer, reporter, anchor and News Director.
I've covered stories I'll never forget and many of the people in them and the way they handled things shaped who I am today.
I've had my passport taken away by a Russian security agent in Moscow (I got in back in an hour)
I stood next to President Regan and served on one of his 'Presidential appointed' committees.
I've written (a very small portion) of legislation that was passed by the U.S. Congress.
I was accepted to the Florida Marine Patrol academy - but declined (to work in TV).
I've hiked around Yosemite National Park
I've hiked around the Coronado National Forest.
White water rafted in North Carolina
Sailed in the Gulf of Mexico
Sailed in the Indian Ocean
Driven the Pacific Coast Highway (Monterrey to San Luis Obispo).
Spent two weeks "enjoying" Diego Garcia.
Been to Death Valley - turned around a left!
I've crossed the equator no less than four or five times aboard ship (Shellback!)
Took my own "Dam Tour" at Hoover Dam, Wilson Dam and Wheeler Dam.
I've been to the southern most and northern most places in the U.S. (Key West, Hawaii, Alaska).

** and a lot more...

Amazing Arizona

2007-09-24T00:34:00.000-04:00

I had a business meeting on Monday morning but because of wacky flight schedules I had to get out the day before (Arriving at 10:30AM). So I had a lot of time to waste. Checking the "things to do list" in my hotel room sparked an idea to go hiking. While it may not have been the smartest thing I've ever done I had a great time. I climbed down into a canyon and hiked along the rocks back to where there are normally 'falls' but there wasn't enough water for 'falls' these days. Then I had to hike, and climb back out... I have no idea how many miles it was but I can tell you tonight I hurt! But it was such a blast... I think I found a new hobby.

Strangest Thing

2007-09-23T12:50:00.000-04:00

After arriving in Tucson today I was walking toward the car rental area and a guy walking toward me had a navy ball cap on. When he got close I saw it said, "USS Towers DDG9", - The same ship I was on 20-something years ago... I had to stop him and chat - he tells me that the ship REUNION ended TODAY here in Tucson! Can you believe that? I missed it by a day... he said there were some people here from the dates I was aboard Towers... Anyway - just another strange occurrence from the road.... meeting a 'shipmate' from Towers.

When You Least Expect It

2007-09-21T17:48:00.000-04:00

I have to share a very unusual experience that happened to me yesterday, September 20th. It starts this way; The best I can figure is that it was the week of September 18+ 1999 when I first went to Richmond for a job interview. I took the job, decided to stay and a year later I was buying a house. On September 20, 2000 my (then) ex, Rhonda called and we talked. She thought we should get back together - and we did. This blog shows how things have gone since...

Here's where the twist is... Yesterday was September 20th 2007 and totally unexpected I had a last minute trip to Richmond, visiting the very same TV station that I once worked in - on the exact day of the anniversary of "the call".

After my meeting I drove around town, found he apartment where Jonathan & I lived.... and I struggled to remember how to get to that house... the one that sparked the "reunification" talk...

So I just drove aimlessly around and followed what seemed familiar - never doubling back... turning where it felt right and the moment I realized I was around the corner from that house was pretty strange. First I drove up to the middle school Jonathan went too. A soccer game was going on (Jonathan had tried out for the team as a 6th grader)... I went around the corner and found the house - it backs up to the school yard - you could see the soccer game from the back yard. Oddly enough the house was empty - vacant.

After that I drove around downtown Richmond. The amazing, beautiful old homes and buildings are unique to Richmond... I remembered how back in 1999, I wanted to share the great homes of the city with Rhonda... but I couldn't. At that moment I guess it hit me just how much things have changed over the last seven years.

Recently I've been amazed at how much things have changed since I left TV news... but this was bigger, ten-fold... Sometimes we're blessed enough to be shown how rich our lives are... the people we have in them, family and friends that were there for you - and still are.

Yesterday was one of those days and I can't wait to get home.

India's National Highway 37

2007-09-18T08:28:00.000-04:00

Vinod drives us down the mountains from Shillong, India to Guwahati. Fast and furious!

Landing in Moscow in an Aeroflot II-86

2007-09-18T07:55:00.000-04:00

A very nice flight until we landed in Moscow. I thought the plane was going to fall apart! It shook violently about six times as we slowed to taxi to the gate... I've never experienced anything like it flying on a commercial airliner.

For Sale...soon.

2007-09-17T12:40:00.000-04:00

Yes, we're making preparations to put the house on the market. The website for it is up, but no sign in the yard yet - we have a few things to accomplish first.

We need to be closer to family and our jobs... We'll see how this turns out!

Set Design in 1977 ... Wow!

2007-09-17T12:38:00.000-04:00

Soon It'll be "Seven & Two"

2007-09-14T07:34:00.001-04:00

A couple milestones upcoming here in the near future.

September 20 is a special date to me and Rhonda and I want her to know I'm so glad she made the phone call... SEVEN years ago this month. (and it's my dad's birthday!)

October 20 will mark the SECOND anniversary of this blog! Two years of writing down the highlights of life since being unceremoniously dismissed in a management change out at WHNT TV.

I can't believe it's nearly been two years!

So much has changed - all for the better!

If you're reading this - THANK YOU for stopping by and checking in, it means a lot to me.

Sorry

2007-09-09T22:27:00.001-04:00

It's taken so long to get some new posts up... things were nuts from the end of July until just last week. Finally I'm home for a while and can get caught up on a lot more than just this blog!
Be sure to scroll down and even go to last month to see some new pics.

Kevin

More from Florida

2007-08-24T22:23:00.000-04:00

Vinod snapping picture after picture on the beach, palm trees moments after the sun slipped below the horizon and me on St. Petersburg Beach the day we left.

Sunset on the Gulf of Mexico

2007-08-23T22:14:00.000-04:00

Vinod is here from India and we had a meeting in Clearwater Florida- So I got to take him to where I grew up and show him arround. You can't be in the Tampa Bay Area and not watch a sunset on the Pinellas Suncoast. This picture was taken in North Redington Beach. Tough place to grow up huh?

Some people wonder why I miss it!

Jonathan is a UAH Freshman

2007-08-17T21:59:00.000-04:00

Jonathan moved into the dorm at the University of Alabama Huntsville today. He has three room mates and two of them are friends from high school. They share a four room suite and the second picture is Jonathan's 'private' space. Small, but ALL HIS!

Congratulations Jonathan, you're making us proud again!

Finally Posting Rhonda's Birthday!

2007-08-15T21:50:00.000-04:00

Dinner at "The Shak" in Florette and cake & gifts at Gaga's house. Josef loved eating outside at the 'Shak' and it was fun to have everyone over at Rhonda's family's place on a weeknight instead of a Sunday afternoon. No, i'm not publishing how old Rhonda is! (I'm smarter than that!)

Moscow

2007-08-13T22:06:00.000-04:00

I have some other pictures from Moscow, but they're not loaded on the computer yet. The story of Moscow is an interesting one. I flew from Delhi to Moscow to pick up a Delta flight to Atlanta and only had e-tickets. Well, I guess the Russians don't like American's showing up without tickets. I was told to hand over my passport to this guy in a suit. He took it and I didn't see him again for nearly an hour. Finally he came back, asked me a slew of questions about my baggage, asked if they could search all my bags - I said 'sure' and he was off again. When he returned he had a boarding pass and my passport. We were two hours late leaving Moscow and once in Atlanta it took them two hours to get our bags into the terminal! Needless to say I missed my flight to Huntsville and Delta put me up in Atlanta for the night.

Guwahati Airport

2007-08-09T21:49:00.000-04:00

We had a bit over an hour to waste in the airport and Vinod, his assistant and I just tried to pass the time... playing with our cell phones... trying to connect our phones via bluetooth... I was ready to go home... this was the start of the 51 hours it took to get back to Hartselle!

More India Pics

2007-08-05T21:38:00.000-04:00

These pics are from the trip from downtown Guwahati to the airport going back to Delhi. From waiting for the cow to get out of the road... the army check point where our driver was questioned... to the flooding that swamped just about everything but the road.

Shillong India

2007-08-04T06:48:00.000-04:00

Well we arrived in the rain, got hotel rooms where I ate my first bad food of the trip... Shilling's views are great. The people look different than in Guwahati and Delhi - these people look more Pacific Asian... interestingly so does the architecture. The shopping here was great and Vinod and I took some great pics as we shopped around town.

The Park in Shillong

2007-08-04T05:57:00.000-04:00

OK, so Vinod thinks he's doing me a favor by taking me to this great park in town, problem is when we gt inside he realizes everyone else there are male - female couples! He admidts he has mistakingly brought me to a 'lovers park'. Thanks Vinod!

But the sign made it worthwhile!

India National Highway 37 to Shillong from Guwahati

2007-08-04T02:41:00.000-04:00

This deserves a note all to itself, why? Because it wasn't a highway, more of a series of pot holes joined together by gravel and mud. Barely wide enough for a car to pass a slow moving truck. In the car with me, an Indian man sending e-mail on his cell phone... as we pass shacks made of palm branches where families sell pineapples. What a contrast! All of this on the sharply curved road winding its way more then five thousand feet up to Shillong. By the way, Guwahati and Shillong are only about 60KM apart... but it took almost four hours to get there!

Guwahati, Assam India

2007-08-03T16:29:00.000-04:00

From the hotel to the streets, Guwahati was unlike anything I'd ever seen or experienced before. The people were friendly and warned me to be careful - the Islamic terrorists in the area would love to get their hands on an American... It was at that point, I regretted not registering my trip with the US Embassy in Delhi! But I felt very safe, people would certainly notice me - but I didn't meet or see anyone who seemed to resent my being there.

Fly "Jet Airways" to Guwahati, Assam India

2007-08-02T04:29:00.000-04:00

I got to admit, getting on an Indian airline was sort of stressful - but the stress quickly went away - the plane was great, a Boeing 737, with more crew than any US airline would employ - and the service was awesome... equal to business class on any American airline.

The airport was hot, very hot. Like many buildings in India, no air conditioning - despite the heat! Police, or soldiers, were walking around with shouldered AK's at the ready. Assam it seems has a bit of a terrorist problem -while India is dealing with it well - (note the heavily armed police) it is enough to rattle the nerves of any American away from home.

On the one lane road out of the airport, we're slowed by people walking, and cows wandering into the street. Alongside the road shanty homes made from bamboo and palms mix with the concrete of more modern construction - and by modern it's likely the 1960's...

On the flight in we saw everything was flooded. But along the road everything seems fine. It takes an hour to get to the hotel in Guwahati. Now, I'm expecting a nice place - or at least decent place - but alas... it was Guwahati's best - just not what I expected.

Arrival: Delhi at night

2007-07-30T06:15:00.000-04:00

Man, it's HOT. Arriving at night and they say it is 28 or 29 degrees!

My Friend and business partner immediately takes me for a late night tour of the capitol city of India... I was so tired... we saw the Parliament building, the presidential home, and the India Gate that has names of those who fought for India's Independence carved on it. Pretty cool. It looks like Paris doesn't it?

Cincinnati & Covington Kentucky

2007-07-26T02:12:00.000-04:00

Cincinnati seems like a great town. The Reds were playing and we considered going to a game, but decided instead to just walk around the area near our hotel in Covington. What a great place! It's like being in a European village... shops, cafes and pubs all in buildings at least 100 years old surrounded by beautiful historic homes.

About to Begin a Monster Road Trip

2007-07-23T04:05:00.000-04:00

We're off to Cincinnati -(Here's Phil playing the part of navigator)- from there it' s back home for 18 hours, off to India via Atlanta and Paris. Once in India, I'll be in Delhi, Noida, Guwahati Assam and Shilong. From there it's Moscow via Areoflot Airlines and then back to Atlanta and home for 30 hours before heading out to Charlotte NC. From Charlotte it's home for 30 hours and off to Myrtle Beach, then Atlanta and finally home - for more than a couple days.

While I haven't figured the miles, it is 13 cities in 25 days on three continents.

Yaris for Jonathan

2007-07-19T17:08:00.000-04:00

Jonathan gets his first car, He's no longer driving a hand-me-down from mom & dad. Instead parents give him a pretty nice ride to drive away to college in, a Toyota Yaris... Drive safe Jonathan!

Vipers Football!

2007-07-19T17:03:00.000-04:00

I took Josef to his first Arena Football game last Saturday. We had a blast. Most memorable is when we walked through the doors from the concession area to the arena and he saw the football field in the arena I heard him say, "Wow!" He hugged the guy next to us... Got another guy to give him is Viper visor... and ate THREE tubs of popcorn and two packages of nuts - and wanted more!

My "Virtual Tourist" Project

2007-07-18T23:00:00.000-04:00

See all my travel pages

I found this site when I was planning my trip to Bangladesh - it's great. Full of tips, pics and info to go just about anywhere on the planet.

Destroyer versus Torpedo

2007-07-06T13:34:00.000-04:00

Found this video online. As a former U.S. Navy destoyer sailor... it's chilling.

Happy Fourth of July

2007-07-04T11:19:00.000-04:00

Josef's Tonsils are Gone!

2007-07-02T15:22:00.001-04:00

Josef was a trooper. These were the 'before' pictures. It wasn't pretty 'after'. Waking up after surgery is strange enough for adults - it's not pretty for kids. But we're home with a HUGE supply of Jello, ice cream and his favorite drinks. Let's not forget the Tylenol with Codeine!

Kelly

2007-07-01T14:36:00.000-04:00

Not two hours after the previous post, Jonathan & I took Kelly to the vet to put him out of his pain. The vet gave us the choice to be there or leave, Jonathan chose to stay so we did. She explained what was going to happen and we said our goodbye's... It was one of the toughest moments you can imagine... This essay, that Jonathan found gives some insight.

Tough Times

2007-06-30T12:11:00.000-04:00

Kelly, the cat we've had since Jonathan was in kindergarten is very sick. We had noticed he was slowing down and attributed that to his being old. But when we got back from the beach we noticed something was wrong. Rhonda and I gave him a bath and were stunned at how skinny he was. We took him to the vet and the news isn't good. He is in the "final stage" of feline AIDS. He didn't seem to be in pain - so they said we could take him home and love him 'until' it was time. He was and is peaceful and quiet.. he could walk a week ago - but no more. He just lays in one spot, he no longer eats, no longer drinks and like I said he doesn't move. It's sad he just watches us and purrs when we pet and love on him. Today may be very hard, Jonathan and I talked last night and wonder if the right thing to do is take him in to be 'put down'.

Strange that this cat found me one morning at WVNA radio, I took him home to our first house when Jonathan was 5 or 6... now, just weeks away from Jonathan going to college (where Kelly can't go) - Kelly is going to leave us.

I wondered if the reason Kelly came home with me was to be Jonathan's buddy while he grew up... Now this little angels mission is over and he's going home.

Too sappy? I don't think so.
Kelly is a part of this family and this isn't going to be easy.

A Day in Destin

2007-06-21T23:12:00.000-04:00

Lonnie took the guys to Destin today. We went to the "Big Kahuna" water park. Lonnie, me, his ten year old son & best friend Bo and of course Josef. There are no pictures from the waterpark.. too dangerous to have a camera out - you risk dropping it in the water - but we had a GREAT time. And it didn't end when the day at the water park ended. Lonnie knows this great little place in Destin, a 'locals' hangout for great food and atmosphere... so we went. It was awesome. The Boathouse Oyster Bar.. . .the kids were so tired but still had a great time.

Pools of Fun

2007-06-18T22:39:00.000-04:00

Josef loved the pools at the beach condo.

Summer Vacation - Pannama City Beach Florida

2007-06-17T23:29:00.000-04:00

We're here! A 3BR condo on the beach at Majestic Beach Resort. We've got some friends and some extra family with us and we're going to have a good time!

Pictures for Scott

2007-06-15T12:36:00.000-04:00

A car show in the mall and I thought to myself, "I'll be Scott would like to see these."

The New Addition

2007-06-14T00:11:00.001-04:00

Meet "Olivia". Named by Josef who was the first to see the litter of kittens at Uncle Ken's house.
Olivia is yet another crazy personality in the house. She loves to play, run and sleep on your pillow next to your face.

Us this Summer

2007-06-13T18:09:00.000-04:00

Self portrait taken at a t-ball game. Rhonda doesn't like it but I do. She says she looks like someone else, in-fact when she finds out it's posted here for the world to see she'll probably make me take it down.

If she does, that's OK, I have plenty of others to replace it with!

By the way, am I the luckiest guy in the world or what?!!!!

River Run, River Fun

2007-06-12T20:23:00.000-04:00

An afternoon ride on the Tennessee River. Our friends have not only a 50+ foot house boat they're renovating, they now have this to play with on the river. Angie and Lonnie are going with us to the beach as well... we're looking forward to it!

Take My Picture Dad!!!!

2007-06-12T06:29:00.000-04:00

It took this phrase, for the ten-thousandth time, for me to realize it. I, or should I say "we", are chronicling our lives with our cell phone cameras.

These things go everywhere with us. It's a natural these days when you find yourself experiencing a moment you want to remember or see something unique it's easy to pull out the ole' cell phone and snap a few pictures.

While this is novel and fun for me it has become the 'standard' to our four year old. Josef seems to think I should be capable of taking a photograph with only seconds notice.

The strange thing is he's right. I am capable of taking a picture with seconds notice and sending it off around the country second later to be seen by Grandma and the rest of the family. Every now and then I try to get something new posted here for you to see. I'm in the process of figuring out how to do that with (guess what) my cell phone.

You'll see it here when it happens (thanks Josef).

T-Ball Give us First Glimpse into Josef's World

2007-06-09T22:30:00.000-04:00

Nothing. No clues no indications of how things will go - when your child takes to the ball field for the first time you have no idea what's going to happen, how he'll act or interact with the team. Josef, as it turned out, was a force on the field - just not like we had hoped.

He could hit either right or left handed and he loved to hit but hated playing defense. He'd sit in the outfield playing in the dirt and wearing his glove on his head. In one game he had his glove on his head and his cap in his hand and at one point tried to catch the ball in his hat!

So many things I could write about... like how he has to take a bathroom break - while playing center field.... how he doesn't seem to realize other kids are trying to tag him out (and he's surprised when it happens).... How the other parents talk about how cute he is with his curls sticking out from under that cap... and of course how he would show up at the plate with his hat under his helmet... Oh, and in the field he sometimes thought it best to place his hat in his pants! (it was out of the way there)

In one game, the first baseman had let the ball get by him and quickly ran to pick it up and started back to first base when BAM!!! - Out of right field comes Josef and takes out the first baseman! Yes, his own team mate. The first baseman began to cry and had to be carried off the field... Josef just looked bewildered likely wondering why this boy was crying... after all wasn't he supposed to tackle him? (after all he had the ball)

As the season went on Josef got better, was more attentive in the games, but never got far from his roots or pestering his team mates. Rhonda described it best and like this: You know how in the Leslie Nielson movies he's always walking around and all this mayhem is happening around him but yet Leslie is clueless? "That's Josef in T-ball! All this stuff is happening around him and he's out there in his own little world... strolling the bases... asking "Who's that?" about the man who called him out.... and always... 100% of the season, he was the last to get off the field between innings and the last back on the field after batting... the world it seems is just going to have to get used to "Josef's time."

He is looking forward to the next T-ball season because, as Josef says, "I'm a ball player and I look good in my uniform."

EMERGENCY

2007-05-30T22:14:00.000-04:00

For the second time in as many visits, I took my dad the emergency room while he was staying with us. As before, he was having a real hard time breathing and as it turned out it was another bout of Congestive Heart Failure.

The team at Hartselle Medical Center were awesome. They took such great care of him. The Doctor (a former HEMSI paramedic) saved his life that night and did it was the most amazing level of care I have ever seen in a hospital.

They admitted him and put him in ICU. He seemed fine. Talking with us and joking with the nursing staff. But the next afternoon he had a heart attack. He says he never felt it, but he had one and Hartselle wasn't taking any chances - they called Med Flight and dad got his first ride on a helicopter straight to Huntsville Hospital. He chatted with the flight crew and the pilot. One of the nurses was a former Marine and the pilot a retired Army Lt. Colonel.

It wasn't the best couple of days for any of us - especially dad. But he got great care in Huntsville and four days later was released and on his way home to Florida.

THANK YOU to the ER and ICU team at Hartselle Medical Center and the Cardiac and Oncology team at Huntsvile Hospital!

For those who don't know, or have forgotten because I have fallen behind in my blogging. Remember in March of 2006 doctors gave my dad 48 hours to live. He had a rare pneumonia and multiple myloma - still has the myloma cancer but like a U.S. Marine, he doesn't give up without fighting hard - and we love him for it.

Decatur's Japanese Festival 2007

2007-05-26T08:59:00.000-04:00

Every year the Daikin company in Decatur holds a festival. It's a Japanese company and they started it off as a friendship party of sorts, serving free Japanese food and having a lot of Japanese cultural activites like dance and crafts. Over years it go so popular it had to move from the plant site to the Morgan County fairgounds. Now it is a multi-cultural celebration. All the food is free - everyting from Yakisoba to Bar-b-Q. My mom and dad were here for Joanthan's graduation so we all went to the Festival. Fun, but what a crowd! Oh, and people are strange... We saw people loading up on free food - boxes of it and walking out of the place with it. Now I can understand that some people may HAVE to do this to live, these people were dressed nice and obviously drove to the fairgrounds. Why do people do stuff like that? Some sort of feeling of entitlement I guess. Anyway, we had a good time considering the crowd - and my mother made sure none of us left without a Japanese Hoppy Coat!

Jonathan Graduates from Austin High School

2007-05-25T23:35:00.000-04:00