Steve Scott's Blog

Hey, Look - it's Katie Couric!

2007-09-27T22:53:00.001-05:00

Steve's Blog Takes A Vacation

2006-02-17T17:44:00.000-06:00

Hello all. If you check here regularly - or at all - you've probably noticed that I've become pretty lax in updating my blog.

I always wondered if my blog would eventually become the adult version of a kid's holiday gift: You're really excited about it when you first get it...but then, you start to play with it less and less as new stuff comes along...and, eventually, it ends up on a shelf in the closet, where you only see it while reaching for something else.

Well, that's kind of what happened.

Unlike a couple of friends, who have recently deleted their blogs altogether, I have no plans to do that. And, who knows...if you check back here sometime in the near future, you're liable to find a flurry of new posts. But, regular updates - which had become fewer and far between the past month and so - will no longer be a priority.

I hope friends and family will stay in touch with me at steve.e.scott@abc.com (although that email address will likely change in late 2006, when the sale of ABC Radio to Citadel Broadcasting becomes official).

Thanks for checking in...and, please do take a look every now and then. You never know what you may see!

Steve

ABC Radio - including WLS - Sold to Citadel

2006-02-06T18:28:00.000-06:00

Goodbye...

Hello...

The deal that had been rumored for months became official today. The Walt Disney Company, parent company of ABC and WLS, has sold ABC Radio to Citadel Broadcasting Corporation.

You can read the story here.

When the deal becomes final later this year, WLS and ABC Radio will no longer be part of Disney. Other Disney broadcasting entities, including ABC News and our current sister station, WLS-TV, will remain with the company. Sadly, it means that WLS-AM and WLS-TV will no longer be sister stations.

I'm very sorry to see WLS lose our association with ABC and Disney. We will remain affiliated with ABC News Radio...even though it's difficult to say if we'll still be sister properties.

In the meantime, we will all continue to just do our jobs.

I'm sure we'll learn more in the weeks and months to come.

Cindy Sheehan Arrested at Capitol

2006-02-01T03:12:00.000-06:00

Peace Activist Cindy Sheehan arrested at the Capitol, shortly before President Bush's State of the Union Address.

Here's the story.

Plane Crash Photo

2006-02-01T02:24:00.000-06:00

Federal investigators have released this dramatic photo of the final split second before a twin engine plane crashed Monday night near Palwaukee Airport in Wheeling.

The photo was captured by a security camera at a construction company near the airport. The plane crashed into the company's storage yard and burst into flames. All four people onboard the plane were killed, and the aircraft virtually disintegrated on impact.

The Feds are using this photo - plus eyewitness accounts - to try to determine why the Cessna 421B, which appeared to be on a normal approach to Palwaukee, suddenly spiraled into the ground.

WMAQ-TV (NBC5) has an excellent slideshow, including security camera images immediately before - and immediately after - the plane hit the ground.

Among those killed were Kenneth Knudson, founder of the Sybaris Clubs International resort chain...and, Michael Waugh, a manager at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab in Chicago.

ABC's Woodruff, Vogt Wounded in Iraq

2006-01-29T13:54:00.000-06:00

ABC World News Tonight co-anchor Bob Woodruff and his cameraman, Doug Vogt, have been seriously wounded by an IED (bomb) near Baghdad. As of this writing, both Woodruff and Vogt are out of surgery and in stable condition.

You can get the very latest information here.

No one ever said covering a war was easy...or safe. But, journalists need to be there to serve as the eyes and ears for the rest of the world. Many of you know that I have been working to try to get to Iraq to do stories on Illinois servicemen and women. This incident, while certainly sobering, does not weaken my resolve to try to get over there and spotlight the work our Illinois service personnel are doing.

A quick footnote about the Woodruff/Vogt incident...ironically, Bob Woodruff and his family were close friends with NBC's David Bloom, who died of a blood clot while on assignment in Iraq in 2003.

Congratulations Eileen!

2006-01-24T09:46:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to WLS talk host Eileen Byrne on her engagement to her long-time beau, Jeff.

Eileen and Jeff got engaged over the weekend in Florida.

Both are great people...I wish them many years of happiness!

Bulls/Knicks

2006-01-19T02:43:00.000-06:00

I don't know what was in the water at the United Center Wednesday night...but the Bulls/Knicks game was one of the strangest I've seen in a long time.

It was like Friday the 13th, New Year's Eve and a full moon...all rolled into one.

First, the Bulls' Chris Duhon - one of the nicest, most mild-mannered guys you'll ever see - gets into a fight with the Knicks' much larger Maurice Taylor. Typical basketball fight...lots of shoving, but no real damage done.

But, the real strange moment came in overtime...when former Bull Antonio Davis jumped onto the scorer's table and directly over me to go into the stands. Davis says he saw his wife being hassled by a man who Davis said had had too much to drink. Again, no real damage was done...but it has brought unwarranted comparisons to that ugly incident in Detroit last season.

All I know is that I suddenly looked up out of the corner of my eye...and here was this huge blue blur jumping over me to get into the stands.

The NBA has very strict rules about players going into the stands...and the officials had no choice but to eject Davis from the game. But if, as he says, he was only trying to protect his wife from some drunk...wouldn't most of us do the same thing? "AD" is one of the classiest players in the NBA...he's not some punk (see Maurice Taylor in top photo) looking for trouble. Davis will likely be fined...and possibly suspended. But there's no comparing what happened here with the Pacers/Pistons brawl in Detroit.

Oh, by the way...the Bulls won the game, 106-104, on a Ben Gordon jumper at the buzzer in overtime.

The Best Thing Since...Well, Sliced Bread!

2006-01-16T02:48:00.000-06:00

Okay, I am not a product pitchman. But, I have to tell you about this little gadget that Jeanne and I picked up over the weekend.

It's called the Egg & Muffin Toaster...and it's made by a company called Back To Basics. This thing is really cool. You can make your own yummy breakfast sandwich - without a frying pan - in just a few quick minutes.

The Egg & Muffin not only toasts your English muffin (or whatever kind of bread you want)...it also steam-cooks an egg to the doneness level you desire...and, the steam will also heat up a piece of pre-cooked breakfast meat (ham, Canadian bacon, sausage, bacon, etc.) Throw on a slice of cheese...and, voila! You've got a tasty breakfast sandwich! It's very easy...and, I'm hoping the fact that the egg is steamed - not fried - makes it a little healthier than your average fast food restaurant breakfast sandwich.

Any way...we got ours at Target (Target Dog!!) for around $40.

Yum Yum! :)

Bears Lose to Panthers, Ousted from Playoffs

2006-01-16T02:42:00.000-06:00

I won't dwell much on the Bears' 29-21 playoff loss to Carolina at Soldier Field. While many Bear fans were talking Super Bowl this year, I thought that was pretty ridiculous. They fattened up on a soft schedule and a sometimes great defense.

Against the Panthers, the Bears' defense wasn't as good as expected. Their offense was slightly better than expected. And, Carolina played a very good game.

Not a bad year...and they have a chance to build on it next year.

How Did This Happen?

2006-01-04T06:36:00.000-06:00

What a terrible roller coaster of emotions, for the families of the mine accident victims in West Virginia.

First, they're told that - against all odds - twelve survivors had been found. There are jubilant celebrations.

Then, a couple hours later, they're told there's been a mistake...a "miscommunication." Only one miner has been found alive...the other eleven are all dead. Emotions suddenly switch to incredible sorrow and anger.

As a reporter, I can understand the circumstances that allowed this misinformation to get out. That doesn't make it right...but, I can understand how it happened.

Many are already playing the blame game. This is just a terrible tragedy. I'll leave it at that.

Get Well, Emil!

2006-01-03T05:55:00.000-06:00

Get well wishes are in order...for Illinois Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago).

Jones, 70, was admitted to a Chicago hospital Monday, after feeling tightness in his chest, during an exercise workout at his south side home. His press secretary, Cindy Davidsmeyer, told me early this morning that Jones is in good condition and good spirits. She said Jones was undergoing tests, and would not set a timetable for his possible release.

My favorite Emil Jones story comes from then-Governor George Ryan's historic trip to Cuba in 1999.

Jones held court with a group of would-be Carmen Mirandas in Havana (the senoritas are seen with me in the photo to the right). Jones - who made no attempt at all to speak Spanish - proudly boasted to the women that, back home, "They call me Generalissimo!"

They do?

Well, in any event...get well soon, Generalissimo.

Tragedy Strikes Family of Hero Soldier

2006-01-02T04:00:00.000-06:00

Please see this terrible story about the fire that destroyed the suburban Chicago home of a disabled Vietnam veteran...whose Army son had been killed in Iraq barely a month before.

Here's more on this story from the Chicago Sun-Times.

If you have any pennies left after the holidays, I'm sure the Alcozer family would appreciate your help.

DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO:
Jesse Alcozer Family Fund
Community Bank of Elmhurst
330 W. Butterfield Rd.
Elmhurst, IL 60126

CRASH

2006-01-02T03:16:00.000-06:00

Easily the best movie I've seen in a long time!

Hello every one...I'm back! Happy new year! Jeanne and I had a nice holiday...and, I hope you did, too. I'm back to work today (Monday).

I have no plans to become a movie reviewer - because I really don't go to that many movies - but I have to tell you about one we saw yesterday. We rented "Crash."

"Crash" is, without a doubt, the best film I've seen in years. The plot line and characters held me from the opening moments to the closing scene. It was brilliantly written, brilliantly acted and brilliantly shot. I'm sure it will get Oscar considerations.

I know "Crash" has been out for quite a while - after all, we were able to rent it - so, you may have already seen it. But, if you haven't, I urge you to spend a couple bucks and watch it.

Chicago Tribune film critic Roger Ebert calls "Crash" the best film of the year. I haven't seen many others, so I can't comment on that, but it was very, very good!

Happy Holidays

2005-12-23T07:23:00.000-06:00

I'd like to wish every one happy holidays and all the best in the new year. I appreciate the nice comments I've heard about my blog over the past few months. While my updates have fallen off the pace just a bit, I haven't forgotten - or given up on - my blog.

I hope to do a better job of keeping it up in the new year.

I'll be at Jeanne's mother's house in Iowa for the next several days...so don't expect any updates until late next week, at the earliest.

Again...Merry ChristmaHannaKwanzaaDan to all!

Steve

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2005-12-20T02:43:00.000-06:00

Chicago's December Deep Freeze continues...

It's our second straight morning of temperatures at or below zero...with windchills well below zero. Since November 29th, the amount of time we've been above freezing can be measured in hours...and it wouldn't take much more than one hand to count those hours.

Yesterday, our high temperature was +11. The low was -1. And, windchills dropped to around -20.

That said, it was actually a pretty nice day...bright sunshine, and not a cloud in the sky. I decided to walk the nearly one mile from WLS to home...and, despite bank thermometers that read +8, it really wasn't all that bad. There was one stretch - walking right along the Chicago River - that was pretty cold. Other than that, it was okay.

Temps should be in the mid 30s by Thursday...and are expected to stay in the 30s through Christmas.

Jeanne and I bought some new gloves for me at Marshall Field's (soon to be Macy's - ugh!) on Sunday. I traded the dexterity that comes with the Isotoners I've been wearing...for the added warmth of these fur-lined gloves.

I'm now completely recovered from whatever touch of illness I had after pulling an all-nighter in blowing snow at the scene of the recent Southwest Airlines crash at Midway Airport. I wasn't really sick - just worn out, and a little under the weather. Standing out in that heavy snow - with temps in the low teens - can take its toll.

I guess I'm not 25 any more...

Congrats to Andrea Darlas!

2005-12-14T08:20:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to my longtime pal Andrea Darlas of WGN Radio, who's been promoted to morning news anchor, effective the first of the year. She'll anchor the news during Spike O'Dell's top-ranked morning show.

You can read all about it here.

Andrea replaces Tom Petersen, who is retiring. She's a great person and very talented journalist. Even though we'll be head-to-head competitors, of sorts, I wish her all the best.

Maybe now that we'll be on similar schedules, we'll find a way to do the lunch we've been trying to arrange for, oh, I don't know...five years!

Congrats to Andrea!

Radio Station Sells Newsroom Naming Rights

2005-12-13T11:00:00.000-06:00

This is a really bad idea...but may be a sign of the times.

A radio station in Madison, Wisconsin, has sold the naming rights to its newsroom...to a bank.

You can see the full story here.

Let's just hope the bosses here at WLS don't hear about this!

By the way...this photo does not depict the actual WIBA/Madison newsroom.

Midway Plane Accident

2005-12-12T02:24:00.000-06:00

Here's how I spent my Thursday night and Friday Morning...

This Southwest Airlines 737 skidded off the end of a runway while trying to land in heavy snow at Midway Airport Thursday evening. The plane crashed through an airport wall, and onto busy Central Avenue. The plane hit at least one car, killing a 6 year old boy from Indiana, and injuring several other people.

In the near-blizzard conditions, just getting to the airport was problematic for the media covering the crash. I ended up taking a train. It got me there in a hurry...but put me on the wrong side of the airport. So, I had to trudge through the calf-deep snow...on foot! The first picture is pretty much what I saw as I approached the scene.

Here's an overhead view of the plane - sitting in the intersection of Central Avenue and 55th Street - taken the next morning, after the skies had cleared. You can clearly see where the plane crashed through the airport boundary wall.

As tragic as the death of a little boy is, one could say this incident really could have been much worse. No fire, no break-up of the plane, no serious injuries on the aircraft.

This picture gives you an idea just how close the plane came to hitting some homes and small businesses in the area. Midway is a completely "landlocked" airport. The airport is surrounded by four very busy city streets...and there are houses and small businesses literally across the street from the airport on all four sides.

These next two pictures show the crushed car in which the Woods family of Leroy, Indiana, was riding. Six-year old Joshua Woods died in the crash, and several of his family members were hurt.

It's not easy to see...but the Woods family's car can be seen wedged under the wing and wing engine. Joshua's father, who was driving, says he could see the plane coming at them (it broke through the way at around 45 mph) but there was nothing he could do. He was locked in traffic, and could not move. It's actually amazing that only one car was crushed by the plane. A second vehicle was hit, but there were no serious injuries in that car.

Here's another look at rescue crews working on the snow-covered aircraft. Midway Airport got 10 inches of snow on Thursday, and it was snowing hard at the time of the crash. The pilot was trying to land in a tailwind on a snowy runway - not a good combination. Plus, the pilot says he had trouble getting the plane's engine thrust reversers - which help the aircraft slow down - to engage.

Courtesy of the Chicago Sun-Times, here's an overhead view of Midway Airport, showing Runway 31 Center - on which I've landed Cessnas - and the path the plane took in running off the end of the runway. Note in this overhead shot how close the homes and businesses are to the airport - literally right across the street!

As for my crash coverage...I was doing reports on both WLS and ABC networks news all night Thursday and then all through the morning on Friday. I was also interviewed on a bunch of ABC affiliates across the country. And, Radio New Zealand actually tracked me down at the crash scene Thursday night for a brief interview.

I ended up a little under the weather after spending all of that time outside in the blowing snow (and then the next morning, out in the brutal cold). It was nothing serious...and I'm feeling a little better now.

It took a couple tries, but the plane was eventually towed back onto airport property, and the streets have been re-opened.

And, yes...the family of the boy who died has hired lawyers.

Have You Seen This Coffee Grinder?

2005-11-30T04:01:00.000-06:00

Can you believe that my coffee grinder - which I brought from home for all to use - has disappeared from the lunch room at WLS? When co-worker Tim and I wanted to grind some Starbucks coffee that he had brought in this morning...we found the grinder gone from its traditional perch atop the toxic fridge in the lunch room. And, Tim says he saw the grinder in there just yesterday.

The thing only cost about $25...but that's not the point. Grrrr...we want our coffee!

Big Flood on the Kennedy

2005-11-29T08:28:00.000-06:00

A 36 inch water main burst along the northbound Kennedy Expressway at Grand Avenue early this morning...sending a torrent of water onto the expressway, and flooding the outbound lanes with more than four feet of water. This wasn't a leak...it was a full-scale blow-out!

This poor taxi cab ended up submerged up to its roof. I watched, as the cab slowly floated along. The driver got out safely...although he was soaking wet. He was last seen walkingly forlornly down Ohio Street. For some reason, he left the driver's window open...and popped the trunk. Even after the water went down a bit, the IDOT trucks plowing through the water would send waves lapping through the open window.

IDOT had to push more than two dozen cars out of the floodwaters. The water rose in a hurry...many drivers found themselves in window-high water before they knew what hit them. The good news is that no one was hurt in this mess.

Among those who were rescued from the floodwaters...this pooch, name unknown. He seemed to come through the whole thing none the worse for wear.

Once city crews got the main plugged, the water slowly receded...and the expressway was re-opened to traffic shortly before 5:30am. But, crews will be out there all day finishing the cleanup and repairing the broken main.

Back From Thanksgiving

2005-11-28T08:17:00.000-06:00

Jeanne and I are back home...after spending the Thanksgiving holiday weekend with her mother in Iowa. As always, we had a nice visit...but, as always, that is a loooong drive. We couldn't leave Chicago until late Wednesday evening, because I had to announce a UIC game (who schedules a game the night before Thanksgiving?). We drove half way - to Stockton, Illinois - spent the night...and then drove the rest of the way to Fayette, Iowa, on Thursday.

It was very cold and very windy Thursday morning...windchills were well below zero. At least it was sunny.

The trip home yesterday had other weather issues...rain and drizzle virtually the entire 275 miles.

The traffic volume into Chicago last night wasn't as heavy as we expected. Fortunately, traffic jams were not added to the weather mix.

This week shouldn't be too bad. The suddenly red-hot Bulls (three straight road wins!) have a home game Tuesday. It will be nice to be back at the UC after two weeks off for the Bulls long western road trip. Jeanne has a business trip to Arkansas Tuesday and Wednesday. Friday, we'll host a little pre-party for my WLS Morning Show co-workers before the station holiday party (which is just down the street from us). I have another Bulls game on Saturday...and a UIC game on Sunday.

Aren't you glad you asked? :)

Hugh Neary 1975 - 2005

2005-11-21T19:27:00.000-06:00

I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Hugh Neary. Hugh died unexpectedly last night (Sunday) at a local hospital. He was 30 years old.

Hugh was a former co-worker at ABC Radio Chicago, starting as a tech producer (control board operator) at WLS in the late 1990s. He also worked extensively as a tech producer at our FM sister station. However, I first met Hugh when he was a student of mine at Columbia College in the mid '90s.

When I severely injured my knee and had a total reconstruction several years ago, it was Hugh who "babysat" me in the WLS newsroom. They propped me up at my control board, and Hugh was my "gofer"...running around getting stuff for me - copy, coffee, whatever I needed. I never forgot his kindness.

Hugh was just a great kid, with a wonderful sense of humor. I am deeply saddened by his passing.

The following info on Hugh's passing comes from long-time Chicago broadcaster Allan Stagg, who worked with Hugh at our sister station, the former WXCD-FM:

I have spoken with Hugh Neary`s sister, Judy, and have, unfortunately, received confirmation of Hugh`s passing Sunday night.

Judy told me Hugh had gone into a hospital Thursday evening for emergency surgery due to an infection. He was supposed to come home Monday. Hugh`s mom and Judy had just seen him Sunday evening when they brought him clothes for his anticipated return home.

From what I can gather, shortly after they left, Hugh got up out of bed for a trip to the restroom. A blood clot in his leg (of which the medical staff was apparently unaware), thus moved and travelled into his lungs. He reportedly collapsed and died instantly.

Hugh just celebrated his thirtieth birthday last month. His obituary will be posted in the Chicago Tribune on Thursday and Friday.

The wake is this Friday from 3-9 pm at:
Andrew J. McGann & Son Funeral Home
10727 South Pulaski Road
Chicago, IL. 60655
(773) 783-7700

The funeral leaves Saturday morning at 9:45 am for 10:30 am services at:
Holy Redeemer Church
9525 S. Lawndale Avenue
Evergreen Park, IL. 60805
(708) 425-5354

Hey Layyyydeeeee

2005-11-17T07:23:00.000-06:00

This story has been airing today on WLS:

COMEDIAN JERRY LEWIS RAN INTO A TOUGH CROWD HERE IN CHICAGO LAST NIGHT.
LEWIS WAS PROMOTING HIS NEW BOOK AT THE HAROLD WASHINGTON LIBRARY...WHEN DISABILITY ACTIVISTS STARTED HECKLING HIM.
THE ACTIVISTS - WHO CALL THEMSELVES "JERRY's ORPHANS" - ACCUSE LEWIS OF PORTRAYING THE DISABLED AS PEOPLE TO BE PITIED.
LEWIS SHOUTED AT THE HECKLERS TO "GET OUT"...THEN WALKED OFF THE STAGE...AND NEVER CAME BACK.

Chicago Baseball Museum Gala

2005-11-16T03:38:00.000-06:00

Jeanne and I attended Tuesday night's gala for the Chicago Baseball Musem. The Museum doesn't exisit yet. It's the dream of founder - and lifelong baseball fan - Dr. David Fletcher, seen here unveiling the Museum's brand new logo. The Museum is now in the fundraising and early planning stages. "Doc" would like to see it become a reality in the next 5 - 10 years, if not sooner.

Last night's event got a great boost, with a brief appearance by baseball Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda. The former Dodgers manager - shown here with "Doc" - said a few words on behalf of the museum, and encouraged those in attendance to try to make it happen. He didn't stay long, but Lasorda's brief visit was one of the highlights of the evening. By the way, Tommy Lasorda has a baseball blog.

It was a great thrill for me to meet the former Cubs (and Dodgers and Braves) star Andy Pafko. Andy is one of the very few surviving players from the Cubs' 1945 World Series team. That was 60 years ago! Andy, who lives in the Chicago suburbs, is 84, but looks 70. It was nice of him to come to the Museum event.

The photo didn't turn out too great...but this is Andy Pafko's 1945 World Series ring. I guess I didn't realize that the losing team got rings, too. This is photographic proof that the Cubs really were in the World Series back in '45!

And, of course, no baseball event in Chicago would be complete without an appearance by the one and only Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers. Ronnie has been a fixture outside (and occasionally inside) Wrigley Field for as long as any one can remember. And, he did his typical Ronnie Woo Woo chant:

"Cubs WOO! Sandberg WOO! Grace WOO! Andy Pafko WOO! Sox WOO! World Champs WOO! Chicago Baseball Museum WOOOO!"

Play Ball!

2005-11-15T07:27:00.000-06:00

I've been a little behind on the blog...time to catch up a bit.

Jeanne and I will be going to the Chicago Baseball Museum gala tonight. The museum is the dream of Dr. David Fletcher...the founder of Clear Buck.com, which is trying to clear the name of Buck Weaver, who was implicated in the 1919 Chicago "Black Sox" scandal. It should be a good time.

The Bulls are away for a two-week long road trip while the circus is at the United Center. The trip got off to a bad start last night, with an 18-point loss to the Warriors. That long road trip does give me a bit of a break from announcing games...not that I really need one. And, UIC has games during that span (I announce for them, too)...so, I won't be going anywhere.

Not a whole lot news to report at WLS. Pretty much business as usual here. I haven't had a chance to do a lot of field reporting - a favorite of mine - since the White Sox parade and rally. It's been mainly anchoring and management stuff for me the past couple weeks.

I've started taking Glucosimine with Chondroitin. I have some mild joint pain after my workouts...simply because my cartilage ain't what it used to be. This stuff is supposed to add an extra layer of lubrication and ease joint pain. They say it takes at least a month to notice a difference...maybe it's in my head, but I seem to already be feeling better the day after my workouts than I did before. We'll see how it goes...but, so far, so good.

Finally...got an extra $20 (or more!) burning a hole in your pocket this holiday season? Might I suggest a donation to the Batten Disease Support and Research Association, in the name of Clifford Dahl, who suffers from Batten. Clifford is the 8 year old son of fellow radio rascal (and Steve-reader) Dave Dahl, of WMBD Radio in Peoria. Batten doesn't get the attention of other "higher-profile" illnesses...so they could really use your help. If you'd like to help, here's the address:

BDSRA Midwest Chapter
c/o Katie Godfrey
502 Valley View Dr
St Charles IL 60175

Thanks!

Steve

How Did This Happen?

2005-11-09T07:20:00.000-06:00

Some one's gotta get fired for this!

* (Above photo not taken in Detroit)

A Dangerous Trend

2005-11-08T07:19:00.000-06:00

The Bulls have played two regular season home games so far. Both on "school nights"...one on a Wednesday, and one on a Monday.

Both have gone into overtime.

We need to find to a way to break them of that somewhat annoying habit.

The timetable for a regulation NBA is pretty standard. Barring an inordinate number of fouls - which can really slow down a game - Bulls' games typically end at right around 10pm. I waste little time leaving the United Center...make a beeline to the parking lot...and typically get home in time to see the sports segment on the ABC7 news (around 10:23pm or so).

Well, overtime pretty much screws that up. Last night, the game didn't end until nearly 10:30. Then, it took forever to get out of the parking lot. It was going on 11pm by the time I got home. Then, there was a brief "wind down" period. Sometimes it's hard to go to sleep right after an exciting game...no matter how physically tired I may be.

End result...about an hour and a half of sleep. But...I really feel fine this morning.

Two items of note from Monday night's game: While chatting with Bulls GM John Paxson, he mentioned that he "heard me on the radio this morning." Gee, I hope I didn't say anything bad about the Bulls!

And, Bulls captain Kirk Hinrich (the guy in the picture) greeted me with a "Hey, Steve" as I walked into the United Center last night. It's notable...because Kirk - who really is a nice guy - rarely says anything to any one. I didn't even know he knew my name! :)

Speaking of Kirk...as the Bulls' PA announcer, I follow the "Hinrich Rule." Late last season, Kirk asked me not to announce his name while he's preparing to shoot free throws. Before he gets to the foul line...no problem. But, he'd prefer not to hear his name once he has the ball in his hands at the line. He's the only guy in the NBA who's ever asked me to do that. No prob...I do it!

The Bulls have another home game Wednesday night. Let's try to keep this one to 48 minutes, fellas! :)

Mmmmm...Sushi!

2005-11-04T06:27:00.000-06:00

I like sushi, and Jeanne enjoys other, non-raw, Japanese foods. There's a place called Kizoku a couple blocks from where we live...we've eaten there several times, and enjoy it. I particularly like their Maki (rolls).

Today (Friday), this article appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Where do you suppose they serve the soup? Can you get it boxed to go? Oh, I'm sure there are plenty of other good punchlines.

As they say...there goes the neighborhood.

Buy A House - Wife Included

2005-11-02T07:08:00.000-06:00

One for the gentlemen...

Talk about "one stop shopping"...now you can buy a nifty house in Denver - and get a wife - all in one transaction.

Yup. See it here.

Okay, you'd have to move to Colorado. But, hey...why not? House...wife...two birds with one stone!

White Sox Victory Celebration

2005-10-29T22:57:00.000-05:00

Here are some photos I took during Friday's big White Sox parade and rally in Chicago. It was a party 88 years in the making! The Sox hadn't won the Series since 1917.

No, that's not snow! They used to call these ticker tape parades...but, since you don't see much ticker tape these days, they used shredded newspaper, instead.

I was on a flatbed truck immediately in front of the double-decker buses that carried the Sox players. The truck was primarily for photographers...but, I talked my way on. I stood up in the back of the truck through out the entire trip. We wound our way through several neighborhoods on the south side (didn't go to the north side!)...before heading up LaSalle Street in the financial district. The whole thing ended with a big rally at LaSalle and Wacker.

The Sox players and coaches seemed to be having a great time.
This is Sox pitcher Freddy Garcia...one of the heroes of the clinching Game Four. He seemed to have a great time, and appeared - like most of the Sox players - to be genuinely overwhelmed by the number of people (1.75 million, according to the city) who turned out for the parade and rally.

They posted the players' names on placards on the buses, to make it easy for the crowd to spot their favorite Sox players.

This was the view ahead from the flatbed, as we headed north up LaSalle. I managed to take a bunch of pictures, while also doing live reports on WLS, feeding reports to ABC, and then also recording (in my recorder) more stories that were sent on to ABC.

Oh, and of course, I was also half holding on and half "surfing" in the back of that flatbed!

Here's a look at the crowd, as we passed one of the cross streets on LaSalle. I don't know if I've ever seen so many people in my life! It was a perfect day for the parade and rally...sunny and mild, with temperatures near 50. Not bad for this time of year...although, a lot of the players were wearing gloves. I don't think they care for the cold weather! Many of them were leaving immediately after the party to head for home...Arizona, Latin America or wherever it was warmer!

Here's our city's number one Sox fan. I'm really happy for Mayor Daley. He's one politician who's not faking it when he supports a team. The mayor grew up in a bungalow in the shadow of old Comiskey Park. I've seen pictures of him at the 1959 World Series with his father, the late Mayor Richard J. Daley, and John F. Kennedy. The Mayor seemed to get a great kick out of riding on the double-decker buses with the players (that's Paul Konerko to the mayor's left).

Speaking of Paulie...perhaps the best moment of the day came at the rally that followed the parade. Much had been written about what happened to the ball that made the final out of Game Four. No one seemed to know where it was. There was thought it got lost in the Sox players' celebration.

Turns out Paul Konerko had kept the ball...and he presented it to a shocked Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf at the rally. Mr. Reinsdorf started crying, and said it was the happiest moment of his life. It was a great moment to watch, too!

All in all, covering the Sox the past few weeks has been a blast. I had a lot of sleepless nights...literally. On several occasions, I would be up during the day...stay up all night getting reaction to a Sox win in the Bridgeport neighborhood around the ballpark...and then go straight to work to do my regular shift. It was somewhat exhausting, but I guess I'll have 88 years to rest up before I have to do it again.

I hope not. : )

Sox Win!

2005-10-27T11:51:00.000-05:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I'll spare you the other 979 words.

World Champion Chicago White Sox!

Scott Podsednik? Are You Kidding Me?

2005-10-24T07:37:00.000-05:00

Maybe this is the White Sox' year. Yes, they still have to win two more games to clinch the World Series...and, with the Astros' pitching - and the Series now moving to Houston - that won't be easy. But, c'mon...it must be some kind of sign when Scott Podsednik - who had no home runs during the regular season - hits a walkoff homer to win game two!

The Sox are dominating the news around here these days. After all, this only happens once every 46 years! As I stood out in the chilly rain getting fan reaction after the Sox won game two, I don't think any of us felt either the chill or the rain!

The Bears are well into their season (tied for first place)...the Blackhawks' season is under way...and, the Bulls are nearing the end of their pre-season (the regular season begins at home November 2nd). It's very rare around here to have all four major sports playing at the same time. Plus, the Chicago Fire soccer team is in the playoffs...so, that makes it five teams in action!

I'm supposed to go to Dallas this coming weekend to present some radio news sessions for the Texas Association Press Broadcasters. But, Saturday would also be Game Six of the World Series. We'll see how that plays out.

Jeanne is back from her weeklong trip that took her to St. Louis, Little Rock, Hot Springs, Houston, New Orleans, Houston again...and then back home to Chicago. She reports that the French Quarter in New Orleans is slowly returning to its old self.

That's all for now...

Running Behind

2005-10-21T04:08:00.000-05:00

I've been running behind a bit...as far as keeping up with my blog. I haven't given up on the blog...just real busy, with work...World Series preparations...and the start of the Bulls season.

Wait...World Series preparations? In Chicago?

Chance of rain with temps in the mid to upper 40s at game time both Saturday and Sunday.

Meanwhile...today's gratuitous photo features that other Steve Scott...the great miler from 20 years ago. He rarely ran behind! :)

Sox Win The Pennant!

2005-10-17T10:15:00.000-05:00

While the White Sox were in Anaheim celebrating their first American League pennant in 46 years, I was at Jimbo's Lounge...a popular Sox haunt in the shadow of U.S. Cellular Field.

I love covering the fan aspect of stories like this. In the south side Bridgeport neighborhood, these long-suffering Sox fans haven't had a lot to cheer about in recent years. They were so excited when the Sox won the game and clinched the pennant! I got doused with beer...part of the job when covering stories like this - no big deal!

The Sox are definitely on a roll. They're 7-1 in the post-season...and their starting pitching is about as dominant as any team's staff could be. In fact, the pitching has been so good that even the most pessimistic Sox fans are starting to believe the team can win the World Series.

Will they win? Who knows. But, it's pretty darn exciting to have a Chicago team in the World Series for the first time since 1959!

When In Doubt...RUN!

2005-10-13T03:25:00.000-05:00

Did he catch it? Or, did the ball hit the dirt?

Well, yes. And, yes...I guess.

It sure looked like Angels' catcher Josh Paul caught that third strike...but, A.J. Pierzynski ran to first base any way. The umps bought it. And, one batter later, Joe Crede hits a double off the wall. Game over...and the fireworks begin, both over centerfield and in the Angels' dugout.

Sox win 2-1, in what will go into the books as one of the goofiest - and most controversial - ninth innings in post-season history.

As Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said after the game..."I'd rather be lucky than good."

Just Call Me PAST President Steve

2005-10-12T03:27:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, I attened the Illinois News Broadcasters Association fall convention in Collinsville, Illinois - just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. It marked the end of my three year run as INBA president. A special thanks to H. Wayne Wilson, who made some very kind comments, in presenting me with my President's plaque...and thanks also to the members, who gave me a very nice - and quite unexpected - standing ovation. This first photo shows me accepting the President's plaque. Keynote speaker Walter Rodgers - formerly of CNN - is at right.

INBA past president and Life Member Ken Keller - who apparently has quite a bit of free time on his hands during his retirement - printed up t-shirts showing me as a "lame duck." They were very funny. I did my best to buy them all up at the INBA scholarship auction. The last thing I need are "Lame Duck Steve" t-shirts bouncing around on eBay! :)

All in all, it was an excellent convention...and, as always, I had a great time. Congratulations to Steve-readers (and fellow radio rascals) Dave Dahl, Will Stevenson and Ryan Hermes on being elected to the INBA board of directors!

Finally...I had been past president for less than an hour, when I was drafted onto the board of directors of the INBA Foundation. Any one want to make a scholarship contribution? :)

Wow!

2005-10-07T23:14:00.000-05:00

The White Sox wrapped up a three-game sweep of the defending World Series champs, with a 5-3 win over the Red Sox in Boston.

The Sox now advance to the American League Championship Series against either the Angels or the Yankees.

This is the first post-season series the White Sox have won since the 1917 World Series!

Three wins down...eight more to go!

Iguchi Goochie Goochie!

2005-10-05T22:41:00.000-05:00

Tadahito Iguchi's three-run homer led the White Sox to a 5-4 win over Boston...and a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five divisional playoff series.

Wow!

The White Sox are making believers out of a lot of people. But, as we saw last year, the Red Sox aren't done until the final out of the final game...so the Chisox still have some work to do.

It's nice to see Sox Park rocking!

Eddy Curry Traded to Knicks

2005-10-04T03:59:00.000-05:00

The Bulls have traded center Eddy Curry - their leading scorer last season - to the New York Knicks. The Knicks also get forward Antonio Davis. The Bulls get forwards Tim Thomas, Michael Sweetney and Jermaine Jackson...as well as some draft picks.

Eddy has a heart problem that forced him to miss the end of last season, including the playoffs. He still has not been unanimously cleared to play...and the Bulls were hesitant to offer a big contract to a player who, for medical reasons, may not be able to play out the length of that contract. They wanted him to take a genetic test that would show if he was predisposed to a sometimes fatal heart condition. Eddy said no.

If not for the heart problem, Eddy would have been the subject of a bidding war that could have pushed his salary to nearly $70 million over six years. But, because of the heart issue, no other teams were biting.

Now, the Knicks have decided to take Eddy. He's a good kid who can be a very good player when he puts his mind to it. I hope his health holds up and his weight stays down...and, perhaps a change of scenery outside of his hometown will help, too.

The Bulls have opened training camp. Their first home pre-season game is a week from Saturday.

Go Go Sox!

2005-10-04T03:46:00.000-05:00

Baseball games in October that actually mean something! Now, there's a concept we don't get to experience too often here in Chicago. The hometown White Sox open the American League playoffs today at home against the World Series champion Red Sox.

Yes, the Sox vs. the Sox. Every sportscaster in town has fearlessly predicted - at least once - that "the Sox will definitely win this series!"

But, wait...this isn't October baseball weather! It's supposed to be something like 88 degrees here today. The beaches have been closed since Labor Day...but it will feel like summer today.

Maybe that will bode well for our Sox...who really aren't used to playing much baseball in autumn.

Now that the Red Sox have broken their long World Series-less streak (1918), maybe the White Sox (1917) can do it this year.

Cubs? Don't ask. (1908)

If the Sox (our Sox) can hang on until the second round of the playoffs, we'll get to experience another rarity here: Four Chicago teams (Sox, Bears, Blackhawks and Bulls)...all in action at the same time.

We'll see.

Who Won't Make the Cut?

2005-09-29T19:55:00.000-05:00

I feel a little like a football coach. I'm going to have to cut some players.

Not real people, mind you. Bottles of wine.

Now that we're back from our California wine trip, some of the wine we bought out there (more than a case) and shipped back home is starting to arrive. We have a wine refrigerator that holds more than fifty bottles. That's the good news. The bad news...it was already nearly full, even before the stuff from California started arriving here.

Some one's not going to make the cut.

Jeanne and I are helping to alleviate the problem right now...by drinking a nice 2002 Niebaum-Coppola Edizione Pennino Zinfandel. This is one of the wines featured at last weekend's Niebaum-Coppola Fall Harvest Party.

But, we have a full wine cooler...and more than a case of wine on the way. We bought some good stuff in Napa. We have a half case of of this great Grgich Hills zin alone. Added to that shipment was one bottle of this excellent 1999 zin.

We mixed the rest of the shipment with wines - mostly zinfandels - from, among other places, Darioush, Coppola, Wilson, Rodney Strong and Ferrari-Carano.

So, some of the lesser wines in the refrigerator are receiving the indignity of being moved out of the cooler...and are now being stored elsewhere in the kitchen. The trouble is, we only have a few "lesser" wines...the rest of them are all pretty good. I guess this is a good problem to have.

If you're ever in the area, please stop by for a glass of wine. Please! We need the space! : )

Let There Be Wine!

2005-09-25T11:22:00.000-05:00

Here are some photos from last night's Fall Harvest Party at the Niebaum-Coppola Winery in Rutherford, CA (near Napa). This is Jeanne and me sitting near the fountains on the winery grounds. It was a very nice night...although the Californians thought it was cool enough that they actually brought in portable heaters! Ha! They don't know what cold is!

Hey, why settle for just one glass...when you can have a whole barrel? This photo was taken inside the wine caves at Niebaum-Coppola. They're celebrating 125 years of winemaking at the estate. The winery name will change from Niebaum-Coppola to Rubicon Estate sometime early next year. I'm told Francis Ford Coppola wants less attention paid to his name...and more focus on the wines.

Here I am with my sister, Judy, and my brother, Bob. Judy and her husband, Dick, live near Tacoma, WA...Bob and his wife, Joetta, live in Novato, CA. This was a nice chance for all of us to get together.

Wine any one? I can only imagine how many bottles they went through at this party. In addition to the wine, they had lots of yummy food, too...everything from ribs and pasta to homemade pizzas and desserts.

This is our group at the Coppola party. (L-R) Me, Jeanne, Judy, Bob, Joetta, and friends Michael and Joanne Bordenet of Hoffman Estates, IL. Missing from the photo is Judy's husband, Dick.

I also picked up one of these for our Illinois News Broadcasters Association scholarship auction next month. It's a magnum of excellent Coppola cabernet sauvignon...with a DVD of the redux of Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now tucked into a "secret compartment" near the bottom of the bottle. I hope there's an Apocalypse Now fan - who also likes great wine - in the bidding audience!

We return home to Chicago on Tuesday.

Off to California!

2005-09-21T02:08:00.000-05:00

Tonight (Wednesday), we head to California. Jeanne and I will meet up with my brother, Bob...sister, Judy...and their respective spouses, Joetta and Dick.

Among other things, we'll be attending the annual Fall Harvest Party at Francis Ford Coppola's Niebaum-Coppola winery in Rutherford, near Napa (see photo). Mr. Coppola was there last time we atteneded...we'll see about this year. It's good wine and a good time!

I'll be taking my laptop to California...but, I don't know how often I'll be posting here. We return to Chicago next Tuesday.

Let the Games Begin!

2005-09-19T04:18:00.000-05:00

After what seems like years of build-up and hype, jury selection finally begins this morning, in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois Governor George Ryan.

Ryan is accused of taking cash and gifts for himself, in exchange for state contracts for his cronies...then lying about it to the feds...and not paying taxes on it to the IRS. The allegations date back to Ryan's days as Illinois Secretary of State.

Ryan has maintained his innocence (Hell no, I didn't know about it!)...and says he plans to testify in his own defense. We'll see about that.

It could be an interesting four months. Stay tuned...

Deadly Metra Train Crash

2005-09-17T16:57:00.000-05:00

These are just a few photos from today's derailment of a Metra commuter rail train on Chicago's south side. The train was on its way from Joliet into downtown Chicago, when it left the track at 47th and Federal Streets.

Two people were killed in the crash...more than 80 were injured. It was the first fatal accident in Metra's history. The most serious injuries appeared to be in one car (the one where the tarp is being set up for the removal of the deceased victim).

Strangely, I helped with the investigation. I was snooping around an abandoned building near the tracks, when I found...a train axle! No one else had spotted it...but it was easy to see what had happened. The axle had broken loose...then rolled around 100 feet over another set of rail tracks...plowed through a chain link fence...went down an embankment...and then smacked into the building. It was pretty well hidden...had I not been snooping around back there, they may not have found it right away. Within five minutes of my discovery, a rail crew hauled the big axle away.

I filed numerous reports on WLS...and also did many live shots on ABC News Radio. I was the lead story - reporting live from the scene - for several hours. ABC seems to have been happy with the job I did.

This certainly was not the worst train wreck I've ever seen (that would have been the deadly Bourbonnais Amtrak crash from a few years ago)...but, it was pretty bad. And, sadly...deadly.

Although today was supposed to be a routine day for me anchoring newscasts during our Notre Dame football coverage on WLS, it turned out to be a pretty busy day. I'm always glad when I can go out into the field and report. Although I enjoy anchoring the news on Don and Roma's show, I really love reporting from the field.

(photos courtesy Chicago Sun-Times)

Did He Need a Hall Pass?

2005-09-15T20:24:00.000-05:00

So, Reuters puts out this pic on their photo wire. It reportedly shows President Bush at the United Nations...writing a note to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, advising her that he may need a bathroom break.

Okay, first of all...of all the photos that were taken of the president at the UN, they decided to put this one out on the wire?

Second...are we sure that's really the president?

Third...it's nice to see that photogs - with their big zoom lenses - can snoop on what the President of the United States is writing. Thankfully, he was just asking for a bathroom break...and not a declaration of war against North Korea.

And, finally...I hope Condi let the poor fellow go pee. I mean, when you gotta go...you gotta go.

"Doo"-ing a Great Job for his Hometown!

2005-09-14T21:53:00.000-05:00

Bulls guard Chris Duhon held a fundraiser tonight at Bella Lounge on State Parkway, to benefit his hurricane-ravaged hometown of Slidell, Louisiana. Slidell is located just north of New Orleans. It was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina. Many homes still have several feet of water in them.

Chris has already raised more than $800,000 for Slidell through the Stand Tall Foundation. He's now holding clothing drives around the Chicago area...and will ride to Slidell with the trucks on Tuesday.

Jeanne and I went to the fundraiser...not just so I could interview Chris for our WLS news, but also to support his cause. He's a wealthy young man, who could easily have his "people" take care of this stuff...but Chris is rolling up his sleeves and doing the work himself. The only "peep" Chris hung out with tonight was his delightful mom, Vivian.

For more information on how you can help Chris Duhon help the people of his hurricane-ravaged hometown, click here.

Supreme Court Rejects Cams & Mics

2005-09-14T12:51:00.000-05:00

The Illinois Supreme Court today rejected without comment a petition by the Illinois News Broadcasters Association (of which I am president) and several partners...asking for cameras and microphones in the Illinois trial courts.

This is a crushing below to public access and good journalism in our state.

The Supreme Court didn't just deny the petition. They actually underlined the word "DENIED" for good measure. Ouch.

I'll have more later...but, this is very disappointing news for the journalists of Illinois.

Corn Maze Honors Bears' Super Bowl Anniversary

2005-09-14T10:43:00.000-05:00

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX championship season.

While there are all sorts of anniversary events going on, this may be the goofiest of them all.

There's a corn maze in Spring Grove, Illinois, honoring the Bears' last Super Bowl winners.

Good grief.

Kofi Annan and John Bolton

2005-09-11T13:48:00.000-05:00

As promised, here are some photos of me with United Nations Secretary-
General Kofi Annan and U.S. Ambassador John Bolton.

Here I am having a brief discussion with Kofi Annan at a reception for John Bolton. I don't recall exactly what I said...but, I do remember that about all Annan did was nod his head politely.

Here I am sticking my nose into a brief group discussion with Kofi Annan. I don't remember to whom Annan was speaking...but, I'm reasonably certain I did not add anything tangible to the discussion!

Here I am with U.S. Ambassador John Bolton. Despite his reputation as being mean, tough, standoff-ish or whatever, Bolton seemed fairly relaxed at this reception. He didn't seem to have a problem stopping to chat with me for a moment.

I don't recall what Bolton and I were talking about...but, whatever it was, I seemed to make him smile! Bolton's press secretary has offered to get the ambassador on our WLS morning show with Don and Roma. That will likely happen in the next week or so...after the big UN summit in New York.

A special thanks to my friend Tran Bui of ABC24 in Memphis for sending these photos. Tran took some great pics!

Steve at the UN - Day Two

2005-09-10T06:55:00.000-05:00

Our second day at the RTNDF/UN Foundation workshop at the United Nations was very busy. The highlight of the day came over lunch, when Secretary-General Kofi Annan spoke to our group. To the surprise of just about every one - including his own handlers - Annan agreed to take a couple questions on the record. And, of course, being the tallest and loudest, I got in one of the two questions:

"Mr. Secretary, should the confidence our listeners and viewers have in the United Nations be at all eroded by the contents of this week's Volcker report? (which alleges widespread fraud, smuggling, mismanagement and other wrong-doings in the UN's Oil for Food program)

I got a good answer out of him, too. Some of those sound bites were sent to ABC News Radio. They were pretty much exclusive. Only our group got them...and I was the only radio person in a position to file immediately.

Here I am in front of a somewhat famous sculpture on the UN grounds. If I understand correctly, the sculpture is that of "our broken world being repaired by the UN.'

Yesterday ended with a group of five of us wandering around town...including dinner at a pizza joint on 42nd Street...a look at the amazing sites and sounds of Times Square...a visit to the top of the Empire State Building (pretty cool at night)...and then dessert and a Guiness at an Irish pub not far from our hotel. Thanks to Tran Bui of ABC24 in Memphis for telling the waitress that my birthday was the other day. They brought me a NY cheesecake with a candle in it!

It was a great whirlwind two days. I learned a lot about the UN, made some great new friends, reconnected with some existing friends, and even made a little money off ABC! It was especially nice to see RTNDA President Barbara Cochran of Washington DC and RTNDA Chairman Dan Shelley of Milwaukee. They are two rock-solid leaders for our profession.

I'll be getting many more pictures that other people from our group took...including me shaking hands with both Kofi Annan and John Bolton. I'll post some pics here when I get them.

Now, it's time to pack up and head home to Chicago...more later!

Steve at the UN - Day One

2005-09-08T22:24:00.000-05:00

I'm in New York for a Radio-Television News Directors Foundation workshop at the United Nations. We've had a very busy schedule.

We started our day with a breakfast meeting with new UN Ambassador John Bolton. He spoke on the record a bit...took a few questions that were basically off the record...and then left. He didn't really say a whole lot that made news for us...but, it was nice of him to show up to visit with us.

Here I am right outside the United Nations Building. It wasn't hard to find...it's right across the street from my hotel. I guess I should have straightened my name tag, huh?

It was pretty cool to get to go inside the UN Security Council chamber. Here I am standing at the U.S. position at the Security Council table. Not too many people get to go in there.

Tonight, we attended a reception for Ambassador Bolton hosted by the UN Foundation. I didn't have my camera at the reception...but, one of my colleagues here, Tran Bui of ABC24 in Memphis, took a couple of photos of me chatting with Bolton. Then, Secretary-General Kofi Annan showed up, and Tran took a picture of me talking with Annan, too. Tran's going to email me the pics next week..I'll post them when I get them!

Tomorrow...Kofi Annan joins us for a brief, but on the record, chat.

Good Morning, NYC!

2005-09-08T05:50:00.000-05:00

This the view from outside my window on the 37th floor of the Millennium UN Plaza Hotel, taken shortly after dawn this morning.

That's the Empire State Building on the left, and the Chrysler Building on the right.

It was nice to meet up with old friends - and make some new ones - at last night's reception and dinner.

Gotta run...we have an early breakfast with the new U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton.

Off to New York City

2005-09-06T21:05:00.000-05:00

Wednesday morning, I'm off to New York City...for an intensive three-day working seminar at the United Nations.

It will be a busy workshop, with a jam-packed agenda. Of special interest to me are interview opportunities with Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Ambassador John Bolton. I'm hoping some news will be made, to allow me to file stories back to WLS (and, if necessary, ABC). Plus, the independent Oil for Food report is due out Wednesday...so, some news may be generated there, too.

Since I'll have my laptop with me in New York, I may be able to post some updates here. We'll see...there may not be a lot of free time. I'll return to Chicago late in the day on Saturday.

On another note...some have asked why I haven't made my way down to the Hurricane Katrina disaster zone yet. There are a few reasons...previous commitments and the fact that I wasn't really needed there top the list. But, my time may be coming. More on that in the near future.

Twins Separated at Birth?

2005-09-06T10:30:00.000-05:00

Okay, just a doggone minute!

Frequent Steve-reader - and fellow radio rascal - Sarah Harnisch posted the following comment on the Rehnquist thread below:

Steve-- are you and Rehnquist related? I see some striking similarities in your photos.

Well, gee, thanks, Sarah...for suggesting that I look like an 80 year old dead man! I appreciate it. Blah!

But, I'll let other Steve-readers decide for themselves. Do the late Chief Justice and I look alike? Or, has the stress of having four children under the age of six finally caught up with Sarah?

Congrats to Tim and Laura!

2005-09-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Tim and Laura (Spencer) Allen on their marriage. Tim is associate producer of the morning show at WLS. Laura is a dance therapist. They were married September 3rd in Toledo. Jeanne and I were happy to be in attendance.

The wedding ceremony was very nice...and included the first reference to "God in the can" by a priest that I can recall!

Jeanne and me at the wedding reception. No, it's not a great photo (I should have taken off the jacket!)...but, it will do. The reception was very nice...and included a mini - or not so mini - reunion of Tim and Laura's many friends from their alma mater, Denison University.

After the wedding and reception, Jeanne and I had an extra day...so we decided to venture up into Canada. We went through Detroit and Windsor...and ended up in the quaint little fishing village of Port Stanley, Ontario. It's on Lake Erie, about half way between Detroit and Buffalo. It's a cute little town.

This is me next to one of the many commercial fishing boats that are docked in Port Stanley. This is a somewhat better photo than the one at the reception! We spent one night in Port Stanley...that was plenty to see everything in town, I think. We stayed at a cute little B&B called the Kettle Creek Inn.

We had a very nice trip...and the side jaunt to Ontario made it seem like an extra little vacation for us.

Next up for me...on to New York and the United Nations tomorrow!

William Rehnquist 1924 - 2005

2005-09-03T22:55:00.000-05:00

Chief Justice William Rehnquist dead at the age of 80.

Rehnquist will be difficult to replace. Things are about to get interesting for President Bush.

Who will be the next Chief Justice? Clarence Thomas?

Oh, and I loved the four stripes on the sleeves of his robe!

Heading Out of Town

2005-09-02T09:29:00.000-05:00

Jeanne and I head to Toledo today...for the wedding of WLS morning show associate producer Tim Allen and the lovely Laura Spencer. I'm bringing the laptop...but I don't know if I'll be updating this blog while we're gone.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Your Thoughts on the Media's Hurricane Coverage

2005-09-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'd like to hear your thoughts on the news media's coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

Has it been good? Bad? Over the top? Not enough?

Is the the media focusing too much on the looters? Should we be looking harder for good news?

Please leave your thoughts.

Chris Duhon Helping His Hurricane-Ravaged Hometown

2005-08-31T02:57:00.000-05:00

Many of you know that I am the public address announcer for the NBA's Chicago Bulls. And, whenever people ask me if I have a favorite Bulls player, the name Chris Duhon is usually one of the first out of my mouth.

Duhon is originally from Slidell, Louisiana, just north of New Orleans. Slidell has been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Duhon says the hurricane has "destroyed the homes and lives of many people" in his hometown.

"Doo" is doing something to help the people of Slidell. Please take a moment to check out this link.

Chris Duhon is a gentleman and a standup guy. Hats off to "Doo" for wasting little time to come to the aid of his hurricane-ravaged hometown.

If you'd like to help, I'm sure Chris - and the people of Slidell - would appreciate it.

Stand Tall Foundation

c/o Chris Duhon

1151 N. State St.

Box 249

Chicago, IL 60610

(312) 329-0687

Thank you.

Daring, Dumb...or Just Darn Crazy?

2005-08-27T10:07:00.000-05:00

A few people have questioned my sanity for going on a motorized hang-glider ride while we were in Cabo San Lucas. Actually, these things are pretty safe. Even if the engine fails, you can glide up there all day, given the warm air currents over Cabo.

Now, if you want crazy...I did go for a ride in a gyrocopter a few years back. It's basically a riding lawn mower (two seater in this case) with a propellor - not a wing - on top. The theory is that if the engine fails, the prop will auto-rotate...and bring you gently back to earth. Yeah, okay...if that's what they say. I wasn't scared to ride the gyro - I love to fly - but that may not have been the smartest thing I've ever done.

I would definitely fly in the glider again before taking another spin in the gyro. I have gotten at least a little smarter as I've gotten older!

By the way...I did finally get the photos back from my aforementioned Walgreens odyssey. The pics are great - and, no, I did not have to pay extra for coming back a day later! - but they were unable to put them on a disk for me ("Our disk machine is broken."). Blah.

Those pics include some taken from a remote control camera on the glider...some excellent shots of me in the air over Cabo. Just as soon as I find a way to get them on a disk, I'll post a few of them here.

The Dumbest Policy I've Ever Seen

2005-08-25T03:14:00.000-05:00

So, I walk into a downtown Walgreens yesterday to pick up some vacation photos that I had dropped off the day before. It all seemed like it would be so easy...

First, some background...

I had gone into this Walgreens (at Clark and Lake Streets) on Tuesday...to drop off a waterproof disposal camera and a roll of film that were in addition to the digital pics we had taken in Cabo San Lucas. The first thing the clerk at the photo counter tells me is, "We don't have one hour processing today." That's fine, I told her...I didn't need the pics in an hour. The next day would be fine.

"How about 9am?" I asked.

"Ummm...no, not til 2pm."

"Hmmmm," I said, "Not only do you not have one hour processing today...you don't even have 24 hour processing."

She didn't seem to get it.

Anyway, I left the pics and went on my way.

Yesterday (Wednesday) was our news intern's final day at WLS...so, as is tradition, we took her out to lunch. I finished up with that at around 12:30pm (make note of that time, okay?)...and decided to walk over to the Walgreens to see if my photos were ready.

There was a long line at the photo counter...but it moved along pretty quickly. I did run into my friend Paul Meincke of WLS-TV while I was standing in line...so it was nice to chat with him. Paul is, in my mind, perhaps the best general assignment reporter on Chicago television.

I finally make it to the photo counter and tell the clerk, "I have a 2pm pickup...I was wondering if my pictures might be ready a little early."

She looks into those baskets that Walgreens seems to use for everything from photos to prescriptions...the ones with last name initials on them...and digs through the pile of envelopes.

"Here they are, Mr. Scott," she says.

Yea! Success!

"Uh oh."

"Uh oh?"

"I can't sell these to you. They're stamped for a 2pm pickup...and it's only a little before one."

"Huh?"

"Sorry."

"But, I'm right here," I said. "Here's my credit card. Just hand me the pictures and I'll hand you the credit card. I'll get my pictures...you'll get your money...we'll all be happy."

"Ummm...no, I can't do that."

"Why not?"

"They're stamped for 2pm. The system won't process the transaction until after 2pm."

"You mean to tell me that the pictures are ready...early...and I'm here with money...early...and I can't have my pictures?"

"That's right."

"You're serious?"

"Yeah."

"Miss," I told her, "I'm not mad at you...but, I have to tell you, that is the dumbest thing I've ever heard!"

"Yeah, I know. Sorry."

"You're serious?"

"Yeah."

I notice that a woman standing in line next to me - who had apparently been watching this whole discussion - was so incredulous that her eyes were bulging out, a la "Runaway Bride" Jennifer Wilbanks. It was kind of creepy, actually...

Anyway...at this point, I probably should have sought out a manager or made some sort of fuss...but, I was tired and wanted to go home (and look at my pictures!)...so I just turned and walked away. I did run into the aforementioned Paul Meincke again as I walked through the store and told him about my experience. We just shook our heads...shook hands...and walked off in different directions.

So, now it's Thursday. I plan to go back to that Walgreens (did I mention this is the store at Clark and Lake?) again today to try to pick up my pictures.

I can almost imagine what I'm going to hear today.

"I'm sorry, sir...there's a late fee to pick up your photos today. You had to be here by 2pm yesterday."

Some Vacation Photos

2005-08-23T10:33:00.000-05:00

Jeanne and Steve in Cabo San Lucas!

We celebrated our anniversary at a great Cabo restaurant called Lorenzillo's. They made a cute dessert for us!

Margaritaville...made famous in a Jimmy Buffett song.
Alas, no sign of Jimmy!

Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo. A very popular party spot in Cabo San Lucas...we just bought some t-shirts and other souvenirs there.

Aerial view of Sylvester Stallone's home near Cabo San Lucas. As far as I know, Sly wasn't home when I flew over.

I went deep sea fishing. Here I am somewhere in the Pacific, battling a big Blue Marlin. I had it hooked for around 10 minutes before it snapped the line. The captain of our boat estimated it weighed around 150 lbs.

I did catch several big yellow fin tunas. Here's one of them being hauled in.

This is actually the smallest fish I caught...but I posed with it because it squirmed around the least of all of 'em!

I went for a flight on a motorized hang glider. It's basically a hang glider with three wheels and a big lawn mower engine!

Ready for takeoff in the glider!

Here's an aerial shot of our resort, Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas, taken from the glider.

Steve and Jim

2005-08-23T04:13:00.000-05:00

Okay, this has nothing to do with the trip to Mexico...but, I just got my hands on this pic of Jim Belushi and myself taken at the Illinois Broadcasters Association convention in East Peoria, IL, a month or so ago.

Fortunately, there were no microphones present backstage...when Belushi and I belted out a rather rough rendition of the old Ides of March hit Vehicle. :)

I'm Back...

2005-08-23T03:55:00.000-05:00

The whole Internet in Mexico thing got to be a bit confounding...and expensive. So, I gave up!

I do have some pics...I'll try to post them when I can.

For now...it's back to work!

ss

Steve's Out of the Country

2005-08-17T10:45:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed there have been no updates here for a while. Jeanne and I are on vacation in Cabo San Lucas. Baja California Sur, Mexico.

I just found some internet access...and plan to add a couple of new updates shortly.

Steve

Lung Cancer Becomes a Hot Topic

2005-08-10T03:20:00.000-05:00

With Sunday's death of ABC's Peter Jennings from lung cancer - and the news Tuesday that Dana Reeve is also battling the disease - lung cancer has suddenly become a hot topic.

It started with Jennings' death...PR people coming out of the woodwork, pitching experts who could talk about lung cancer. And, of course, each of these experts "has the perfect angle for your audience."

But, the emails, phone calls and faxes really started to escalate yesterday...with the news that Dana Reeve is ill. "Women and Lung Cancer"..."Lung Cancer and Non-Smokers"...and, of course, the ever-popular "You Can Survive Lung Cancer!"...those are just a few of the pitches that have been coming in.

You know, I don't doubt that most of the "experts" really do know something about lung cancer...and might actually have a valuable message. But, why wasn't it valuable enough to pitch me last week or last month or last year?

I almost find it offensive when PR pitches include the words "On the heels of the death of Peter Jennings and the terrible news about Dana Reeve...". But, I suppose the PR folks (that really is a tough job!) have to do whatever they can to get me to bite on their pitch.

ABC-TV will have a very nice retrospective on Peter Jennings' life and career tonight. I hope to watch at least some of it. Say what you want about Jennings' politics, but he really was a larger-than-life figure at the anchor desk. With Jennings gone - and Brokaw and Rather retired - we have likely seen the end of the prototypical network news anchor. In some ways, I suppose, that's a good thing...but, in other ways - as a kid who grew up with Cronkite, Brinkley, et al - I find it kind of sad.

Peter Jennings 1938 - 2005

2005-08-08T03:07:00.000-05:00

I was saddened to get a phone call last night, informing me of the death of Peter Jennings. I must admit that Peter's death came as no real surprise - we knew that he was gravely ill. Peter was so much larger than life that I think we hoped he could beat his illness...even when it became apparent there was no hope.

Peter paid a few visits to WLS. He was very much "all business" - with little time for chit chat - but I did enjoy my brief interactions with him.

I'm reminded of two personal Peter Jennings stories...

Many years ago - long before I worked for ABC - I wrote to Peter, asking for an autographed photo (I used to collect them). He sent back a personally autographed pic, inscribed with the words, "Don't let the bastards get you down." While the thought of Peter Jennings quoting Kris Kristofferson was a bit unsettling, his words have have been good advice in this business.

And, in the summer of 2003 - when race riots erupted in Benton Harbor, Michigan - ABC News Radio sent me to Benton Harbor to cover the story. Back then, Peter was anchoring the 4pm Central Time ABC Radio newscasts...it was a glamour thing for the radio side, and free promotion for the TV side. I'll never forget the thrill of hearing Peter Jennings say the words "ABC's Steve Scott is there live...Steve." And, he even ended it with his trademark "Many thanks, Steve...ABC's Steve Scott in Benton Harbor, Michigan."

It just found that piece in the archives this morning...and listened to it three or four times. I don't mind saying it was pretty cool to be "many thanks'd" by Peter Jennings.

But She Seems Like Such A Sweet Girl...

2005-08-03T04:13:00.000-05:00

No reason to post this, really...other than I think it's pretty funny. Just to whom do you suppose Katie is directing that digit?

Move Over Orion and Max!

2005-08-02T09:42:00.000-05:00

Steve Scott...Mr. Agriculture Reporter!

These pics are from Governor Blagojevich's recent visit to a drought-ravaged corn farm in Channahon, IL. The interviewee is farmer Bob Bleuer - a very nice man who fears the drought could cost his family the farm they've worked for more than 100 years.

I still have dirt on my shoes from walking through Farmer Bob's cornfield!

Photos courtesy Illinois Farm Bureau.

On the BDSRA Bandwagon!

2005-08-02T03:11:00.000-05:00

As of today, I am proudly sporting my bright shiny blue bracelet from the Batten Disease Support and Research Association (BDSRA).

For those who don't know, Clifford Dahl - son of fellow radio rascal Dave Dahl and wife Corrina - suffers from Batten Disease. (This is nothing Dave hasn't already talked about on his own blog)

BDSRA also has an active Midwest Chapter.

They are currently holding a fundraiser - a raffle with some nifty prizes, including a trip to Walt Disney World!

If you like to buy a ticket - or two or ten - I'm sure Dave could point you in the right direction.

Thanks, and have a good day.

That "Running" Thing Is Overrated Anyway...

2005-08-02T02:48:00.000-05:00

In a post last week, I proudly trumpeted that the Achilles tendon injury that had been plaguing me since early April had apparently healed enough to allow me to run (on a treadmill) for the first time in four months.

Well, yeah...that was fun while it lasted.

While attempting a fleet-footed encore yesterday, I tweaked it again. I ran in three segments during my regular treadmill workout (steep uphill fast walk)...it was fine for the first two, then OUCH!

It's certainly not as bad as the original injury...but, I'm guessing the whole "running" may go back onto the shelf - at least until after vacation. Blah.

Say It Ain't So, Raffy

2005-08-02T02:40:00.000-05:00

Baseball star Rafael Palmeiro - one of only four players in Major League history with both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs - has been suspended for ten days, after testing positive for steroids.

His place in baseball history and the Hall of Fame - both seemingly secure 24 hours ago - are now in question.

Palmeiro denies intentionally ingesting steroids. I hope he's telling the truth.

It's getting to the point where we don't need to put an asterisk (*) next to certain names in the record books. We need to put a big asterisk right on the darn cover. In the end, who will history judge more favorably...Ryne Sandberg and Cal Ripken...or, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds and - dare I say - Rafael Palmeiro?

Way To Go, Ryno!

2005-08-01T07:47:00.000-05:00

Congrats to former Cub Ryne Sandberg on his induction yesterday into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kudos to Ryno, not only for this magnificent achievement...but also for his eloquent and humble speech.

I always found Ryne Sandberg to be a very genuine - yet intensely shy - person. Some called him standoffish. I called him professional and a non-showboat.

Ryno's induction into the HOF reminds me of a couple Harryisms. The late Harry Caray (nee Harry Christopher Carabina) got a little, shall we say, erratic, in his play by play calls late in his career.

One time, I was listening to a Cubs TV broadcast from another room, when suddenly Harry let loose with, "There's a drive...way back...it might be...it could...annnndddd...Sandberg makes the catch!" Sandberg, of course, was a second baseman. The fly ball had never left the infield.

And, on more than one occasion, we'd hear, "Ground ball up the middle...aaahhhh...Santo throws him out!" Ron Santo, of course, was a Cubs third basemen from the 1960s and '70s.

Now, Harry and Ryno are both in the Hall of Fame!

The Old Gray Mayor...

2005-07-29T03:13:00.000-05:00

Is it just me, or are the City Hall scandals catching up with "Da Mare" just a bit?

Run, Steve, Run!

2005-07-29T02:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a big day for me. For the first time in several months, I was able to run!

Oh, it was only for a few minutes at a time on the treadmill at my club. But, it was the first time I had been able to run since I suffered an achilles tendon injury back in early April. I had been limited to - at best - steep uphill walking on the treadmill since then. (The bend of my ankle while walking uphill has been much more agreeable than walking downhill or on a flat surface)

The achilles had been feeling okay for the past week...so, yesterday - with my trainer out of the room, of course - I decided to let 'er rip (I hate to say "achilles" and "rip" in the same sentence!). Alas, I was able to run pretty much pain-free. I didn't try a sprint...just 7 mph. But, the fact that I was able to do it - and am still pain-free the morning after - is very encouraging for me.

Let it be said, though, that healthy achilles or not, I likely will not be joining fellow radio rascal Dave Dahl on his six-mile jaunts through Peoria. I don't think people who are 6'5" and 230+ lbs. were made to be long distance runners! : )

IDOT Helicopter Crashes on I-294

2005-07-26T18:45:00.000-05:00

These pics of today's crash of an Illinois Department of Transportation helicopter along the Tri-State Tollway courtesy of my sister station, WLS-TV.

The helicopter crashed along the busy tollway just at the end of the Tuesday morning rush.

Thanks to heroic efforts by the pilot, there were no fatalities in either the copter or on the ground.

Ours Is Bigger Than Yours!

2005-07-26T04:13:00.000-05:00

Just in...discussions to build the tallest building in the United States...right here in downtown Chicago. Apparently, it would be known as the Fordham Spire.

It's the second building from the right in the photo illustration above.

We'll see...

Catching Up

2005-07-26T04:04:00.000-05:00

I've fallen behind a bit in posting here. Thanks to all who sent cards and emails making sure everything is alright.

Okay, actually...no one noticed! :)

We seem to have survived "The Hottest Day in Ten Years in Chicago." Yes, our little mini heat wave has it's own name! It was 102 officially in Chicago on Sunday...104 at Midway. But, thanks to a blast furnace-like 25 mph southwest wind, the humidity - although bad - wasn't as bad as it could have been. The heat index topped out at around 107 or so. That's a far cry from the "Deadly Heat Wave of 1995" (another one with an official name!) that killed 700 people here. Heat index readings back then were in the 125 degree range.

First, the city reported that three people died from Sunday's extreme heat. Then, they changed their mind. Now, they say those people died of other causes...but just happened to die on a very hot day.

I have long believed - and I'm certainly not alone - that the "700 heat fatalities" from 1995 were greatly inflated. In the vast majority of those fatalities, the heat was the second - or even third - listed cause of death. Sadly, many of those people were going to expire any way...it just happened to occur during the heat wave. Did the heat kill people in the summer of 1995? Sure...but not 700 people.

A real concern this summer is the drought in northern Illinois. We got a few sprinkles yesterday...but we are still in the area of 6 - 7 inches below normal for rainfall. This is our rainiest time of year...yet, some parts of northern Illinois have received less than two inches since the start of June! Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has declared the entire state to be an agricultural disaster area, in hopes of securing federal relief for farmers...many of whom have already lost more than half their crop...and, some of whom will sadly be wiped out this year.

Big story out of Chicago on Monday was the Teamsters and the Service Employees International Union splitting from the AFL-CIO. This is actually a pretty huge deal in the labor world...and there are few, if any, bigger union cities than Chicago. My own union, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) is also a part of the AFL-CIO. I'm not sure we'd merit much network coverage if we were to bail out...

Our vacation plans are set...August 12 - 22 in Cabo San Lucas. WooHoo! And, we still plan on going to California for the annual bash at Francis Ford Coppola's Niebaum-Coppola Winery in September.

Ever Have A Day Like This?

2005-07-22T07:45:00.000-05:00

Some days, you're the dog...some days, you're the porcupine!

RIP Scotty

2005-07-20T11:20:00.000-05:00

James Doohan
1920 - 2005

Efficient Use of Space

2005-07-19T03:16:00.000-05:00

Spotted at the airport in Oklahoma City recently...

Hey...I know where I'm going, the next time a storm threatens OKC. And, you can't accuse them of not getting the most use out of their available space!

Although, the thought of a headline reading NEWSMAN DIES IN CAN DURING STORM may be enough to convince me to just take my chances with the tornado! : )

You Pick the President

2005-07-18T08:22:00.000-05:00

It's the tale of two leaders...

One of these two is president of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association.

The other is president of a place that doesn't exactly encourage freedom of the press.

One has served in his office almost as long as the other (or perhaps it just seems that way).

You pick the prez! ;)

Hey, Look! I Can Post Pics!

2005-07-18T07:50:00.000-05:00

Thanks to fellow radio rascal Dave Dahl for the tutorial on how to post photos on my blog.

Here's my first one:

That's all for now! :)

Friday!

2005-07-15T21:20:00.000-05:00

I'm enjoying a quiet Friday evening at home tonight. Jeanne had a work outing at Arlington Park today...so I'm on my own this evening.

I tried a new Japanese restaurant...Kizoku, on Ontario Street, just a couple quick blocks from here. I walked over a little after 6pm...and was the only one in the dining room when I got there! But, the place did fill up quite a bit before I left. They have a nice menu. I stuck with maki rolls tonight...they're usually pretty safe. I enjoyed them. All in all, I enjoyed it. It's much more subdued than my other favorite Japanese place, Sushi Samba Rio, which has more of a Japanese-Latin fusion feel to it (hence the name, I suppose). But, the food at Kizoku was quite good...I would return.

There were a flurry of news stories late in the day today. I have a high-ranking cop friend who tips me off on some great stuff. First, it was a rocket propelled grenade launcher (along with a MAC-10 assault rifle, lots of pot, and $200,000+ in cash) found in a Ricobenes Restaurant delivery truck on the southwest side. The, later this afternoon, a "ticking package" was delivered to Provident Hospital on the south side. That forced the evacuation of an entire wing of the hospital...including the emergency room. Eventually, the all-clear was given...and everything returned to normal.

My cop source has tipped me off on a couple items which - if I can figure out how to properly research, package and present them - could turn into blockbuster stories. But, there are only so many hours in the day, you? That's one hardship our WLS news staff faces. We only have five full-time news people. It's hard for me to tell one reporter to just take the next six weeks to develop an investigative piece. That wipes out a big chunk of my staff. Take a station like WBBM Newsradio 780...they must have 30 or 40 people running around over there. So, it's much easier for them to allow a reporter - like, for instance, the award-winning Steve Miller - to put together some nice investigative stories. And, of course, public radio - like Chicago's WBEZ - has the staffing and the time to put together excellent long-form stories.

So, we'll see if any of my great story ideas ever pan out.

I will say this...the new top management team at WLS is extremely supportive of our news effort...and I expect some enhancements for our news product, both short term and long term.

Looks like the Cubs, Sox and Tiger Woods all had pretty good days today. And, how about the emotion of Jack Nicklaus making birdie on the 18th hole at his final British Open? It doesn't get much better than that. So what if he didn't make the cut...

Should be a relaxing weekend. I hope so.

Save George!

2005-07-12T06:35:00.000-05:00

There's a great column by my former softball teammate Mark Brown in today's Sun-Times.

It seems that, with just a few keystrokes and the click of a mouse, you can now help former Illinois Governor George Ryan fight the federal corruption charges against him.

Yes, George Ryan now has an online legal defense fund.

I'm reminded of my days covering Ryan when he was governor. For a time, I considered changing my first name from "Steve" to "Goddammit." I recall a couple of occasions - including one where I staked out the guv until 3am as he mediated a hotel strike - that I was greeted with, "Goddammit Scott, what are you doing here?"

See ya in court, George.

By the way...the Ryan trial is making for some strange bedfellows. The U.S. Attorney's office in Chicago - rarely, if ever mentioned as a friend of the news media - actually sided with the journalism community...in opposing an attempt by Ryan's lawyers to block the media from attending jury selection in the ex-Guv's corruption trial. The Feds said - and rightfully so - that potential jurors would be just as intimidated by Ryan as they would by reporters.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald and the media agreeing on something? Is there a frost warning out in Hell?

Much "Adennis" About Nothing?

2005-07-11T03:20:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to see that the south has survived Hurricane Dennis with what appears to be very minimal loss of life (as I write this, there has been one confirmed fatality - a man who stepped on a downed power line).

And, I'm pleased that, although there was some damage - especially flooding - there was little of the catastrophic damage that we saw during last year's Florida hurricanes.

Now, with that said...let's talk about the news media.

Did they go just a little over the top? Perhaps a lot over the top?

CNN brought top anchors Soledad O'Brien and Miles O'Brien to Atlanta to go wall-to-wall on the hurricane. Thank goodness Miles explained to us early on that CNN would likely "lose our satellite feeds several times in the upcoming hours."

Hey, CNN even gave their coverage a name...calling themselves your Hurricane Headquarters.

Did Anderson Cooper really need to stand out in the rain and wind...especially when he started talking about how the storm was "not as bad as it could have been?"

Didn't Rick Sanchez look a little silly reporting over a videophone? Hey, Rick...this isn't Afghanistan. It's Alabama. (insert punch line here)

The TV cable news outlets were building this thing up like it was going to be the end of the world...sort of the "Perfect Storm" of hurricanes. They were doing their best to scare the Hell out of people. In many ways, they succeeded.

And, what did we end up with? A pretty decent storm...and video of people drinking beer and playing pool volleyball in the floodwaters!

Folks, look at it this way. At least seven times as many people died in homicides in Chicago over the weekend as died in the hurricane.

Hey, CNN...get up here! We've got a story for you!

A Long Day - And, It's NOT Over Yet!

2005-07-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

I'm going on 12 hours at the station right now...with a few more hours to go. The terror attacks in London may have been thousands of miles away...but there are plenty of good Chicago angles.

For one thing...we have a substantial underground rail system here. Lots of attention is being focused security in our subways today.

I'll be heading to a news conference at the British Consulate in about an hour. Maybe I'll be home by 5pm or so. We'll see.

Complicating matters on a very busy day today...one staffer (Jim Johnson) off on vacation this week.

Hey, it's a big news day. No one should complain about working a few extra hours.

A Note About the Miller/Cooper Case

2005-07-07T03:51:00.000-05:00

The Illinois News Broadcasters Association, like many journalism organizations across America, is dismayed that New York Times reporter Judith Miller has been ordered to jail for her refusal to reveal her confidential source in the Valerie Plame case. Time reporter Matthew Cooper avoided jail by agreeing to testify, after, he says, his source contacted him and released Cooper from his promise of confidentiality.

For simply doing her job - and keeping her word - Judy Miller was sent to the same federal lockup as convicted terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui. (1)

Illinois, 48 other states, and the District of Columbia all have shield laws to – at least some degree – protect journalists who protect their confidential sources in state trials. However, we still have no federal shield law. The Miller/Cooper saga underscores the need for a shield law on the federal level.

There is now shield legislation pending in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. However, neither of Illinois’ senators – and only two of our representatives (Emanuel, LaHood) – have signed on as co-sponsors of these federal shield bills. (2)

In fact, regarding federal shield legislation, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) says “I would consider it, as long as they make it clear that in a situation like this (Miller/Cooper) where sources in the White House disclosed the identity of this CIA agent…thereby violating the law and committing a felony…in that situation, I don’t believe that people who commit a felony should get off the hook … At this point, I’m troubled by it. I can understand confidentiality, how important it is to having good journalism – but, on the other side of it, if we’re going to allow people to conceal crimes this way…I’m troubled by it.” (3)

INBA is joining other journalism organizations in asking you to please contact your elected representatives, and ask them to support federal shield legislation. As journalists, we’re often uncomfortable asking the people we cover to support a certain piece of legislation. However, I hope you’ll agree that this issue is important enough that we all need to act.

The Radio-Television News Directors Association – the national leader in the fight for press freedoms – has prepared background information and talking points to aid you in speaking more comfortably on the issue of federal shield legislation.

Please go to this link. It will answer most – if not all – questions you may have on the subject of federal shield legislation and other press freedoms.

Friends, this is a critical time for journalism in America – including right here in Illinois. Judy Miller is in jail with a convicted terrorist. Matt Cooper – going against every principle he has as journalist – has agreed to talk. You could be next. The door has been opened. It will be difficult to slam it shut again…but we must do everything we can to try.

Again, please visit that RTNDA site then contact your elected officials. Ask them to cosponsor – and push for passage of – federal shield legislation.

Thank you for your time and for your support of fair and open journalism.

Steve Scott, President
Illinois News Broadcasters Association

(1) Source: Associated Press – July 6, 2005
(2) Source: Radio-Television News Directors Association
(3) Source: WLS-AM – July 6, 2005

Fifth of July News Stories

2005-07-05T09:45:00.000-05:00

Some of these just seem to repeat...year after year after year.

* Pyrotechnician ends up in the hospital with second and third degree burns, after shell detonates prematurely at Evanston (IL) fireworks show.

* Chicago Heights (IL) man accused of fatally shooting neighbor because the neighbor wouldn't stop shooting off fireworks.

* Chicago Police say a big fire on city's south side may have been started by kids shooting off fireworks. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

I'll make sure I save my scripts...just in case I need them again next year!

Oh, and add to the mix...Aurora (IL) man accused of shooting three of neighbors' dogs with shotgun...and you can pretty much see how my newscasts shaped up this morning. Blah.

Happy Fourth!

2005-07-04T16:22:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed Chicago's big lakefront fireworks show from Riva on Navy Pier. Kudos to Jeanne for getting us a reservation on one of their busiest nights of the year. The fireworks started a little before 9:30pm...it was pretty close to 10:00pm before we actually ate. They had lots of great choices. As good as a steak sounded, I went with the Swordfish Oscar instead. Probably a smart move at that late hour.

I have the day off today. It's nice to have a three day weekend. Cisco Cotto and Jennifer Keiper staffed the newsroom today. Great job by Jen today on some breaking news...confirming a tip that Naperville Ribfest was being evacuated due to severe weather...and getting it on the air as it was happening! Excellent work!

Pretty lazy day today...but I did have an awesome stint on the treadmill. Maybe it's my imagination, but those minutes sure seemed to fly by faster with my new iPod. I mean, who wouldn't roll along at a fast pace with Saturday Night by the Bay City Rollers pounding in their ears!

S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y...Night! : )

More Songs!

2005-07-03T19:15:00.000-05:00

I shared my iPod list with fellow radio rascal Dave Dahl...and he shared his list with me.

The following new adds to my iPod playlist were inspired by - or directly stolen from - Dave's list:

Some Kind of Wonderful - Grand Funk Railroad
We're an American Band - Grand Funk Railroad
Dance the Night Away - Van Halen
Working for the Weekend - Loverboy
If You Leave - OMD
Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar
My Sharona - The Knack
Good Girls Don't - The Knack
Hot Blooded - Foreigner
I've Been Waiting (For a Girl Like You) - Foreigner
Feels Like the First Time - Foreigner
Cold As Ice - Foreigner
Steppin' Out - Joe Jackson
Is She Really Going Out With Him - Joe Jackson
Strange Magic - ELO
Fooled Around and Fell in Love - Elvin Bishop
Baby Hold On To Me - Eddie Money
Every Time I Think of You - The Babys
Life in the Fast Lane - The Eagles
Come on Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners
Everlasting Love - Gloria Estefan
I Only Want to be With You - Bay City Rollers
Saturday Night - Bay City Rollers

Will I ever get around to listening to all of them? Doubtful. I mean, who listens to music for 10 - 12 consecutive hours? But, it should give me a decent mix when I do want to listen for a long time.

What I Listen To

2005-07-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

As mentioned in an earlier post, I have purchased an iPod Shuffle. At the risk of once again being ridiculed by people I don't even know...here's the current playlist on my Shuffle.

It's a rather bizarre and eclectic mix of pop, rock and country tunes from both the present...and back in the day.

Good luck trying to figure out my musical taste(s). I'm not sure I have yet!

Mamma Mia 3:33 Abba
I Don't Want to Miss a Thing 4:56 AeroSmith
Pieces Of Me 3:37 Ashlee Simpson
Skater Boy 3:24 Avril Lavigne
Show me the meaning of being lonely 3:56 Backstreet Boys
I Want I That Way 3:33 Backstreet Boys
Manic Monday 3:06 Bangles
Heaven is a Place On Earth 4:14 Belinda Carlisle
Let's Get It Started 3:37 Black Eyed Peas
Where is the Love 3:47 Black Eyed Peas Featuring Justin Timberlake
Look What You've Done To Me 5:19 Boz Scaggs
Lido Shuffle 3:43 Boz Scaggs
My Heart Will Go On 5:10 Celine Dion
I Want You To Want Me 3:44 Cheap Trick
Dream Police 3:54 CheapTrick
All I Wanna Do Is Have Some Fun 4:33 Cheryl Crow
What A Girl Wants 3:20 Christina Aguilera
Falling In Love With You 3:40 The Corrs
Run Away 4:20 The Corrs
Breathless 3:26 The Corrs
I never loved you anyway 4:26 The Corrs
Only when I sleep. 4:23 The Corrs
Big Yellow Taxi (featuring Vanessa Carlton) 3:46 Counting Crows
We Just Disagree 3:03 Dave Mason
Seven Bridges Road 3:26 Eagles
Take Me Home Tonight 3:30 Eddie Money
This Kiss 3:18 Faith Hill
100 Years 4:11 Five For Fighting
Go Your Own Way 3:37 Fleetwood Mac
Don't Stop 3:12 Fleetwood Mac
Lonely Man On The Corner 4:14 Genesis
Throwing it All Away 3:49 Genesis
Easy Lover 5:05 Phil Collins (with Phillip Bailey)
Head over Heels 3:37 The Go-Go's
Temptation Eyes 2:32 The Grass Roots
I Walke Alone 4:18 Green Day
Jeopardy 3:49 Greg Kihn Band
The Breakup Song 2:51 Greg Kihn Band
Dreamboat Annie 2:07 Heart
Dog & Butterfly 4:58 Heart
All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You 5:05 Heart
Crazy on You 4:52 Heart
These Dreams 4:14 Heart
I Want A New Drug 4:45 Huey Lewis and the News
If This Is It 3:52 Huey Lewis and the News
Vehicle 2:55 The Ides of March
The Load Out & Stay 8:59 Jackson Browne
Waiting for Tonight 4:06 Jennifer Lopez
With You 3:14 Jessica Simpson
Lights 3:10 Journey
Loving, Touching, Squeezin' 3:50 Journey
SUBG 3:08 Kelly Clarkson
Miss Independent 4:57 Kelly Clarkson
Danger Zone 3:35 Kenny Loggins
I Hope You Dance 4:56 Lee Ann Womack
Beautiful Stranger 4:21 Madonna
I Need To Know 3:14 Marc Anthony
You Sang To Me 5:25 Marc Anthony
Maroon 5 - This Love 4:26 Maroon 5
Unwell 3:48 Matchbox Twenty
Come To My Window 3:57 Melissa Etheridge
Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing 2:48 Michael McDonald
Don't Know Why 3:10 Norah Jones
Band on the Run 5:13 Paul McCartney & Wings
Sunny Came Home 3:42 Paula Cole
Do You Feel Like I Do? 13:45 Peter Frampton
Baby, I Love Your Way 4:45 Peter Frampton
Get This Party Started 3:14 Pink
Crazy Love 2:57 Poco
Keep On Loving You 3:21 REO Speedwagon
Time For Me To Fly 3:37 REO Speedwagon
Riding The Storm Out 5:45 REO Speedwagon
Take it on the run 4:01 Reo Speedwagon
You're In My Heart 4:29 Rod Stewart
Da ya think I'm sexy? 5:30 Rod Stewart
Tonight's The Night 3:33 Rod Stewart
Maggie May 5:43 Rod Stewart
Any Man of Mine 4:06 Shania Twain
Man! I Feel Like A Woman 3:52 Shania Twain
You're Still the One 3:32 Shania Twain
If It Makes You Happy 4:34 Sheryl Crow
Soak Up the Sun 3:18 Sheryl Crow
The First Cut is the Deepest 3:46 Sheryl Crow
Sara 4:25 Starship
Romeo's Tune 3:33 Steve Forbert
Keep On Rocking Me Baby 3:07 Steve Miller Band
Isn't She Lovely 3:20 Stevie Wonder
Come Sail Away 6:05 Styx
Live Like You Were Dying 4:57 Tim McGraw
White Houses 3:42 Vanessa Carlton
Dreams 4:14 Fleetwood Mac
Dancing Queen 3:51 ABBA
Complicated 4:05 Avril Lavigne
Cruel Summer 4:47 Bananarama
Amanda 4:16 Boston
More Than a Feeling 4:45 Boston
Everything I Do 6:33 Bryan Adams
Summer of '69 3:34 Bryan Adams
I Drove All Night 4:01 Celine Dion
I'm Your Lady 5:42 Celine Dion
September 3:36 Earth Wind & Fire
Two Tickets To Paradise 3:55 Eddie Money
Tears In Heaven 4:36 Eric Clapton
Wonderful Tonight 3:39 Eric Clapton
Cruisin' 4:52 Huey Lewis and Gwyneth Paltrow
The Power of Love 3:56 Huey Lewis & the News
Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now 4:35 Starship
We Built This City 4:58 Starship
Oh Sherry 3:50 Steve Perry
Faithfully 4:26 Faithfully
Danny's Song (Even Though We Ain't Got Money) 4:17 Loggins & Messina
Beth 2:46 Beth
One Sweet Day(A Capella) 4:48 Maria Carey & Boyz II Men
Build Me Up Buttercup 2:57 Temptations
Where Have All The Cowboys Gone 4:25 Paula Cole
Show Me The Way 4:41 Peter Frampton
I Believe I Can Fly 5:22 R Kelly
Georgia On My Mind 3:39 Ray Charles
Lonely No More 3:46 Rob Thomas
Have I Told You Lately 4:00 Rod Stewart
The Game of Love 4:15 Santana (with Michelle Branch)
I Will Remember You 4:48 Sarah McLachlin
Fly Like An Eagle 2:57 Steve Miller Band
Jungle Love 3:09 Steve Miller Band
Lady 3:04 Styx
We Got The Beat 2:32 The Go-Gos
Vacation 3:01 The Go-Gos

Holiday Weekend

2005-07-03T11:24:00.000-05:00

So far, so good for the holiday weekend. I've received a few phone calls from our weekend news people, letting me know about some breaking stories...but, so far, there's been nothing that I had to drop everything to run out to cover. I hope it stays that way.

I bought an iPod Shuffle yesterday. I don't have a huge collection of downloaded music - maybe 100 songs at this point - so the Shuffle has more than enough capacity for me. Plus, I got it cheap, because the Bulls had given me a Best Buy gift card at the end of the season. I look forward to using the Shuffle during those long, somewhat boring stints on the treadmill.

Best Buy can be a dangerous place for me. I can spend hours in there! Yesterday, was a surgical strike...go in...get the iPod...and get out before I spent any more money!

Speaking of the Bulls...as they do every year after the season ends, they sent me a big box of some of the promotional items that they give away at games during the season. So, I am now fully stocked with hats, shirts, basketballs, etc. Of course, I also get many of these items at the games at which they're actually given away! Need some Bulls stuff? Let me know! : )

We had a nice dinner at the Erie Cafe last night. Even though it's less than a mile from where we've lived for 15 years, Jeanne and I had never had dinner there. I had a good steak...so I was a happy camper!

There was also an element of free entertainment at dinner. Two very prominent Chicago aldermen were dining at separate tables...one, with his family...the other (not surprisingly) alone. These two fellows happen to be longtime personal friends. One alderman (the lonely guy) called the other on his cell phone - I guess 15 feet was too far to walk! At one point, we heard the words "He's a reporter?" In the end, I think one alderman picked up the other's dinner tab.

Tonight - July 3rd - is the big night for fireworks in Chicago. They shoot them off from a barge just offshore in Lake Michigan. We plan to have dinner on Navy Pier tonight...it should provide a good view of the fireworks.

The weather here has been just about perfect the last few days...on the heels of that stretch of 8 consecutive days of 90+ degree temperatures (unusual for Chicago). So, it should be nice for the fireworks tonight.

I'm off work on Monday...but, since I'm in town, I'll be available if we have a huge breaking news story Monday morning.

Have a great holiday, every one!

"Representing" the Station

2005-06-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, I've been asked to do something than can make a newsman a little uncomfortable.

I've been asked to "represent" my radio station at an event that may also generate some news coverage.

WLS is a co-sponsor of a promotion at a local supermarket chain in which shoppers will be asked to "round up" their bills to the nearest dollar...with the extra change going to support our troops and their families. Illinois Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn - whom I've known for years - is leading the charge.

A worthy cause? Absolutely. The timing is great, heading into the 4th of July holiday weekend. And, WLS (We Love Soldiers?) is well known for its flag-waving, patriotic tenor.

The bosses at WLS asked me to attend...and say a few words about how pleased we are to participate in this promotion.

Now, this is an event that may (or may not) generate some local news coverage. It would actually make a nice little TV or radio story. Newspeople don't like to be on "that side" of the story. We're not used to it. It makes us a bit uneasy. After all, purists would say...what if that newsperson has to report a story critical of that same supermarket chain next week? Could he possibly be fair and objective...after sitting on the stage and speaking in support of that promotion?

Well, yeah...he can.

The bosses gave me every opportunity to say no. They said they would understand if I - as a newsperson - chose not to "represent" (I don't know why I keep putting that in quotes!) the station at an event where there may be news coverage.

In the end, I said I would be happy to do it.

As frequent Steve-readers know, I try very hard not to opine or make political statements. So, I'll just say this...if some one can find me something at that supermarket that costs $1.03 or $2.06 or $3.04 or $10.01 or $35.11 or whatever...I'll be happy to "round up" to the next dollar.

As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, I can't think of a better cause than supporting the troops (and their families) who are protecting our freedom.

Memo to Tom Cruise

2005-06-27T19:46:00.000-05:00

Will you please just be quiet?

Thank you.

That is all.

INBA Reacts to Supreme Court Ruling on Confidential Sources

2005-06-27T12:26:00.000-05:00

NEWS BROADCASTERS DISAPPOINTED BY SUPREME COURT RULING ON CIA LEAK/CONFIDENTIAL SOURCES

Illinois News Broadcasters Association (INBA) President Steve Scott released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the appeals of two journalists (Judith Miller and Matthew Cooper) who refused to testify before a grand jury about the leak of a CIA agent’s identity:

“The Supreme Court’s ruling in this case is very disappointing, and is a setback for journalists across the country. A reporter must be able to assure his or her confidential sources that their names will not be revealed…period. Matt Cooper and Judy Miller now face possible jail time. Their only crimes: Doing their jobs and keeping their word.

Think about the many important stories that would never have come to light, had reporters not been able to assure confidential sources that their name(s) would not be revealed.

Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court further illustrates the need for a National Shield Law that would protect journalists who protect their confidential sources.”

###

The Illinois News Broadcasters Association, founded in 1955, is made up of broadcast journalists from across Illinois, and serves as a watchdog for the First Amendment and other press freedoms.

Oklahoma City Memorial

2005-06-26T09:33:00.000-05:00

Last night, a small group of us from the RTNDF seminar walked over to the Oklahoma City National Memorial. It's at the site of the Murrah Federal Building, which was bombed by Timothy McVeigh on April 19, 1995, killing 168 people.

The Memorial is very moving. The fact that we went at night - with the Memorial's almost haunting lighting - made the visit even more emotional.

Thank you to Sean Saied of News 9 here in Oklahoma City for his informative tour of the Memorial site.

I was going to write an account of our group's walk through OKC's very vibrant Bricktown area - with it's restaurants, riverwalk and baseball stadium - but, with the exception of this Bricktown link, I think I'll leave this post soley to the Memorial.

Home later today.

"Cut the Crap!" - And Other Pearls of Wisdom from Oklahoma City

2005-06-24T22:45:00.000-05:00

"Tell me the stuff! Tell me the stuff! Tell me who to be mad at, so I can write them a letter!"

That was just one of the opinions expressed, at a fascinating television and radio news focus group I attended tonight here in Oklahoma City (where, strangely, it was cooler than in Chicago!). This was the first night of a weekend session sponsored by the Radio-Television News Directors Foundation (RTNDF) and hosted by Poynter Institute facilitator Al Tompkins.

The feedback from this group of "average Joes and Janes" from Oklahoma City was very interesting. For instance, you should have seen the looks on the faces of the TV news folks when the citizen panel agreed - almost unanimously - that live shots mean nothing to them. In fact, they find the trumpeting and chest-beating that some stations do about live shots to be annoying to the point that they will change the channel!

At the end of the evening, Al asked each citzen panelist to give one sentence of advice to the thirty or forty broadcast journalists who were in the room. Here are some of the highlights:

* Be thorough, direct and in-depth. Give me meat and potatoes!

* You don't need fancy graphics and dramatic music to give me the news.

* Skip the flowery "poetic" writing. Just give me the facts.

* Some of your news teases insult my intelligence!

* Please, no "pseudo news"...news stories that are thinly failed promo pieces for your networks shows or advertisers.

* Do fewer stories about animals. If I see another water-skiing squirrel or cute kitten that was rescued from a sewer...Grrr!

* Do more investigative stories that affect my life and the lives of my kids.

* But, when you do those investigative stories, don't over-dramatize them!

* Please cut the celebrity news. Did we need to see daily progress reports about the Michael Jackson case?

* Reality TV is not news. Please don't insult me by treating it as news!

* The commercials that air during your newscasts affect my viewing habits. I will switch away during annoying commercials...and I may not come back to your channel!

* Cut the crap!

How's that for advice?