“Essential Information”

That’s a phrase one of the many consultants I’ve worked with over the years loved.

“Begin a story with the words “Essential information” to stress its importance.”

And years later, sometimes I do.   Like now.

Amy Parmenter

For people of a certain age and beyond, I have essential information for you, courtesy of my NBC Connecticut colleague Amy Parmenter.  She has just published in the Huffington Post for a piece she wrote on her blog about health care and her mother.

Please read it.  To borrow a phrase we use far too often on health stories, Amy really does have essential information that could save a life.

Here is the link.

Feeling Sarasota

Just had the pleasure of spending a few days with friends in Sarasota, Florida.

Sarasota has what’s been called America’s best beach, Siesta Key Beach.  And maybe some day I’ll see it.

But I saw what I wanted to see.  Three golf courses.  Five rounds in 3 days.

And this guy.  I swear he was smiling.

1952

The Today show turns 60 today.  So will I, later this year.

The Today show stays young because of its revolving cast of hosts, co-hosts, and sidekicks.

I stay young because I’m married to a woman who thinks young, a steady coterie of forward-looking people, and a revolving cast of co-workers who forbid my getting old on them.

Earlier this week, the Today show offered this piece on life in 1952, the year we were born.  Obviously, I think 1952 was a very good year.

But 2012 will be better.

1952, posted with vodpod

A Penny for My Thoughts

Ran some errands today.  When I got home, I dug into my pocket, grabbed the change, and, as always, was about to throw it in what we used to call the “penny jar” (since expanded to nickels and dimes).

But something caught my eye.  Four shiny pennies.  And for some reason, I flashed back to one of my uncles, who, whenever he saw me, would say, “Hey boy, I have a bright shiny penny for you.”  (For some reason, many older relatives called me “Boy.”  I’m sure they knew my name.  Well, pretty sure.)

For the first time in years, I examined one of those bright shiny pennies, and discovered the penny had changed!  The Lincoln Monument was gone.

I still pick a penny up when I see one on the ground because, as you know, it brings good luck.

But when did it change?

Had the penny completely lost its value to me?

Clearly not.  Because those four pennies gave me an unforeseen moment to remember a really nice man.

Whether he knew my name or not.

Johnny the Shoeshine Guy

Just saw an obit for actor William Duell.  He was one of those guys who’d turn up in a movie or a TV show, have a great scene or two, then disappear.

He was Johnny the Shoeshine Guy in “Police Squad!”, a 1982 ABC sitcom that was canceled after six episodes because, as critics pointed out, viewers actually had to pay attention.

It was a great bit.  Enjoy.

BriWi on Letterman

Just another reason Nightly is number one.

Never mind.  CBS apparently took it down.  Dammit.

Did He Really Have to Explain This?

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants the world to know that while he might have shared a New Year’s kiss with Lady Gaga it was nothing compared with the one he got later from his longtime girlfriend.
The 69-year-old politician and the youthful pop star locked lips shortly after leading a Times Square crowd in a final-minute countdown to midnight. They made quite a pair: He was in an old-fashioned American-flag sweater; she had her eyes hidden behind a sparkly mask.
When asked about the kiss Tuesday, Bloomberg said he’d “be remiss” if he didn’t say “the best kiss of the night came after that,” from girlfriend Diana Taylor.
Bloomberg also called Gaga “a young lady,” noting she’s about the same age as his daughter Georgina, who’s in her late 20s.

Always Essential Reading

Dave Barry’s Year in Review.

Happy New Year.  Enjoy!

What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?

Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt co-starred in 2009′s  “(500) Days of Summer.”

She stars in the FOX sitcom “New Girl,” and you may remember him from NBC’s “3rd Rock from the Sun.”

Both are going to be major stars.

I also like this video because I’m a sucker for the ukelele.  I grew up watching “Big Brother” Bob Emery play the uke on his kiddie show on Channel 4 in Boston.  And one of my close friends plays it.  This is for him.

Happy New Year.

I Love This Kid

We aired this story about Piper Killen a couple of days ago.  If you missed it, please watch.  You’ll love her too.

I Love This Kid, posted with vodpod