A pair of landmarks celebrated tonight

Its an interesting coincidence that President Obama is marking his 100th day as president with a news conference tonight, while "Lost" is marking its 100th episode tonight on ABC. Both have had their ups and downs. Obama has had teleprompter issues, and losing track of presidential planes flying too low over New York City, while Lost has its smoke monsters, and islands disappearing through time.

On the upside, President Obama has been able to recapture international good will, while tackling America's economic difficulties, and of course, Lost still has Evangeline Lilly playing the role of Kate.

This week on Sunday Magazine, I will reair my interview with Doctor Monita Hara form the Scranton State School For The Deaf, as well as school boardmember Robert Boice. SSSD has been in the news again over the possibility the school could remain open as a day school under the management of the privately owned western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf. Catch Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 6:30am on Magic 93.

This weekend on Sunday Magazine

This weekend on Sunday Magazine. you will hear my interview with Sergeant Mike Hutchinson from East Stroudsburg, currently stationed at Camp Bucca in Iraq. This Week in Harrisburg examines legislation designed to end pay for play politics in Pennsylvania, reforms to the state Gaming Control Board, a review of Earth Day festivities in Harrisburg, and highlights from a gun rally at the State Capitol, plus highlights from 97.9X's Jim Bone's interview with outspoken rocker Ted Nugent, who discusses topics ranging from assault weapons to dealing with Somali pirates to border security. Sunday magazine, Sunday morning at 6:30am on Magic 93.

Another part of my youth has gone

Saddened to hear about the passing of legendary Phillie broadcaster Harry Kalas, who died while preparing for the Phillies game against the Washington Nationals yesterday. Kalas was 73, and has been one of the most recognized voices in our profession, not only serving as the radio & TV voice of the Phils since 1971, but on NFL Films highlights, and broadcasting NFL games on Westwood One radio.

I had the priviledge of meeting Harry at a Phillie Caravan stop at Genetti's in Wilkes Barre back in 1982. I covered the event for the University of Scranton radio station, WYRE. It was generous of him to take out a little time to talk to a "wet behind the ears" 20 year old college kid.

Harry was not only a great broadcaster, but a great gentleman as well, and as fine a representative of the Phillies and professional broadcasting as you could possibly find. I'm not a Phillie fan, but I enjoyed listening to Kalas and his trademark calls, "long drive, otta here", and of course "struck eeem out". I distinctly remember watching him with tears rolling down his cheeks the night the Phillies clinched their first National League East Division title back in 1976, at the old Jarry Park in Montreal. He was always a true pro, but you knew his allegiance was with the "Fightin Phils" Somewhere in that great broadcast booth in the sky, I can picture Harry and Richie Ashburn telling tales and calling balls and strikes. I feel a part of my youth has left with Harry. Godspeed.

Getting the jump on summer

Since yesterday was such a nice day, I decided to get out the grill for the first time in 2009, and cook up some bratwurst. Oh, they were delicious! May as well take advantage of the one nice day of the week.

I also attended Holy Thursday mass last night at my church. Its one of my favorite masses of the year, with the washing of the feet, and the singing of "Pange Lingua Gloriosa", one of the few times Latin is used during the Catholic mass. Being a Vatican 2 baby, its nice to hear a little Latin every once in a while. I'm also scheduled to read the 3rd & 7th readings for our Easter Vigil mass Saturday night.

Just wanted to wish one and all a Happy & blessed Easter holiday, (likewise for those who observed Passover this week)

This week on Sunday Magazine, I'll be speaking with Richard Bitner from Visiting Angels, about getting area seniors up to speed on ICE phones. ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. I'll also be speaking with Charlotte Wright from the Red Cross about their upcoming auction, Samantha Coles, who has a fundraiser for Hazleton area soliders coming up next Saturday, April 18th. Frankie speaks with Dr Hazzouri about Junior League's Cinderella's Closet fundraiser coming up next week, A reminder about April as National Donate Life Month, and the need for organ donors in Pennsylvania. And I will have an encore of my interview with "The Jesus Guy" What's Your Name, who discusses faith during difficult times, appropriate for Easter Sunday.

Sunday magazine, Sunday morning at 6:30 on Magic 93.

Brian The Ubermodel

For the third year in a row, I took part in the annual Helen Keller Day fashion show at St Mary's Center in Scranton. Yesterday's event was the 80th annual event to raise money for the Lackawanna Branch, Pennsylvania Association For The Blind, and was a record turnout. Tom and Noreen Clark from WNEP-TV emceed the event. Since it was so nice yesterday, I suggested we move the catwalk outside. I got to model a stylish black short sleeve shirt and tan slacks from Joseph A. Banks. No trips and no wardrope malfunctions. My thanks to my old buddy, Paul Trama and everyone associated with Helen Keller Days, and yes, I'll be back next year, if they will have me.

I was saddened to hear that Friday's 11pm newscast was the final one for WYOU-TV. I understand that local TV news is perhaps the biggest expense for a TV station, but it is also the only true identity a local TV station has. I started my broadcasting career as an intern at the old WDAU-TV 22, when it was in the basement of Scranton Prep, then when they moved to the old Kresge Building on Lackawanna Ave. I had the good fortune to work with the likes of Debbie Dunleavy, Derry Bird and Kent Westling, to name a few.

My question is, how does WYOU provide local programming of any kind now? I also wonder how CBS will respond to one of its affiliates not running a local newscast. Its not the same as the CW or My Network TV, which does not have network newscasts, or news content of any kind.

If I may offer a suggestion, why not simulcast the Frankie in the Morning show from 6 to 7am?
At least you will get an hour of local content, and even local news, weather and traffic. Better than whats on now, I would say.