Lost And Found

In “Big Yellow Taxi” Joni Mitchell sang “…don’t it always seem to go- that you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone….”    Toward the end of my first hole of golf yesterday, I thought of that song – with a slight change in lyrics: “….don’t it always seem to go – that you don’t know what’s gone ’til you need it.”   IT was my pitching iron.  And it was gone, in fact for a week.   I didn’t know it was missing until I reached for it yesterday.  This is not the first time I’ve lost track of my belongings on the golf course.  I have to find a way to correct this situation!  Thank you to the honest soul who found my forgotten club a week ago and took it to the lost and found, where I retrieved it late yesterday.

I also found a better game yesterday when “Viv” and I hit the links for our second round of golf this season.  A gorgeous day, great game for my friend and one that gave me THREE very satisfying moments.   A nice, long, straight drive of around 140 yards - big for me.  A nice, long, straight putt (at least 25 feet) that put my ball in tap-in position.  And on the last hole, an uphill 55 yard shot that proved to be the best moment of the day. I couldn’t see the bottom of the pin, and while my shot looked good going up there, I couldn’t see where it ended up until we crested the hill at the green.  “Viv” will tell you my reaction was true elation. My pink golf ball was sitting there about five inches from the cup!  And yes, I tapped it in successfully.  

I frequently talk about these good “moments” that I think about, and hold onto for the next set of challenges.  And when people say the game of golf is a lot like “the game” of life, this is what that means to me.   Hold tight to the little victories, remember the joy, trust in the future.  And your next shot!

5 THINGS TO DISCOVER IN CLEVELAND

Every week I have the chance to put together a story about 5 Things.  One of the best things about this for me is that it’s kind of like my own personal playground – a chance to gather up pictures and information to share on a wide range of topics that interest me – and, I hope, you.

Today’s 5 Things looks at five of Cleveland’s “hidden treasures.”  They are underpublicized, yet fascinating spots to discover here in our city.  With Cleveland’s rich history, there are dozens of these treasures, of course.  A submarine on Lake Erie?  A money tree?!  A police museum?  All here.  The stop that really had my jaw drop is high over the Cuyahoga river – the Veterans Memorial Bridge.  The history of that bridge, the architecture of it’s concrete reinforcement, the echo of the streetcars that once ran between east and west – it’s all there to absorb, offering a great opportunity for a first hand look at a critical structure in Cleveland’s development.  While those trolleys are gone, that pathway beneath the pavement that carries traffic over the bridge is today’s conduit for fiber optics, utility lines, and other connections between east and west.

There are more hidden treasures in Cleveland.  And since I anticipate another chance to add five more to today’s list, I’d love to hear from you about one of your favorite little known spots.  I welcome your comments and ideas as always.

One Chapter Ends…Another Begins

The reaction across our newsroom yesterday to Ted Henry’s retirement announcement was a repeated expression of shock.  While such news would not have been surprising at some point in the indefinite future, to learn that Ted’s long association with WEWS would end in a matter of weeks has left us all with a lot to think about.

As one of those fortunate enough to have shared the anchor desk with him for many years on different newscasts, I know that my friendship with Ted will continue.  I look forward to hearing about the new adventures he’ll share with his wife Jody as they pursue dreams that have been restricted by work obligations in Cleveland.  I feel immensely happy for him and even a little envious.

When I came to WEWS-TV in 1987 as co-host of  The Morning Exchange, Ted was already solidly established as one of the most familiar and well liked news anchors in northeast Ohio.  Never arrogant or full of himself, always open, warm and engaging, he proved to be a generous partner for me in a great variety of circumstances.  These same qualities, along with Ted’s humility and deep empathy for those who suffer, have endeared him to viewers for decades.

For me and many others, Ted has been a mentor, counselor and leader.  We’ll continue to learn from his accomplishments, and all of the great “Ted stories” will still be told.  There are many things I’ll miss – especially the countless times we found ourselves laughing through tears at moments when the humor was needed most.

We have a month to figure out how to say “see you later” and send him off with our blessings, best wishes and gratitude for 38 years of television at its best.  I’m so happy I was here to share the experience.

Rock Rules In Cleveland!

The rain filled clouds hung low over the city this morning, shrouding the skyline for the Monday morning rush.  As I drove my familiar route, I reflected on the sparkling, starry Saturday night I experienced along with the thousands who witnessed the 2009 Rock Hall Induction at Public Hall. 

Cleveland was alive with a rock and roll energy, the sunshine glinting off a fleet of  limousines and the stars they dropped off on the red carpet along Lakeside Avenue.  The city and newly spruced up Public Hall looked shiny and ready for a making a great impression.  

People came from all corners of the country to our northcoast, shoulder to shoulder with VIPs and stalwart rock music fans to take in the show.   It was a breathtaking, often emotional and extremely satisfying musical experience.  Highlights…Wanda Jackson reminiscing about her experience as one of the first women to rock out with a guitar…Smokey Robinson…Little Anthony and the Imperials’ words of gratitude and impeccable harmonies…Jimmy Page’s induction speech about guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck, whom he has known since they were both 11 years old…Page and Beck jamming on a little Led Zeppelin and Beck’s Bolero (Mr. Beck in a signature sleeveless vest – bringing on the gun show!) …Metallica nearly blowing the roof off Public Hall, after sentimental and touching words of appreciation for their induction….the thundering “Train Kept Rolling” finale with a galaxy of superstar guitar slingers all on playing stage at the same time…WOW!  The whole place was rocking and shaking!

It’s a fantastic memory for me now, but won’t be the last time we see the road to Rock Hall induction running right through Cleveland.

Rock n’ Roll!

Today the official Rock and Roll Week has been declared by Ohio and Cleveland officials, a lot of formal proclamations (and Bootsy Collins in full Parliament Funkadelic regalia) to usher in a  celebration of the music that’s always been about stirring things up!

I kicked off my own celebration a little earlier this week with The Eagles concert at The Q.  Glenn, Don, Tim, Joe and an impressive assemblage of musicians had a packed to the rafters arena singing along to their hits and laughing (some of us a little nervously) at a joke about it being “The Assisted Living Tour.”   Rock and Roll has no age, and there was all the proof we needed on stage.  They exceeded expectations.  They were absolutely GREAT!

This was not the first time I’d seen The Eagles, but it has been a long road out of Cincinnati since the last concert – The Eagles opening for Yes at the Gardens in-I think- 1974.  I also saw them once at Dayton’s Hara Arena, opening for Ten Years After.  And a longtime friend recalled a record store in Cincinnati giving out free tickets to see The Eagles in 1971 before anyone knew who they were.

I don’t just “enjoy” music.  I LOVE music – I remember feeling early in my life that it somehow really mattered in my overall sense of well being.  Now decades past the days when concert going was a premier activity in my life, the same music I loved then still resonates.  New artists continue to join my CD collection (yes, I still buy CDs).  And spending a few hours taking in the live performance of one of rock’s greatest bands ever fills me with an indescribable joy – and makes me smile until my face hurts. 

Cleveland Rocks!  And it’s going to be a phenomenal week.  More surprises in store – stay tuned!

Alligators, Coyotes and Bears…Oh My!

This past weekend my golf buddy “Viv” and I had the great, good fortune to spend several days near Naples, Florida.    It was with major excitement and anticipation that I packed my clubs and took my first “golf trip.”  I laughed telling people I was taking the clubs (paying the extra baggage fee, hello!) to play in another climate, as this statement gave my golf game a much greater weight than it actually deserves.  It all became too clear when we stepped up to the first tee.

Now, I need to say that this course was extremely narrow and very tricky.  And surrounded by homes.  Then there were the reported sightings of BEARS.  And COYOTES.  And ALLIGATORS.  I am not kidding about this.  Add the multiple sandtraps, and abundant water hazards and this course should have had a big red warning sign on it.

The sight of a bear trundling across the fairway – well, who wouldn’t seize up at the sight of that, sending that ball waaaaaaaay to the right. Remember my thought that the sound of a golf ball hitting a tree is one of the funniest sounds ever?  This does not apply to the sound of MY golfball hitting a house. 

Perhaps the coyote sighting could be held partially responsible for my failure to get the ball in the air until the third tee.  And the putts that came “oh soooooo close” to the cup. 

Now, if I’d actually seen a bear or a coyote as warned, I could blame these errant shots on them.  I really did see an alligator.  He was floating peacefully in one of those previously mentioned water hazards, and didn’t seem very interested in us.  But he can have all eight golf balls I lost that round, because I sure wasn’t going to fish around in his territory to retrieve them.

I had a few good moments during our golf outing, and I’ll hang onto those for now.  Time for more practice.  A lot more!  Spring is only a month away!

Chocolate Milk = Sports Drink

Before Olympian Michael Phelps was photographed inhaling,  he famously used chocolate milk (actually, Carnation Instant Breakfast) to recharge after strenuous competition.  So why chocolate milk?  Aren’t drinks specifically made for athletes a better choice?  This came to my attention through one of the personal trainers at Peak Performance in Broadview Heights.  Apparently, chocolate milk really does a body good – especially after a strenuous, resistance-based workout.

Here’s why:  Chocolate milk contains an optimal ratio of carbohydrates to protein (4:1) to help refuel tired muscles.  Research has proven this ratio to be most efficient at replenishing muscle glycogen stores.  Adding protein to the usual mixture of carbs, liquids and electrolytes hastens muscle recovery.    Studies in the last couple years have shown certain proteins and carbohydrates in milk mitigate exercise induced muscle damage.  EIMD occurs when protein structures in the muscle break down and reduce muscle performance.  When consumed immmediately after resistance-based muscle damaging exercise, milk actually helps preserve more muscle than sports drinks or water.  And the sugar molecules in milk seem to be fairly easily absorbed by the gut.

I feel better about the protein packed instant breakfast my son favors most mornings.  And after my next workout, I think I’ll try it myself.

Meanwhile, a few golf games are in my near future.  Very near.  I’ll have more on that next week.

Valentine’s Day

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day?  A perfect occasion to demonstrate your affection for family and friends?  A made-up greeting card holiday?  Just more pressure?

It seems to me that – more than ever – a day that’s all about celebrating love is good for everyone.  It’s a great chance  in the doldrums of winter, to brighten the day for your spouse, partner, child, friends or maybe someone who is alone and lonely. 

As for how to express your love?  Any thoughtful gesture that says you really care – it doesn’t have to have $$$ attached to it.  This Friday in Five Things, I’m taking a closer look at what women ’really’ want for Valentine’s Day – with some expert advice to benefit men and women, attached or single. 

Meanwhile, for movie lovers – I’m interested in your pick for Best Movie Kiss!  Go to http://newsnet5.com/lees5things and nominate the kiss that is – for you – the most memorable, the one that makes  you melt, sigh, and want to watch again!   We were chatting about this in the newsroom today, and came up with a lot of great cinematic smooches – and it was kind of funny how the same actor/actress would come up again and again.  (Meg Ryan, for example.)

So here’s your cue to start thinking about the day reserved for love a week and a half early!

What A Week!

It always makes me a little misty-eyed to see the power and majesty of a Presidential inauguration, a hallmark of our freedom as Americans.  And of course the historic proportion of the 2009 Inaugural holds vivid images that will stick with me forever.

Today I’ve got another Five Things for you during Live On Five, a look at five of the most promising college majors in our shifting economy.  This is really a fun project for me because each week, the focus can be anything!  And I’m asking for your ideas to add into the mix.  Check NewsNet5.com and scroll down on our home page until you see the Lee’s Five Things icon.  Right below that you’ll see a list of ideas I’d like your thoughts on….the best advice you ever got, fave spot for a romantic dinner,  a particular item in your makeup bag that you don’t want to be caught without!  Thanks to all who’ve been offering up suggestions on the topics posted, I love reading them.  

Enjoy the weekend!

Five Things

Today during Live On Five – my first 5 Things!  One of the things I enjoy reading about is restaurants, new food trends and tastes.   So what’s coming for 2009?  You’ll get a fresh look at new flavors coming to a restaurant near you, and Cleveland’s Iron Chef Michael Symon gives us five hot new directions for your consideration.  (One of them you’re more used to experiencing in potpourri or sachets!)  I’ll look forward to hearing from you about each week’s 5 Things, comments and ideas welcome.  Please look at the topics we’re posting for your input.   Enjoy!