Rich on the Road

I've been trying for years to work out the logistics of a story on Texas Buffalo Soldiers -- the freed slaves who enlisted in the U.S. Army after the Civil War and helped win the West.  Most of their events are on weekends when I'm unable to get time or a photographer.  But, Wednesday it all came together at Lake Arrowhead State Park near Wichita Falls, where the park staff puts on an annual living history event.  Photographer Rick Smith and I shot the fixin's for a Lone Star Adventure that will air two Sundays from now in the 9pm news.

  Rosieleetta Reed Portraying Buffalo Soldier

In the process of shooting the story we got a chance to meet a remarkable woman named Rosieleetta Reed.  She's been a student of Buffalo Soldiers since she was a school girl.  Lee (as she's known to friends and family) is an operating room nurse from Venus, Texas  who volunteers with Texas Buffalo Soldiers and portrays the only known female Buffalo Soldier - Cathy Williams.  Williams was a freed slave who'd worked as a cook for the Union Army and after the war ended posed as a man, changed her name to William Cathey and served for two years along side the men.  Lee has done a lot of research on Cathy Williams (she has copies of her military records and a drawing made by a newspaper man in the 1880s) and loves to share the fascinating story with others.

 Luis Padilla and Selton Williams

The Texas Buffalo Soldiers program is run by a handfull of state employees with Texas Parks & Wildlife but it's the 200+ volunteers who really bring the history to life and they are always looking for more people to get involved..  Here's a link if you are interested: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/community_outreac
h_programs/buffalo_soldiers/

I wanted to share one other picture with you that Rick took with his still camera -- a couple of black-tailed prairie dogs we encountered in the park.  Lake Arrowhead is just south of Wichita Falls.  We're told it's an excellent fishing lake.  And, it has one of the furthest east prairie dog towns in the US.

Lynn Salmon runs the place and we found him to be a great host.  He tells us the crappie are biting and a 66 pound blue catfish was recently hauled out -- a new lake record.  Fishermen may want to put this Lake Arrowhead on the list.

Rich

Something happened Tuesday night in Mississippi that, potentially, has far wider ramifications than the ongoing Obama/Clinton soap opera.   The bottom line there is that Obama has the numbers and Clinton must soon admit the inevitable and drop out.

I must admit that I missed the bigger story until today when I started surfing some of the political blogs and news sites.  Another GOP seat was lost in Mississippi Tuesday night -- a seat that not long ago was considered a Republican lock.  Drudge and others claim Republican big wigs are shocked and dismayed at what it could mean for the party this fall.  Something has to be done, many of them are saying, to reverse course. 

This from Real Clear Politics:

In a major blow to national Republicans, a Mississippi congressional seat that once voted for President Bush by a twenty-five point margin elected a Democrat on Tuesday. Prentiss County Chancery Clerk Travis Childers beat out Republican candidate Greg Davis, the mayor of Southaven, by a 54%-46% margin, a spread that several Republican strategists on Capitol Hill characterized as a startling wake-up call for a party in dire straits.

This from Financial Times:

"...the Democratic win in Mississippi on Tuesday delivered the third consecutive Republican congressional defeat in otherwise safe districts following a recent loss in Louisiana and in the Illinois district of Dennis Hastert, the former Republican speaker...
“Since 1980 I have not seen a terrain so tilted against one party as it is against the Republicans in 2008,” says Norman Ornstein, a political analyst at the conservative American Enterprise Institute.

I suspect that there will be some real soul searching over the next couple of months as Republicans try to figure out how to change the momentum.  Democrats have been successful where they can tie their opponents to the White House.  Dick Cheney campaigned for the Republican in Mississippi and most think that was big mistake.  I'm not sure how big a role he played.  President Bush is very unpopular now but the disapproval numbers are just as bad for Congress as a whole.

The bottom line is that Republicans know they have to do something different than what they've done in these special elections.  Figuring out what ... that's the challenge.  We'll all be watching.

Rich

TVNewser blog has another update on the Megan Henderson saga today.  Read it and weep Good Day fans.  Sounds pretty serious.

So, Fox4 Dallas anchor Megan Henderson will be coming to New York, she will be filling in on F&F Weekend and she will be meeting with Roger Ailes. And she knows all about it...now.

After our story yesterday, that Henderson was a hit with the FNC higher-ups, Dallas TV blogger Ed Bark talked with the KDFW a.m. anchor about the news, which she was apparently unaware of. But then, that's what agents are for.

This morning TVNewser got the lowdown from FNC SVP Bill Shine, the guy who would know about these sorts of things.

Shine tells us Henderson will be "on the air the first weekend in June" (June 7-8) and she "will have a meeting with Roger when she's here."

As for her contract with KDFW, because she's already a News Corp. employee, Shine says, "if an agreement can be worked out, then she could be available" anytime. There's a window in Henderson's contract beginning this summer which allows discussion with other entities. So if they really like her, FNC would be wise to lock her in, now.

And beyond possibly becoming the new face of F&F Weekend, Shine says "We have very high hopes for her."

Frankly, simply doing the weekend morning show at FNC would not be a step up from Good Day in Dallas.  Again, I have not spoken with Megan about this and don't know anything more than what I read, but I don't think she'd move unless they were offering something more substantiall than that.

Rich

I offer this without comment, except to say I think Megan Henderson is a terrific morning news anchor and a tremendous asset to Fox 4 and I would hate to see her go.  I don't know anything more than what I read.  It comes from mediabistro.com and its TVNewser blog.

TVNewser has learned Fox & Friends fill-in Megan Henderson has passed the Roger test, as in she'll be returning to New York to meet with FNC chairman Roger Ailes.

Henderson, who anchors mornings at Fox O&O KDFW in Dallas/Ft. Worth, filled in on Fox & Friends Weekend in early April. An insider tells us, "Roger is very impressed with her skills as a morning anchor."

A source tells TVNewser Henderson has an out in her KDFW contract this summer and executives want to keep her in the Fox family. The insider also tells us Henderson's appearances "would not be limited to weekends."

Rich

I don't think I've ever posted anything in the Music blog before but here's something that should be of interest to local music fans.  The New York Times is featuring Denton in its Sunday Travel Section as "An Indie Scene That Comes With a Texas Twang."  

Check it out at

http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/05/11/travel/11cultu
red.html?ref=travel#

The Boxcar Bandits at Bailey's in Denton -- from NYTimes

It amounts to a big shout-out for a lot of local bands with national ambitions.

Rich

After previous posts, touting upcoming stories, I had a couple of requests for a heads up when the stories actually were set to air.  Two of them air tonight -- one at 5pm and 9pm -- the other at 9pm on Fox 4 News.  Consider yourself four-warned about ---

CHINA

Catherine and I spent 12 days in China earlier this spring on vacation (I blogged extensively about the fascinating journey) and I returned with a news story.  In fact, just weeks before I left for China I found myself at a luncheon with Mark Yarbrough from Dallas Theological Seminary, talking about DTS's remarkable and groundbreaking effort to train Christian leaders in China over the internet -- and with the full knowledge of the Chinese government, so long repressive of Christians in their midst.  I don't think it was a coincidence that I found myself at that luncheon at the same table with Mark Yarbrough three weeks before I left for China.  Doors have been opened for me to tell the remarkable story of China's changing policy on Christianity and the major role DTS is playing in that.  Please watch the story at 5pm or 9pm -- better yet, view it on the website later this evening.

NY TX ZIPLING ADVENTURES

This is fun stuff -- part of the Lone Star Adventure series and a brand new ziplining tour near New York, Texas (east of Athens).  Again, I've blogged about it before and a couple of you asked that I give you a heads up when the story was airing.  Tonight at 9pm.  And, on the website earlier in the evening.  A few years ago zipline or canopy tours were available only in places like Costa Rica.  Now they've come to East Texas and this one is absolutely terrific.

Rich

It's always dangerous to discuss politics and religion.  Today I'm going to tackle both.  And, urge every Christian to read An Evangelical Manifesto.  It was released earlier this week by more than 70 theologians, clergy and Christian leaders and, in effect, seeks to reclaim the name 'Evangelical" from the clenched fists of those who have sullied it in the name of POLITICS. Here's a small portion: 

North Carolina and Indiana are going as expected -- one for Obama, the other for Clinton -- insuring that the Democrats will continue to bloody each other a while longer.

But, in the interest of fairness, I thought I better offer up Hillary's Top Ten on Letterman.  Not as funny as Obama's, in my humble opinion, but blame Letterman's comedy writers for that I guess. 

Her delivery and comedic timing was every bit as good as his.  Maybe they have a future in late night TV if this politics thing doesn't work out.

Rich

Just for fun -- here's Barack Obama reading his own Top Ten on Letterman the other night.  The guy is certainly relaxed and confident on camera.  He's in a class with Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton -- the best two pure communicators we've seen in the White House in recent decades.

Rich

"Clean Hair" was again the decider (surely I'm not the only husband who's fishing plans have been foiled by the "I've got clean hair" argument) and so Catherine and I returned to High Island for another nearly full day of birding.  We took the ferry from Galveston and headed back up the coast.

Catherine Feeding Laughing Gulls on the Bolivar Ferry

  We stopped briefly at Tuna Road in Rollover Pass where I did snap a couple of pictures of pictures of birds we actually saw -- though, we aren't 100 % sure on our identifications.  Shore birds are not my strength. 

Clapper Rail (We Think)

The birding was better at both Boy Scout Woods and Smith Oaks but I had to be back to work today so we left about mid-afternoon and, predictably, migrants flocked in a couple hours after we set out for home -- at least,  that's what I'm reading on Texbirds today.

Semipalmated Plover (We Think - Hey, This birding deal is tough sometimes)

We did have more fascinating conversations with a trio of the guides from www.TropicalBirding.com.  The company has set up shop across from the Boy Scout Woods sanctuary and is offering free guided tours of the two sanctuaries in High Island and Bolivar Flats (great spot for shore birds).  One was from South Africa and another named Benji is from Minnesota (my home state) and often guides in Kenya near where Catherine and I have traveled on short term mission trips for church.  I had a chance to use a little of the Swahili I learned a few years ago (it's pretty rusty) and we had a good time talking about mutual places and situations we've encountered.

The birding guides will be doing more of the same next spring and we will be there to take advantage.  Maybe, next year we'll time it right.

Rich

Full day of birding.  Once again we missed "the fallout."  Happens every year.  We're a day late or a day early.  This year about two days late, I think.

Sabine Woods and High Island are up the coast from Galveston.  High Island, in particular, is famous with birders around the world.  It's not really an island.  Just a high spot on the Gulf Coast with lots of woods.  Birds migrating from South America -- especially if they've been fighting a stiff north wind -- will sometimes arrive by the thousands and fill the trees -- too exhausted to fly further north.  Then, they linger for a few days, feeding on berries or insects or whatever they feed on before heading north again.  Over the weekend and into Monday there were dozens of warbler species being reported at the High Island bird sanctuaries -- flocks of orioles and grossbeaks and tanagers and other beautiful migrants.  By the time we got there today -- well there were a few beauties around and we always love to walk the woods, but it was pretty slow.

One cool thing to report is that this year a group called Bird America has set up shop across from the Boy Scout Woods sanctuary at High Island and is offering complimentary bird guides.  We spent time with a Brit named Sam Woods (perfectly suited name for a guide here) and another from Minnesota named Benji.  Both provided great insight and helped us spot birds we would have otherwise missed.

We added two species to the life list -- a grey-cheeked thrush and a black tern.  We also spotted something really rare at Smith Oaks sanctuary.  Benji's best guess is that it was some sort of mutant, female Northern Oriole.  Very odd and beautiful looking -- yellow body with white wings.  He snapped a few shots through his scope.  Should spark discussion among the avid birders if it hangs around Smith Oaks. 

A Bird We Didn't See Today  (courtesy www.tropicalBirding.Com)

Here's the web address for Sam and Benji's company:

www.tropicalbirding.com

They offer guided trips all over the world.  We've found that hiring a guide is the way to go.  You learn so much and you see so much more -- especially when you're in unfamiliar territory. 

Another Bird We Didn't See Today (courtesy: www.tropicalbirding.com)

We birded until early evening (migrants usually come in between 4-6pm) then took the Bolivar Ferry across to Galveston (always an adventure) and found our usual cheap (but clean) Best Western Motel on the seawall with its $60/night manager's special (roughly $100/night cheaper than the Holiday Inn just down the street) where we have showered and are in for the night.

Not sure what we're doing tomorrow.  But, then that's what I like about these getaways.  We'll do what strikes our fancy tomorrow.  We've brought the fishing rods but... well, we'll see.

Rich

I haven't been consistently blogging of late -- which may actually please a few of you -- but Mom, at least, probably expects more.  So, let me scattershoot on some odds and ends.

We enjoyed an absolutely delightful weekend last week at The Ranch -- 600 acre spread near Oakwood owned by our beloved church friends Wayne and Susan.  In fact, a big portion of our Careciple Group (monthly bible study and fun-loving partners) traveled south to partake in horseback riding, weapon (shotgun, rifle, pistol, bow and arrow) shooting, singing around the campfire and fantastic dining.  Sunday morning service by the ranch pond produced another wonderful memory. 

Susan and Wayne

Christian friends are priceless and we are blessed with so many.  Blessed.

On another note, China continues to be in the news -- locally and internationally -- and Catherine and I now follow it more closely because of our fascinating  two-week trip through the country earlier this month.  Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert is now leading a Dallas delegation in China -- hoping to eventually drum up more business between there and here.  His press aide has been sending along pictures including this one:

Under the circumstances, I'm not sure the gift of a Mavericks jersey to a Chinese mayor might not be seen as an insult.  We hope not.

Which brings us to a sad Mavericks note - the firing of Avery Johnson.  Class guy, with an honest Christian witness -- we knew it was coming but, still, hate to see it happen.  And, after last night's game I don't see the Mavs getting better anytime soon.  Go Stars!

Finally, as the top of this post would indicate, Catherine and I are on the move again.  We're heading for a place called High Island.  And, with any luck, some incredible birding.  Maybe even a full fledged fallout of migrating beauties.  We'll also do some fishing, beach combing and general relaxing.  I'll blog as we go.  I promise, Mom.

Rich

I love my job! Today is a prime example of why. Photographer John Gnann and I spent a splendid day in the rolling forest outside New York, Texas (yes, there IS a New York, TX) shooting a feature on a new zip-line destination. Five years ago you had travel to Costa Rica or Hawaii to fly across the tree-tops on zip lines but a few of them have started to pop up here in the states and this is the best one I've found to date -- NY TX ZipLine Adventures.

It's set high on a hill top east of Athens with a view that is magnificent. You can see the skyline of Tyler 30 miles away and the view in one direction is easily 60 miles. I never realized that East Texas had this kind of topography. And, it is perfect for zip-lining -- a perfectly safe way to get a great adrenaline rush. You are hundreds of feet in the air but always attached by safety lines as you fly along a cable from treetop platform to treetop platform.

NY TX ZipLine Adventures just opened this month. Eventually owners Chuck and Connie Shultz hope to have a bed & breakfast (in the historic home they moved here from Jacksonville, TX) and cabins. We sat out on the porch and enjoyed the view after the ziplining was over and it was spectacular.

The feature will run in our regular Sunday night at 9-pm Lone Star Adventure spot -- not this Sunday but the next. Right now, the adventure is by appointment only but you can find more on the web at www.GoZipTexas.com

I recommend it highly. Highly.

Rich

Watching another round of storms roll in tonight with visiting family members -- folks from California, for whom our Texas thunderstorms are truly frightening.  They rarely see anything approaching this fierceness of rain and wind.  Just looking at the radar -- all the reds and yellows and swirling systems -- clearly makes them nervous.  And the big thunder boomers make them jumpy.

Photo courtesy: imacmike

On the other hand, having grown up on the northern end of Tornado Alley (farm country in southern Minnesota) this seems pretty tame.  In fact, I've always enjoyed a good thunderstorm.  Angry thunderheads building on the horizon, spectacular light shows, are good entertainment.  At least, until baseball-sized hail starts knocking holes in the roof and gusts of wind begin tearing the fence down. 

Over the years, I've had a chance to do stories with professional storm chasers and the tourists who spend thousands of dollars to tag along with them in search of violent weather.  It's a growing industry.  Last spring I spent two days chasing with Martin Lisius's outfit Tempest Tours.  We went nearly to Wyoming in search of tornadoes and the storm systems that spawn them.  Actually caught a funnel cloud on tape, though it never touched the ground.

The day may come when thunderstorms lose all their entertainment value for me.  That sort of happened with my hurricane chasing career -- after I actually caught one in South Carolina -- Hurricane Hugo in the late 80s if I remember right.  Spending the night in a hurricane shelter with the windows crashing in took all the "fun" out of it.  I never volunteered for the assignment again.  Though, I was sent a few times anyway.

Here's hoping this one stays entertaining.  And, doesn't do any serious damage.

Rich

By now, most of you are aware that CNN's Jack Cafferty has become China's Public Enemy #1.  You've probably also seen the quote from Cafferty that prompted CNN to apologize to China's government.  If not, here it is:

"We continue to import their junk with the lead paint on them and the poisoned pet food and export, you know, jobs to places where you can pay workers a dollar a month to turn out the stuff that we're buying from Wal-Mart. So I think our relationship with China has certainly changed. I think they're basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they've been for the last 50 years."

The "goons and thugs" part of it seems to be especially irritating to the Chinese, who are busy trying to convince the world that they're really not the way they were, that they are eager and ready to join the rest of the developed world, please come to our Olympics party this summer  -- and that all those nasty things the Western media is saying about Tibet and human rights violations are just biased propoganda.

That's the set up.  This blog is really about the sometimes small fraternity that is television journalism.  Jack Cafferty gave me my first full time reporting job -- in 1976 at the NBC affilliate in Des Moines, Iowa (not my favorite place but that's the subject of another blog).    Jack was the evening anchor and managing editor at WHO-TV in Des Moines.  I'd been working as a photographer/reporter at KROC-TV/AM/FM in Rochester, Minnesota.

I've, thus, always followed his career.  He was a good guy.  Funny and fun loving.  Decent newsman too, though I don't believe he had a college degree.  He'd had some success in business before he went into TV, as I understood it.  He had the looks and the voice and the presence that, especially 30 years ago, news executives were looking for.  When he left the station, the guy who replaced him turned out to the worst news director I ever had -- absolute disaster, but that, too, is the subject of another blog.

Jack left WHO for a weekend anchor job at WNBC in New York and made a splash, almost immediately, by using the word "sucks" on the air.  It was an ad lib about the weather, as in "the weather sucks" (if I remember right) and the New York tabloids jumped all over it.  But, as these things often go, the "bad" publicity turned out to be good publicity because, suddenly, everyone in New York knew who the new guy on NBC was -- the one that said the weather "sucks."   Not long afterward he became the weekday anchor on the station's "Live at Five' newscast and had a long run there.

I suspect this latest gaffe may turn out the same way.  People who never watch CNN now know the name Jack Cafferty.  It will probably improve the ratings on his show, at least in the short term.  He said what a lot of Americans still believe to be the truth.  I haven't spoken to Jack since the late 1970s.  But, I hope he's doing well.  And, that it all works out for the best.

Rich