Ted_Perry's Blog

Even though I'm off today, I checked my email from home and I'm glad I did. I was reminded of an event that happened early on in my reporting career here in Milwaukee and I'd like you all to remember it too.

The following is part of the letter I received from a gentleman I met that day. I could paraphrase but he writes so beautifully I could not say it better myself:

Today is the 15th anniversary of the KC-135 exploding on the ramp at the 128th Air Refueling Wing (then "Group") at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee.  Six men, including a good friend, died unexpectedly that day on a day that started like any other. Military people make all kinds of sacrifices in all locations and in many different ways that civilians never know about.  It's not always a roadside bomb in Iraq or the shooting down of a helicopter or a friendly fire incident that takes or changes lives.  Events like this should be remembered, not only for the men who died that day, but for all the men and women who served, regardless of duty or branch, and for their family and friends, who will be forever touched by their own day like that cold December morning.  Please take a moment to remember the six and all the others as well.  Thank you.

Ok, it's me, Ted, writing again.  I didn't include his name because he was writing to me and I didn't want to violate his privacy but I wanted to share his thoughts.

I remember three things about that day: the absolute sadness of six men dying while serving their country, the bitter cold (I still remember the "clang" of  a metal clasp banging on a flag pole while the wind whipped over the tarmack) and the demeanor and professionalism of the members of the 128th. 

More on that third point: They had just lost six of their own. These people were their colleagues, their  peers, their own band of  brothers if  you will.  They were full of  grief  obviously and I'm sure fear as they didn't know what caused that plane to explode and yet they continued to act in the most PROFESSIONAL and HONORABLE manner.  Despite their loss and shock, they had a job to do and knew we had a job to do.  It was a horrible day for all involved but they inspired us (ok, me-I never speak for other members of the media) by the way they handled themselves.  I can not tell you how much respect I have for them for that.

Please keep all those men and women in your prayers.

Vince and Bart were right on (as usual), it was awfully cold in downtown Milwaukee this morning. The wind was whipping, sleet fell from time to time , there was no sun and it was grayer than a battleship's hull. Still, I can't think of anyplace I would rather have been.

Every year, I say to myself, "I've got to get to the Veterans' Day Parade" and every year, I find a bogus excuse not to go. Never again. Attendance for me will be mandatory.

I've never served a day in uniform. None of my four brothers either. If I have a cousin who has, I can't think of one. I came to adulthood in a time of a volunteer military. Because others have said, "I'll do it", I've never had to make that sacrifice.  I've never really known how to properly say thank you.  The use of our military is a politically sensitive subject. The gratitude we have to those those who serve(d) should not be. It can not be. 

People stood in line, sometimes for hours, to vote over the last couple of weeks.  I wish more had stood along the parade route this morning.  That not a judgment, it's really not. I just wish more people would connect the dots. Because they did A...I got to do B.

It is humbling to see veterans of WW2, Korea and even some of the older Viet Nam veterans whose bodies are giving out, slowed by injury or time, wearing their uniforms and carrying a flag down a city street. Their backs may be slightly bent but they walk with pride. It is not a swagger. It's a purposeful march. Dutiful perhaps. It's brilliant to watch.

Four distinguished African-American men walked together. They all served in WW2. It dawned on me that depending where they lived AFTER the war, they may not have been able to vote. I would have loved to hear their thoughts on the new commander in chief. I wonder if they ever thought they'd see the day.

I was standing near the corner of Prospect and Mason when a gentleman rode by on the back end of a convertible. He was either a WW2 vet or perhaps a Korean War alum, I'm not sure.  He looked over and said "thanks for coming" and I said "thanks for your service". He nodded and the car rolled forward a few feet--still going that parade pace slow. He then looked back at me and said "We did our best."

I can't tell you why, but I started bawling.

I'm not a crier. But I couldn't stop the tears. I was just struck by that statement. "We did our best."  It sums up so much. 

There's been ugliness and pettiness on both sides during the long campaign. Much of America is euphoric over the election results, others not so much. Some think President-Elect Obama is the answer to our problems. That's too much pressure to put on one person whether he accepts the challenge or not.  What made us great...what will make us greater is the attitude that that long-retired soldier shared with me 90 minutes ago: We did our best.

If we all do that, we'll be more than all right.

To those who served and are serving: thank you. Your sacrifice is noticed and appreciated.

In a few minutes we have to leave Bloomington-Normal, Illinois and head home.

It'll be good to get home--hotels on the road vary in comfort and cleanliness. For example, I'm wondering why there's a plastic bag covering my smoke detector above my bed. And I'm wondering why a non-smoking room smells like smoke. Oh, wait a second, I just put 2 and 2 together.

I hope you've enjoyed our stories from the road. It's been a ton of work but I wanted to make sure you knew about the guys who really made it happen.

I've been working with photojournalist Jerry Imig and producer Pat McCraney-two guys who've been at the station awhile but who frankly, I've never worked with before. Pat usually works with Bryan Polcyn turning those excellent investigative pieces and Jerry usually works on "news of the day" stories so I didn't know what it would be like to work with either one.

Let me tell you: it hurts. Hurts from laughing that is. These are long days--every one about 15 hours minimum. Remember, we drive 250-300 miles, stopping for pictures and sound and when we arrive at our destination THEN the work begins. I feel a bit like a carnival worker--set it up, tear it down, move one. Repeat.

But these guys have kept their (sometimes viscious) sense of humor and their wits about them and have made it so much more fun that it could have been. The fact that they are both OUTSTANDING at what they do as made it all the better. But frankly, our staff is loaded with excellent photojournalists and producers so I knew that wasn't going to be a problem.

Odd that our last stop is in Normal--because this trips been anything but.

THanks for riding along with us.

First off, my apologies.

We had computer issues in West Virginia and got them fixed in Columbus Ohio today.

I'm writing you from the dealership in Dayton, Ohio which is hosting tonight's party. Beautiful night, bikes streaming in one after another, the Davidsons signing autographs, it's all good.

Let me back track because I want to tell you about our stop in Wheeling, West Virginia on Sunday.  Wheeling is on the Ohio River and bills itself the "Friendly City".  It does not disappoint--we were made to feel extremely welcome.  Perhaps most welcoming was the Police Chief, Kevin Gessler, Sr.    He was personally directing traffice when we pulled up: me on my Softail, the guys (producer Pat and photographer Jerry) in the van and a live truck rented from our sister station.  "How can I help you?" he asked in a way that actually made me believe he wanted to.  We told him we were hoping to put the van and the truck "somewhere" close so we could bring you live pictures of the party for our late newscasts.

The chief actually walked the riverfront with us to help us pick the best spot. He said he could put us right next to the stage if we wanted. It was the first time I told a cop I actually wanted LESS access. My thanks to the chief--a really good guy who cares a lot about his city and helped us show it off.

Coming soon--pictures from Wheeling including the best Kiss coverband in the tri-state area of Ohio, West Virginia and Pennslvania.

Peace out,

TP

Greetings from the Fox6 Washington Bureau.  I like the ring to that even if it sounds a tad pretentious.  Photojournalist Jerry Imig and producer Pat McCraney make up the rest of the Bureau which tomorrow will become the Fox6 York Bureau.  We're not even in town long enough to have business cards made up.

So while shooting our story today, we rode around the key points of the district--we want to show you the sites and feel of every place we visit and I hope we have done that.

Anyway, we don't have a live truck or an office to work out of. Jerry edits on a lap-top so we can go anywhere. Today, after we got some shots of the Jefferson Memorial, we wondered where we should go to edit.  Producer Pat suggested we just stay put--we had shade, breeze and lawn chairs as well as a killer view of the Jefferson Memorial. We looked like a high-tech tail gate in our Badger chairs.

Tourists are all over this city. There's not an elected official to be found but tourists are on every corner.  A double decker tour bus rolled by as I was standing by my bike discussing story ideas with the boys.  About five people leaned out and starting taking pictures of my Harley. All the monuments around here and they shoot my bike.  I found that amusing.

Anyway, we have to do our six o'clock live shot in a few minutes and then head to the dealership party where we hope to meet up with Harley-Davidson CEO Jim Ziemer.

Check us out at 9 and 10 if you can.

 

 

 

 

 

I have no stories that compare with the blogs written by our fellow travelers as we've only just arrived.

I flew in to DC and picked up my Softtail at Harley-Davidson of Washington D.C. which is a bit of misnomer as the dealership is actually 30 miles south in Maryland.  Very nice people at that dealership though--brought out my bike, helped me with directions and sent me on my way.  We had a bit of trouble finding the place--the cab driver insisted on using a GPS and although he kept following its advice, I kept telling him he was wrong.I was proved right in the end.

Anyone who knows me knows I don't follow directions well but have a pretty good sense of direction.  I abandoned the directions the dealership gave me and made my way into downtown DC late this afternoon.  Aren't you suppose to ignore directions on trips like this? Isn't that the point?

I'm suppossed to meet up with producer Pat M and photojournalist Jerry I (not sure if they've approved use of their last names, I'll check) in a few minutes. They've been out sightseeing and they've earned the break--they drove a van for two straight days to get here while I flew. Now before you say "Do I smell prima dona" let me point out that I'll be the one riding the motorcycle all the way back. At least that's how I'm selling it.

We're staying at a very historic hotel in the District. It's not far from Ford's Theater where Lincoln was shot. He also died in this neighborhood and I'm not entirely convinced it wasn't in my room.  Yes, the place is that old.  

Still, it's DC--first in peace, first in war and last in the National League (the original quote was American league but that's when the Senators played here.)

Don't know what we'll have for you tomorrow but if I can't find a story in this town--then take away my press credentials.

Ride safe fellow bloggers.....

 

 

Did you know the students at Davidson don't have to do their own laundry? Seriously, the school does students' laundry so they can have more time to study. Seriously, I'm not making this up. The school's president says academics is number one on the DU campus.

So even though school is in session, the school is paying for FLIGHTS and GAME TICKETS for any student who wants to go to Detroit for the game. So much for academics being number one.

Usually, I cheer for the underdog this time of year but c'mon how can I like a school that pampers students like this? Call it my UW public school bias but I can't wait for Bucky to end this story a few hours from now.  At the UW we did our own laundry. Or in the case of one of my roommate's who shall remain nameless, we didn't do laundry at all. (I never went in his room it was so ripe in there.)

Anyway Cinderella,the dj called last dance so take the floor, let the national media fawn for a few minutes, and then take off the glass slipper before you cut yourself.  Remember your place Cinderella--you'll be back in rags soon.  And make sure you clean my bathtub too---you forgot to do that last time. Just don't touch the laundry, I know you've never learned to do that.

 

Researchers in Great Britian and America have concluded that the 'midlife crisis' is something that will affect people across the world, not just in Western Europe and the United States.

They've even come up with a U-shaped formula that shows we're happiest and the start and the end of our lives. At the bottom of that "U" is the age of 44  where the probability of depression peaks.  As I'm 43 and 9 months, this story jumped out at me today.

In my "Ted's Take" tonight, I talked about a guy named Clarence Garrett who I know from the YMCA.  I profiled Clarence(who just graduated from college at the age of 87) ten years ago as he was always happy and he told me then it was because there was just no other choice. That always clicked with me. Sometimes, it's simple enough to say "Just Be Happy Already." Sometimes it's not.

And that's where you come in. What's your secret of happiness? No judgment here, just asking you to share your tricks for happiness. I don't care if it's a sunrise, a Bible verse, a yoga trick, a joke....just asking you to share.

Thanks in advance.

 

 

I was in Iowa covering the caucuses when I learned about the passing of former Governor Lee Dreyfus.  Our family had just moved to Wisconsin in 1979 the same year Dreyfus became Governor.  I've always been a news junkie and when I moved here I watched a lot of news trying to get used to my new home state.

I honestly didn't know a lot about politics then--I was just in middle school--but there was something very avuncular about my new governor. Maybe it was the mustache, maybe it was the red vest but he just seemed ..well, likable.

How little did I know how much I would like this guy.

Several years back when former President Nixon died, I was assigned to go to Dreyfus' home and do a quick interview. Fat  chance.  I can't tell you if Governor Dreyfus and I hit it off or if he was always this much fun to talk to and I didn't care. All I knew is that I was hearing story after wonderful story with a man who was bigger than life but still amazingly down to earth. I've often told people that is one of my favorite days in my 20 years of tv news.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family--I know what it's like to lose a dad---but what a wonderful life.

 What an interesting man.

 

 

 

I am a half-hour east of DM. Oh, i'm sorry - that's Des Moines. The locals call it DM, but before I ever came here, I would have called it BM, because I never thought a city in Iowa could be so nice. Shame on me. There's a front-page story in today's Des Moines Register newspaper about how many look forward to covering the caucuses because DM has become a cool spot. I'd have to agree - it's a much nicer city than I expected.

You may object to Iowa getting such a say early on, but I can tell you the people who will actually go to caucus tonight have done their homework. There's an old joke about a guy running for office in Iowa and one farmer says to the other, "What do you think of him?" and the other guy says, "I don't know, I've only met him 3 or 4 times."

Some notes from the past 24-hours:

* I seem to be the only reporter without a laptop. We have an assigned workspace in the Iowa events center, but I went there and pulled out my legal pad and notebook and felt like I was working for the Amish News Network. Campaigns have gone high-tech, but I'm still old-school. (So, how am I blogging? I'm dictating to the lovely Amy Kant as we drive).

* A reporter from Miami turned to me and said, "How do you wear a scarf?" I said, "What do you mean, how do you wear a scarf? A winter scarf? Anyway you can... as long as you cover the Adam's Apple and the throat, that's the important thing." He showed me how he was wearing his... it looked dapper I'm sure, but was doing nothing to keep him warm.

* Big scuttlebutt last evening was that actress Scarlett Johansson was showing up at a Barack Obama appearance at a high school at 10 o'clock. Both the outside and inside had the feel of a surprise rock concert. Inside, crews from Russia, Italy, Inside Edition and all the major networks were there with cameras ready. The big surprise was that Johansson never appeared, although she was spotted behind the stage by some reporters.

* While shooting some interviews with Iowa voters in a health club, we noticed former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton and a friend on a couple stairmasters nearby. Her friend seemed very concerned that we were there and talked to a manager. I assured her that our story was about Iowa voters and we had no interest in shooting or interviewing Chelsea. Her friend seemed grateful but surprised. Let's not forget here... at the end of the day, the stars are the voters.

* As we write this, photojournalist Andy Konkle and I are heading to Mike Huckabee's final appearance of the day. We'll have all the latest news on FOX 6 news at 5 & 6... and we'll be LIVE with results after the bowl game.

I know we don't get the attention Iowa does... but remember, the circus will be here when we have our primary February 19, short of a few acts that will be cut after tonight's caucus.

Looking for transplanted Iowans here.

Ever taken part in a caucus in Iowa? Would love to talk with you as I'm heading there Jan 2. Don't worry, it's not a tv interview, just backround stuff.

If you have, ted.perry@foxtv.com.

Peace and Merry Christmas.

Inspired by the actions of the state legislature last week, I too went out and spent money I didn't have for something I really didn't need. In my case, it was more music.

I read some good reviews of the new Alison Krauss/Robert Plant CD called "Raising Sand". I love Alison Krauss. If she put out an album in which she just covered WHAM songs, I'd still probably buy it because of her voice.  She could rent herself out as a lullabye singer and I'd dip into my 401K plan to get a good night's sleep.

I was never a huge Led Zeppelin fan mostly because I never felt like smoking pot before putting an album on. (Settle down Zep-heads, I'm just teasing.)

Ok, here's the deal on "Raising Sand". I didn't love it. In fact, I barely like it. Krauss and Plant sound fantastic and they play off each other well. The problem is I didn't care for the song selection or the music--and that I blame on T-Bone Burnett who produced it.

But I have much better things to say about another Alison Krauss release: It's called "A Hundred Miles or More" and it's sort of a 'best of' album. This one really features her brilliant pipes and her ability to tell a story thru a song. It's just lovely.  There are also some heart-breakingly good duets with James Taylor, Brad Paisley and John Waite. I'd get this album if I were you, it's a great listen.

Speaking of great listens.....

It took me waaaaayyyyyy too long to get exposed to the genius of Johnny Cash and I'm ashamed to admit it took even longer to get hooked on Willie Nelson. "The Essential" is a collection of Willie songs that you expect ("Mammas Don't Let Your Babies...On the Road Again"..etc) but it also has some great covers of classics (Patsy Cline's "Crazy" and Ray Charles' "Georgia on my Mind") and some great duets with Emmylou Harris and Waylon Jennings).

I never gave Willie much credit. I always thought of him as sort of a punch line for jokes about back taxes and excessive marijuana smoking. I was so wrong.  If a campfire could sing, it'd sound like Willie and I meant that as a compliment. There's a smoky warmth in his throat that draws you in. I understand-finally-why he's such a hit with people who've seen a thing or two in life.

 

 

 

Ok, those of you who know anything about me know I'm a huge fan of the Wisconsin Badgers having graduated from there in 1986 (although the University has asked me to say I went elsewhere!).

But I'm also a Big Ten fan having grown up blocks away from Dyche Stadium (home of the Northwestern Wildcats) and having several siblings and in-laws graduate from the University of Illinois.  I actually rooted for the Blue and Orange before falling in love with the Cardinal and White. Anyway.....

One of the things I like about Illini fans is a little thing they do when they see other fans wearing Illinois t-shirts or sweat shirts. The first person to notice the other yells "I-L-L..."...and the other person yells, "...I-N-I". It spells, of course, Illini.  When it works, it's kind of fun. When it doesn't...it goes over like a fart in church.

So today I'm at the grocery store and I see this woman wearing sweatshirt that says "University of Illinois" on it. As she passes me, I look at her and say "I-L-L...." and then....silence. More than silence. I got a look from her that was about the same look I would have been given if I said, "Hey lady..want to go over to the produce aisle and make out?" It was the most uncomfortable part of my day.

But the day is still young.

 

A co-worker of mine who I respect told me to get over it but I'd like to pick your collective brains about this one. The actor who plays the delivery guy in the VERY funny Miller High Life ads sang the National Anthem at Miller Park Tuesday night.

I love the commercials and the actor sounds like a very decent guy (I've heard him in a few interviews). He also nailed it--he sounded great.

Here's my question: should he have been "in character"?

He was wearing the delivery uniform he wears in the commercial. Yes, I know it's "Miller" Park and I know that's how he's known but I can't help but think it looks like the anthem is "for sale".  If Toby McGuire were asked to sing the National Anthem and showed up as "Spiderman" the same weekend the movie were opening, it would look like an obvious plug--and people would not be happy.

Is this any different?

Larry Hisle and I were teammates today. There's a phrase I never thought I'd write.

The former Brewer (and a very kind man), me, Mayor Barrett, County Executive Scott Walker, Tony Hrkac of the Admirals, Scott Dolphin of FM106 and Gregory Jon of WOKY were all invited to play wheelchair basketball with the athletes in town for the Veterans Wheel Chair Games. I think I can speak for the aforementioned guys when I say it was an honor and a humbling experience.

The athletes who are gathering in Milwaukee this weekend are all military veterans. They were also my 'teammates' for 20 minutes this afternoon.  It's funny when you think about it but the "able-bodied" guys were actually a hinderance to the wheelchair athletes. But athletes are athletes and these guys wanted to win. Which meant those of us who haven't played hoops in a chair needed a crash course in the finer points of wheelchair basketball. 

If you don't think it's not hard, go to your neighborhood basketball court, sit on a chair and shoot a few free throws. Now do it in a rolling chair. And dribble. And then have someone crash into you while you're shooting. Now, you're getting the hang of it.

Here's something I've never told anyone: my deepest fear is that I won't always be able to walk. I'm afraid that sometime while I'm out on my Harley, some drunken idiot will run a red light and leave me paralyzed.  I pray to God, I'm wrong but it's a fear.  I spent less than an hour with these men and women today but it was enough time to realize we all have a strength in us. These athletes are remarkable because a) they're veterans and b) they have the love of the game.

I hope you get a chance to watch some of the events this weekend. There's a link on our website to the schedule. All events are (Milwaukee's favorite word) free.

Make them feel welcome.