Zoo for You

Some of my friends having fun at Zoo Ball in Ft. Worth Saturday night!

There are lots of charitable events in North Texas, and a lot of people work very hard to raise money for worthwhile causes.  But anyone who’s ever been to Zoo Ball knows it’s one of the best.  This year there were free tatoos (as you can see) and Huey Lewis and the News was the entertainment.

But the best thing about Zoo Ball is that it raises money for one of the nicest venues for North Texas.  The Ft. Worth Zoo is known nationwide as one of the best in the country.  If you’ve never taken your children, you have a treat in store.

A special thanks from all of us who enjoy the Ft. Worth Zoo to Ramona Bass.  Ms. Bass is the mover behind the zoo, and Zoo Ball.  We’re lucky to have both!

Governor Hutchison?

More leaks about Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison running for Texas Governor.

The Associated Press reports that the Senator told colleagues she is forming a committee to explore a run.

The Senator and I first talkabout about this several months ago.  I spoke with her office tonight and they won’t confirm or deny that report.  All they’ll say right now is that “In order to explore new opportunities that many Texans have asked me to consider I informed my colleagues today that I would not seek re-election as chair of the Republican Policy Committee….it is in the best interests of the committee to elect a new policy committee chairman who can committ full attention…”

I fully expect to see Senator Hutchison’s name on the ballot for Texas Governor.

Texas’ Finest

Is this another case of a young talented athlete getting in over his head and being used by the very people who are supposed to help him?

Two years ago, I interviews UT quarterback Vince Young.  He was the winner of the prestigious Davy O’Brien Award.  He was refreshing — full of enthusiasm and seemed to have his feet planted firmly on the ground.

Unfortunately, I ran across an article in the New York Times a few days ago that said Young has some serious problems now.  His therapist said Young talked of quitting football, and has even mentioned suicide.

When Young was in Ft Worth a relative was handling his affairs.  She was dedicated to his best interests.  I called and talked to her yesterday and she is distraught about what has happened. She says Vince got in over his head with people who are using him for his status and money.

Hopefully I’ll talk with Vince in the next few days and find out what’s really going on.  I’ll keep you posted.

RIP Wimpy

He wasn’t wimpy that’s for sure.  He was strong, a fast runner, and good natured.

Today we had to put down our old horse, Wimpy.  His hoof was hurting so badly he could barely walk.  At one time, long before we got him, Wimpy was a champion.  By the time Wimpy came into our lives, he was tired, but still a good enough horse to learn how to ride on.  He lived a good long life, at 23 older than most horses hope to last.

First I learned and then my husband Kevin.  Kevin was the one who ended up loving the sport and rode a couple of times every week.   Today Wimpy could hardly get into the trailer.  So good bye Wimpy.  Why is it children and animals always bring a tear to your eye?

Kiss in the Morning

This morning I woke up to a big kiss.  No, not from my husband.  KISS-FM called to ask me a few questions about TV and other stuff going on.

We talked about everything from getting my freshman son ready for Homecoming, to what NBC5 is doing to help the victims of Hurricane Ike, to what I listen to on my IPOD before every newscast.  It was fun to talk to them and   If you want to hear the interview, just listen to KISS-FM.

By the way, the last question was about my favorite song on their playlist right now.

Rhianna, no questions about it!

The Cost of Freedom

Johnnie Earl Lindsey has spent the last 26 years in prison for rape.  He was convicted in Dallas County.  Now comes word that new DNA evidence proves he is innocent.  A hearing is set for Friday.

Here’s what I want to know.  How on earth do you compensate a person for 26 years of their life?  It’s a tragedy and a shame that if Lindsey is released he will be the 20th person apparently wrongly convicted  in Dallas County.  It is also a tribute to District Attorney Craig Watkins office that he is trying to make these wrongs right.

But the question remains:  What does the state of Texas owe these people?  What is 26 years of your life worth?

Proud Peacock

How cool is that?  My brother just emailed me this picture from the Newseum in Washington D.C.

This is a replica of the NBC5 helicopter that hangs in the museum which is all about the history of news.  We have a lot of history here at NBC5 — we were the first television station on the air in the Southwest.

It’s fun to see a part of NBC5 on display for the whole country to see.

Yummy 2!

I was in line the first night Donatella Trotti opened her Italian restaurant Nonna Tata on Magnolia in Ft Worth.    i had been looking for good Italian food and a mutual friend in Dallas told me about her soon to open restaurant.  I wasn’t disappointed.  Nonna Tata is TINY!  It probably seats only 20 people and there’s always a line outside to get in.  It becomes sort of a neighborhood party with some people even bringing their own tables.  Why?  Because Donatella’s food is great.  Many of the recipies are ones she remembers from growing up in Italy. 

Now there’s good news for Italian food fans in Ft. Worth.  Donatella is opening TaTa Too in the revived Lake Como area.   Donatella has gotten a lot busier since she opened her little gem, but I still see her occassionally.  (She caters parties on Saturday nights and she’s done a couple of great ones for me)!

I’ll keep you posted on her opening date.

Here’s a link to a fun blog on Nonna Tata with a picture that’s sure to make you want to go!

Party!

Want a fun and easy way to help soldiers who have been fighting in Iraq and their families?

How about a Peppers & Pinatas Party?  It’s at Joe T. Garcia’s in Ft. Worth October 14th.  And the money goes to the Mental Health Association of Tarrant County to help returning troops.

Here’s the link: http://www.mhatc.org/php/index.php  Click on Peppers & Pinatas

David’s Daughter

David Finfrock and I started working together here at NBC5 on the noon news almost 25 years ago.  So I’ve worked in the studio with David longer than anyone else I know.  And there’s no one I know who’s a nicer person.

I knew David when that gray streak in his hair wasn’t quite as big, and when his children were a lot smaller.  He always doted on his daughter Jennifer, as lots of fathers do.

So all of us here at NBC5 were devastated to learn this spring that 34 year old Jennifer had breast cancer.  There is no way I can tell you how brave David has been through the entire experience.  Other than the initial shock, he’s been calm for the rest of his family and held on to his faith that Jennifer will be fine.

Well, the chemo and radiation are done and Jennifer is feeling great!  So we went back and did an update story  to let all the viewers who have been so concerned know how Jennifer, and David, are doing.

Our update on Jennifer will air Friday night during “Stand Up For Cancer”, a special program that will air Friday night at 7:00 right here on NBC5.  For David, and for your own family, we hope you’ll watch!

 

You can watch exerpts from Jennifer’s interview here:

Shocked She Had Cancer

Telling Her Family

Optimistic Outlook

Warning for Women