Back on the TeeVee

Darrell on TV
Originally uploaded by Darrell

In the "glass half full" world, I got another TV sports assignment and I don't think I embarrassed the network. I was sent to lovely Hammond, Louisiana to be the sideline reporter for a live broadcast of a game between the Texas State Bobcats and the Southeastern Louisiana Lions.
I had fun. The day was spectacular and the people were nice. The paycheck wasn't so bad, either. I deeply appreciate the opportunity and hope to be asked back.
In the "glass half empty" world, if I HAD embarrassed the network, no one would have known because we were on at exactly the same time as the LSU-Alabama game. Alabama is ranked #1 in the nation and this was the first time its coach, Nick Saban, returned to Tiger Stadium since his ill-fated departure to coach in the NFL. The game was a thriller. In fact, it went into overtime.
I didn't watch the game because I was situated an hour eastward, reporting on the battle of the big cats.
I can say I was in Baton Rouge for the finish of the LSU-Alabama game, though. Our game finished about an hour before LSU's, and I was driving through town listening to the final moments. I was on the Mississippi River Bridge as John Parker Wilson of the Crimson Tide scored the game winning touchdown. I had a beautiful view of the stadium. Given the ultimate outcome, a gut-wrenching LSU loss, I was grateful to be viewing it from a distance.
My glass is half-full after all.

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Back on the Teevee

Bad lighting on TV
Originally uploaded by Darrell

I'm the Michael Corleone of local/ regional TV. They keep dragging me back in. I was offered an opportunity to be the sideline reporter on a local broadcast of a football game, and I jumped on it.
It was fun and I knew most of the coaches involved. The best part, though, was the broadcast team. The local station cobbled together "talent" past and present. The three on-air guys were Tim Fletcher, Clif Cotton and me.
In the 1990's a local TV sports department was Tim Fletcher, Clif Cotton and me. The fact that we had a one-night reunion on another station is nothing short of remarkable. Fletcher put it all together, showing commendable friendship. Considering Clif and I are out of TV, it was a nice gift.
By all accounts, the broadcast came off pretty well. I hope we get to do it again.

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Comparing Travel Adventures

Darrell on the bus
Originally uploaded by Darrell

I've been keeping up with my friends' travels through various blogs. My old high school pal Elizabeth is on an 18-day tour of Asia and India. My buddy Matthew and his wife are off to Istanbul. The best friend routinely travels to Europe and South America on business. They got nothing on me. I rode a bus to Houston! Oh, and five hours later I jumped right back on the bus and came home. I got to sleep in my own bed and that counts for a lot.
I ate takeout from Fajita Ritas and a couple of slices of pepperoni pizza. Life is good.
Such is the life of a radio play-by-play man in minor pro sports. My Arena Football team won again, on the strength of five turnovers, two of them interception returns for touchdowns.
Meanwhile, my wife was in Austin accomplishing the somber mission of closing down her late father's house there. We actually passed on the road somewhere in East Texas. I was headed south on the bus while she was northbound for home.
Elizabeth and Matthew may have the advantage over me at the moment, but wait until they get back. They will be at home in Georgia and Oregon, respectively and I will laugh at them as I launch my next big travel adventure to McAllen, Texas. Istanbul, Myanmar, who cares? I've got the Rio Grande Valley, baby.

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