I was raised to believe that anyone could be president of the United States. Certainly in my lifetime, the ascendencies of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush seemed to bolster that theory.

But with the news that President Barack Obama is nearing $1 billion in campaign funds, with challenger Mitt Romney not far behind, I wonder how true that once-bedrock American belief is. Would either of my two sons ever be in a position to access $1 billion? By the time they will be old enough to run, 30 years from now, $1 billion will seem like a quaint little figure.

Would I ever want either of my sons to be president? To experience the rancor, the lies and the open hatred many of our politicians endure?

Would I want to open a newspaper every day and see attacks, lies and attempts to destroy their characters and neutralize any chance they had at effectiveness?

As the election nears, media bias is an ongoing and legitimate concern. As a working journalist, I pay close attention to how local media cover politics. The inexorable acrimony that divides so many Americans has become an accepted element of the discussion; that is clearly seen in the rise of such media outlets as FOX News and MSNBC. More people seem to gravitate to news sources that present the side they believe in, thus depriving themselves of opposing viewpoints and messages.

How does this division and side-taking translate to local media? To investigate, Toledo Free Press commissioned researcher Mary McCartney to study the LexisNexis database and local media websites  (The Blade, Toledo Free Press, 13abc, WTOL/FOX and WNWO NBC)  to determine whether our hometown media have taken sides in Obama vs. Romney.

Our research studied the period from June 1, 2012 — the week Romney sewed up the GOP nomination with a Texas primary win — through Oct. 3, 2012, just after the first presidential debate. The focus was on which candidate dominated the reporting of each published or broadcast story — which candidate was discussed in more depth, with more words — than his opponent. Each story was determined to fall into one of three categories: Balanced, Obama or Romney. We focused on campaign-specific stories, discounting news coverage of Obama’s presidency if the story did not invoke the campaign. We included opinion columns and analysis pieces alongside news stories, under the belief that total presentation of each candidate was important.

We did not attempt to characterize the tenor of the coverage; judging slant, positive or negative, takes the conversation down a subjective road, far from any empirical analysis. Our study guides you through each media outlet’s volume of coverage. It is up to you to determine if that coverage is fair to your chosen candidate.

Television stations

The broadcast media were firmly entrenched in balanced reporting. All three stations relied on Associated Press reports for website pieces of any depth (as defined by word count); local reporting was limited to local candidate visits.

• WNWO NBC presented 34 Balanced stories, 34 Obama stories and 34 Romney stories, a perfect balance for a total of 102 stories. A check of the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) database shows WNWO President/CEO Chris Topf has donated to the National Associaiton of Broadcasters Political Action Committee (PAC), but not to any specific candidate.

• WTOL/FOX Toledo included 11 Balanced stories, 17 Obama stories and 24 Romney stories, leaning GOP in its total of 52 stories. An FEC check shows WTOL General Manager Bob Chirdon has donated to the Liberty Corporation Federal PAC, but not to any specific candidate.

• WTVG 13abc offered 8 Balanced stories,  11 Obama stories and 8 Romney stories, leaning slightly Democratic in its total of 27 stories. FEC records do not show that WTVG General Manager John Christianson has donated to any specific candidate.

Adding it all up, Toledo’s TV stations offered 53 balanced stories, 62 Obama stories and 66 Romney stories for a relatively fair total of 181 stories.

Toledo Free Press

Although Toledo Free Press is certainly more conservative-leaning than The Blade, I was surprised to see the results of our study. Toledo Free Press presented 4 Balanced stories, 5 Obama stories and 12 Romney stories for a total of 21 articles. I was surprised because, working with Toledo Free Press Managing Editor Sarah Ottney and News Editor Brigitta Burks, we have striven to cover Obama and Romney appearances equally. Looking at the details, the source of the disparity is clear. Opinion pieces by conservative writers Tim Higgins, Thomas Berry, Gary Rathbun and Dock David Treece tip our content way in Romney’s favor. I do not apologize for any of our writers’ opinions, but it does help to be aware of the specifics in the gap in our opinion content.

The FEC database shows no donations from Toledo Free Press Publisher Tom Pounds or Toledo Free Press Editor in Chief Michael S. Miller.

The Blade

Given Blade Publisher and Editor-in-Chief John Block’s open endorsement of Obama (remember the 2008 Page One Blade photo of Block giddily reaching to embrace then-candidate Obama?), his 2008 donation to Obama for America and his attendance as one of very few guest list media people at the March 14, 2012 State Dinner for U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, combined with his newspaper’s stalwart liberal philosophy, it would not be surprising to see Obama dominate The Blade’s campaign coverage. And the numbers do show a disparity.

During our study, The Blade reported 56 Balanced stories, 86 Obama stories and 62 Romney stories for a total of 204 articles. The total contains some interesting trends by reporters, presumably covering specific beats. Blade reporter Jim Provance has been credited for 8 Balanced stories, 28 Obama stories and 9 Romney stories; reporter Tom Troy has a byline count of 22 Balanced stories, 25 Obama stories and 36 Romney stories. All other Blade writers had numbers relatively evenly divided between the two candidates.

FEC records do not show any candidate donations by John Block during this election cycle. Block Communications Chairman Allan Block has donated to Romney for President Inc. and the National Republican Congressional Committee. He is also a contributor to Republicans Sen. Rob Portman, Rep. Bob Latta and U.S. Senate candidate Josh Mandel, and Democrat Rep. Marcy Kaptur.

WSPD 1370 AM

In tracking WSPD (disclosure: I host a pop culture radio show for WSPD, for no compensation), which features a conservative lineup led by Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and local hosts Brian Wilson and Fred LeFebvre, an interesting trend emerges. Obviously, the station mentions Obama and Romney with a frequency too great to count during the course of four months. FEC records do not list any donations from General Manager Andy Stuart. But WSPD is the only local news source that consistently covers Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson. Johnson has been a guest on the station’s local shows and his platform has been regularly discussed in-depth on its airwaves.

To contrast, Toledo Free Press has mentioned Johnson once during the study period. Another review of The Blade for the four-plus months examined showed only three mentions of the Libertarian candidate. Two of those mentions were in passing; one article reported on the visit to Toledo by his vice presidential candidate, Jim Gray, and the main theme of the story was the candidate’s position on same-sex marriage. A study of local television websites shows a number of Associated Press articles.

Summation

Across all media reporting in Toledo, it appears the press tends to slightly lean in favor of the president, with an attempt at balanced reporting across all the organizations. There were 406 stories total: 113 Balanced, 153 Obama and 140 Romney. So while national media may clearly be divided by bias, at least locally, in this study, we can be pleased to have a relatively balanced media.

Unless you’re a Gary Johnson fan.

Michael S. Miller is editor in chief of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star. Email him at mmiller@toledofreepress.com.

Tags: 13abc, Allan Block, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Bob Latta, Brian Wilson, Dock David Treece, Fred LeFebvre, Gary Johnson, Gary Rathbun, George W. Bush, Glenn Beck, Jim Provance, John Block, Josh Mandel, Lighting The Fuse, Marcy Kaptur, Michael S. Miller, Mitt Romney, Rob Portman, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, The Blade, Thomas Berry, Tim Higgins, Toledo Free Press, Tom Pounds, Tom Troy, WNWO NBC, WTOL

This entry was posted on Friday, October 12th, 2012 at 12:00 am and is filed under Featured, Lighting The Fuse, Opinion.
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Related: The Gold Knight: I tried to be a millionaire

Matthew Gonzalez keeps a skee ball machine, a water blaster game and a hot dog stand in his garage.

He is not in the carnival business, nor the food truck industry. He owns a hair salon. He is, however, in the business of game show hopping. He can thank “The Price is Right” for the small arcade in his garage, a cruise trip and celebrity networking.

Gonzalez has also landed a spot on “Deal or No Deal” and competed in the obstacle course show “Wipeout.” So when producers from “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” pulled into town, he made sure he was one of the first eager contestants to audition at 7 a.m.

“You only live once,” he said. “I work all the time. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, so what the heck, why not play?”

Gonzalez did not pass the initial test Wednesday, but that hardly hampered his enthusiasm. He went back to audition in the evening for “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’s” special Movie Week.

Gonzalez was one of 1,600 people who turned out for the “Millionaire” auditions Wednesday at the Hilton Garden Inn at Levis Commons. Contestants waited in a line that wrapped around most of the building by 6 a.m. The show’s producers administered tests starting around 7 a.m. The “Millionaire” hopefuls had 10 minutes to answer 30 questions. If they passed the test, the producers called them back for one-on-one interviews, where they had to answer questions about themselves.

Gonzalez said he has mastered the qualities game show producers seek when looking for future television guests. He attributes his past game show picks to his boisterous personality, high energy and integrity.

“You have to be able to sell yourself,” he said.

He’s got it.

“We are looking for what will distinguish you from other people — we want people from home to be able to root for you,” said Geoff Rosen, supervising producer. “What’s your story? What makes you unique?”

The Toledo area was the second stop of six the “Millionaire” producers will make to find contestants for the next two seasons. This is the first time the producers have visited Toledo. The show always runs auditions in New York City, but typically auditions in six other locations around the country to meet a range of people, Rosen said.

“We really love the idea of going to smaller towns rather than big cities because you find such great people in these small towns,” Rosen said.

Toledoans, who turned out in numbers that exceeded expectations, impressed him.

“There will be some people from today’s audition who will appear on the show,” Rosen said.

That’s good news to Tracey Launder, a 51-year-old grandmother of four who has been a loyal “Millionaire” viewer since the show began. She is an old pro at the 30-question test; she flew to New York City for a previous season’s auditions and passed. She didn’t make the cut after the interviews, she said.

She passed the test Wednesday morning — one she said was more difficult than the previous test she took. Many of the test-takers walked away looking dazed, describing the timed test as extremely difficult. During one of the sessions, an audible laugh escaped one of the contestants. Some others anxiously scratched their heads or stared at the ceiling. Some did not break focus from their papers, their eyebrows pressing heavily downward in concentration.

Toledo Free Press cannot reveal any test questions because the producers reuse those questions at other stops.

“I seem to be able to pull useless knowledge out of my head,” Launder said. “But then of course I couldn’t remember where I parked my car when I left.”

The show gives cash to guests who can answer a range of questions. One-million dollar winners answer 14 questions. Rosen said the writers aim for questions that cover the shallow ends of a multitude of topics, so that TV show guests don’t have to be complete gurus in all categories to know the answers. He pointed out that the past few winners included a truck driver, a teacher and a bartender.

The host, Meredith Vieira, has led 1,800 episodes and awarded more than $70 million to contestants.

People came to the auditions not only from Toledo but from Michigan, Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Louisiana.

Fifty-two-year-old Patte Carter-Hevia woke up at 3 a.m. in Lansing, Mich., hit the road at 4 a.m. and was waiting in line by 6 a.m. Bryce Fraser recently returned to the area from California, where he contracts with the military to simulate terrorist combat.

Both did not pass, but both were glad they tried.

“What do you have to lose, fun?” Fraser said.

Tags: "Who Wants to be a Millionaire", 13abc

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 12th, 2012 at 3:20 pm and is filed under Arts and Life, Television.
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On April 4, 13abc WTVG announced that longtime Chief Meteorologist Stan Stachak will be taking his Live Doppler 13,000 forecasts and jet streaming into retirement. Stachak, who has been the face of Toledo TV weather for 30-plus years, will step down from his full-time responsibilities April 23. 13abc President and General Manager John Christianson has selected Jay Berschback as Stachak’s successor.

13abc News Director Brian Trauring released the following comment:  “Stachak is a professional who cares deeply about the safety of viewers during severe weather situations.  The goal is to continue to build on the proud tradition of coverage that Stan has built at the station.”

Stachak has been part of the fabric of many Toledoans’ lives. As a child of the ’80s, Stachak’s face and easygoing demeanor always brought comfort to me while watching the news.  Stachak was always the fifth person at my family’s dinner table; I cannot tell you how many times I was shushed for his voice. His predictions brought both joy and disappointment to many Northwest Ohioans.

Former WTVG anchor and current WTOL 11 anchor Jerry Anderson shared his thoughts via email: “Stan and I started the same year [1980] at WTVG. I worked side-by-side with him until 1993. He was always a pro … I spent the first half of the ’80s being Ron Burgundy (remember the hair/’stache?). But what people may not get about Stan is just how funny he can be in a very cerebral way … a dry wit that can just crack you up … smart humor stuff. And then it’s all wrapped up in a great human being … a family man with a huge heart. In short, Stan is pure class (uh oh, I’m back to Burgundy). It was a privilege working next to him for so many years … I wish him only the best in retirement.”

Rob Powers, former 13abc sports anchor who is now at ABC’s No. 1 station, WABC  in New York, said via email, “It sure takes a special talent to not only survive, but thrive in this business, and to do it in one place for so long? Unheard of! I had so much fun working with Stan; such a pro. I feel fortunate to have worked with him, and WTVG’s viewers have been fortunate to have him on the job. Calm, levelheaded and so knowledgeable on the air … fun, light-hearted and such a good guy off the air. Take a well-deserved break, Stan … you sure as heck earned it!”

13abc anchor Lee Conklin said, “He is one of the most intelligent people I’ve ever met. I will always appreciate his professionalism,  sense of calm when the weather gets crazy and sense of humor, too. I was actually hired over here 21 years ago to do weekend weather,  while I was doing news and sports at WSPD. Despite the fact I was not a meteorologist, and had never done television,  Stan was patient with me while I learned the ropes (it couldn’t have been easy). I do remember calling him in the middle of the night from time to time when the weather computers went haywire. I imagine that ticked him off,  but he never showed it. He has truly earned his retirement. I’m happy for him that it’s taking place on his own terms.”

Vary rarely in medium-size markets do TV personalities stay longer than 10 years, especially those as talented as Stachak. The Toledo TV market is normally a proving ground for bigger and better things, but Stachak stayed.  Stachak dabbled and filled in at CNN in the 1990s, and I am sure he has turned down bigger offers with more money. He chose to stay here, to raise his family here, and for those choices, Toledoans will hold him in their hearts and minds.

Although there will always be a TV weather person sharing forecasts, trying to  make normal people understand the art and science of predicting weather, Toledo may never see another Stan Stachak.  It takes a special human being to turn down more money and bigger opportunities for more than 30 years to remain dedicated to one town — we call that a “Toledoan.”

The reason to be on Twitter can be found @Jeremytheproduc.

Tags: 13abc, Brian Trauring, Jerry Anderson, Lee Conklin, Rob Powers, Ron Burgandy, Stan Stachak, WABC, WSPD, WTOL-11

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 5th, 2012 at 3:23 pm and is filed under Community, Media Watch, Weather.
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Mud Hens Opening Day rocks. The streets around Fifth Third Field are alive with excited conversation, live music and the buzz of people filled with optimism and pride.

This year’s Toledo Free Press Opening Day issue, compiled and edited by Special Sections Editor Sarah Ottney, positively thrums with the vibrations of a young season. We are grateful to our staff, advertisers, readers and the Mud Hens organization for helping to make this issue one of our biggest and best of the year.

We asked local illustrator Penny Collins to create a cover that embodied the sense of community and fun Opening Day inspires. She rose to the challenge with an image that contains nearly every element of the sights and feel of the first home game of the season. In her grand image are many notable (or notorious) local figures.

See if you can spot:

• Ed Beczynski (The Blarney Irish Pub)
• Toledo Mayor Mike Bell
• Crystal Bowersox
• Lee Conklin (13abc)
• Leon “Bull” Durham (Mud Hens hitting coach)
• Jamie Farr
• Former Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner
• Former Toledo Mayor Jack Ford
• Shaun Hegarty (FOX Toledo)
• Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise
  

  CLICK TO ENLARGE: Illustration by Penny Collins

• Rep. Marcy Kaptur
• Chris Kozak (Columbia Gas of Ohio)
• Fred LeFebvre (WSPD)
• Jim Leyland (Detroit Tigers coach)
• Ralph Mahalak Jr. (Monroe Dodge Superstore)
• Doni Miller (13abc)
• Dean Monske (Regional Growth Partnership)
• Muddy the Mud Hen
• Mudonna
• Racing with the Stars

Jim Flealand

Kitty Holmes

Jamie Farrmadillo

• Richard St. Jean (Hollywood Casino Toledo)
• Paul Toth (Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority)
• Samuel Wurzelbacher (“Joe the Plumber”)
• Andrew Z (Star 105)

Penny is rumored to have even worked in herself and the two faces that appear on Toledo Free Press’ Page A3 every week. You can see more of this local artist’s work at http://studio566.daportfolio.com.

There are scores of additional storylines taking place on the cover, just as there will be on Opening Day.

Enjoy this special issue, and we hope to see you at the game!

Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star. Contact him at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.

Tags: 13abc, Andrew Z, Blarney Irish Pub, Carty Finkbeiner, Chris Kozak, Columbia Gas of Ohio, Crystal Bowersox, Dean Monske, Detroit Tigers, Doni Miller, Ed Beczynski, FOX Toledo, Fred LeFebvre, Hollywood Casino Toledo, Jack Ford, Jamie Farr, Jamie Farrmadillo, Jim Flealand, Jim Leyland, Joe the Plumber, Katie Holmes, Kitty Holmes, Lee Conklin, Leon “Bull” Durham, Marcy Kaptur, Michael S. Miller, Mike Bell, Monroe Dodge Superstore, Mud Hens, Muddy the Mud Hen, Mudonna, Paul Toth, Penny Collins, Ralph Mahalak Jr., Regional Growth Partnership, Richard St. Jean, Samuel Wurzelbacher, Shaun Hegarty, Star 105, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, Tom Cruise, Tom Pounds, WSPD

This entry was posted on Friday, March 30th, 2012 at 10:48 am and is filed under Mud Hens Opening Day, Opinion, Publisher's Statement.
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Ask any Toledoan right now “What’s the biggest story happening here?” and you’ll get two answers —. the weather and the weather. We are one of the fortunate cities that has four distinct seasons: hot summers, beautiful crisp autumns, cold and snow filled winters and welcomed sunny and wet springs. However, this year it appears we had a longer fall that blended perfectly with spring. There was little snow, no school cancellations, no salt trucks, no Winter Storm Warnings, no White Christmas and no shoveling. It sounds like the Dr. Seuss book except the Grinch stole our winter.

Like most area residents, I have been waiting for the other snowshoe to drop, because we never have winters like these. We always get the snow eventually, right?

The paranoia started when The Blade published an Oct. 6 article, “Horrible winter is likely for Toledo,” warning citizens of the upcoming winter.

“The coming winter season could easily be one of the top 10 worst in Toledo history, according to AccuWeather Inc., the private weather forecasting service based in State College, Pa.,” the article began. AccuWeather was predicting the second worst winter ever for Chicago, and since we normally catch the same storms or the remnants of them, we were due to have an awful winter.

If the lack of snow wasn’t worrisome enough, now we are having a record hot March.  Eighty-plus-degree days have made our lawns green, our shorts come out and have my kids discussing when the pools will open. These beautiful days have somehow given us more stress.  Toledoans are acting like the Munchkins from “The Wizard of Oz” right after Dorothy dropped a house on the witch; we are scared to come outside because we can’t trust this weather — something bad is going to happen.

I called local TV weather personalities and demanded some truth.

The first call I made was to the man my family’s trusted with our weather forecast for as long as he has been on TV in Toledo, 13abc’s Stan Stachak. Stan has been supplying a weather forecast for 32 years, meaning I was 5 when he debuted. He has seen it all — the drought of 1988, the flooding of 1992, various mini-blizzards and tornadoes. The only thing missing from the Biblical Rapture prediction are the locusts, but we did have mayflies. I prodded Stan about the accuracy of the “Farmer’s Almanac” and he was skeptical of its “secret formula,” which was devised in 1792.

“The ‘Farmer’s Almanac’ predictions are often uncouched, unsettled generalities,” Stachak said. He said he has been asked numerous times lately “what was going to happen next weather-wise,” from people concerned about 150 degree summers or snow in May.

His response is, “Don’t panic.”

Here are the highlights from the various conversations.

• FOX Toledo’s Doug Moats: “Another hot and wet summer. The early warm weather could increase the yields, but lessen the flowering period. March 21 set a record high of 85 degrees for the day; it was also the warmest March day on record for Toledo, and we have records going back to 1873.”
• WTOL’s Robert Shiels: “This could continue through mid-May but I expect a cooler than normal rest of spring. I make it a policy not to make any long-term forecasts as far as summer is concerned.”
• NBC24’s Norm Van Ness: “My grandmother’s neighbor’s aunt said that when this happened in 1905 they had a blizzard in July, so I fully expect a foot of snow to fall by July 15,” he said, laughing. “Climatology says Mother Nature loves balance. It should be a pretty busy spring for extreme weather.”
• WTOL’s  Chris Vickers: “There is very little connection between spring and summer weather.  It always seems to balance itself out; look for a cool stretch at some point.”
• 13abc’s Jay Berschback: “I don’t know. I don’t believe in long-term forecasting, because of the Butterfly Effect: One small forecasting mistake often multiplies into bigger ones.”
• WTOL’s Ryan Wichman: “Why not enjoy this? Trade in some of the bad weather IOUs.”

The overall sentiment of Toledo’s weather community is to just stop thinking about the weather and simply enjoy it. Mother Nature is giving us this gift; why is it so difficult for us to accept it?  I will gladly accept another gift from her on April 4, but I fully expect to see salt and snow trucks clearing a path for the Tigers buses from Detroit, because that’s Toledo!

Follow Jeremy Baumhower on Twitter @jeremytheproduc.

Tags: 13abc, AccuWeather, Chris Vickers, Detroit Tigers, Doug Moats, Dr. Suess, Farmer's Almanac, FOX Toledo, Jay Berschback, Jeremy Baumhower, NBC24, Norm Van Ness, Robert Shiels, Ryan Wichman, Stan Stachak, WTOL

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 at 6:02 pm and is filed under Media Watch, Opinion.
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For those interested in starting a vegetable garden but not sure where to begin, a good place to start might be the Ready U presentation on Feb. 13.

“From Plant to Plate: Planning Your Victory Garden” will introduce basic vegetable gardening techniques for the backyard, community or container gardener.

The free, hour-long session will start at 7 p.m. at The Andersons Activity Room, 1833 S. Holland-Sylvania Road in Maumee. Presenters will be Extension Educator Amy Stone and Program Assistant Patrice Powers-Barker of the Ohio State University Extension office in Lucas County, which developed the presentation. Kristin Emery of 13abc will host.

Ready U, a yearlong series presented by the Red Cross of Greater Toledo and the Lucas County Emergency Management Agency, is designed to educate the public and prepare individuals and families for potential emergencies in Northwest Ohio.

There are many reasons to grow your own vegetables, including for enjoyment, to save money on groceries and to introduce more vegetable variety to your diet, Powers-Barker said.

“A lot of people are interested in vegetable gardening, but don’t always know where to start,” Powers-Barker said. “We think it’s great people want to do vegetable gardening and we want them to be successful.”

The presentation is designed to inform and inspire gardeners of all skill levels, focusing on easy-to-grow, economical, edible plants, Powers-Barker said. It will cover everything from choosing seeds or transplants to harvesting your produce to washing, preserving and preparing simple, tasty, healthy recipes.

“People who have attended have said, ‘I never really thought about that,’ or ‘That’s a great idea,’” Powers-Barker said. “We really want to focus on helping people to decide for themselves what would make the most sense for them to grow, depending on space, interest or their taste, as well as letting them know about the resources in the area for help as they get started and for all the steps along the way.”

One resource is the Extension’s horticulture hotline, staffed 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. At other times, callers can leave a message that will be returned. The number is (419) 578-6783.

The Toledo Botanical Garden’s annual seed swap is another good way to get advice and get started, Emery said. This year’s event will be noon-3 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Erie Street Market, 237 S. Erie St.

Emery, who also hosted last year’s Ready U session on victory gardens, said the event was well-attended by beginners and experts.

“Community gardening and urban gardening are really catching on,” Emery said. “If you can grow your own, why spend all that money buying organic pre-cut produce?”

Powers-Barker said she hopes people come away from the presentation excited for the upcoming growing season and armed with the information and resources they need to turn their ideas into reality.

Toledo Free Press is a media sponsor for the Ready U program.

Ready U kits containing emergency preparedness materials as well as smoke detectors will be given to the first 50 attendees, said Red Cross Communications Officer Jason Copsey. For more information, visit ready-u.com.

Tags: 13abc, Kristin Emery, Ready U, Red Cross, Toledo Free Press

This entry was posted on Friday, February 10th, 2012 at 2:49 pm and is filed under Community, Ready U.
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The greatest day in any child’s life is the snow day, that special day when Mother Nature closes schools and forces students to take a well-deserved mental day off! The best part of the snow day is the anticipation leading up to it, as kids who never watch the local news suddenly become semi-professional meteorologists.

Young weather enthusiasts listen for key words from their trusted weathermen, like “accumulation,” “hourly forecasts” and “triple doppler.” Children who normally complain about their science homework formulate forecasts and predictions.

Last week was supposed to bring the perfect storm, the one that would have given Toledo’s youth a four-day weekend, when you figure in the MLK holiday. This perfect one-day storm was supposed to start bringing snow early Friday morning, which generally means school closings and delays. But when Toledo’s bright-eyed hopefuls peered outside, they learned a different kind of lesson — TV weather forecasters can make mistakes.

According to research, weather is the most desired information from TV newscasts.  This is the No. 1 reason viewers watch the local news. It’s also the No. 1 reason local TV stations lose their collective minds when there is even the slightest chance of bad weather. TV programmers understand that bad weather equals big ratings. To get those ratings, you must first inform viewers that “White Death” is headed toward us, that Snowpocalypse is destined.

After the warnings have been issued, it’s time to cover the stories that feed their forecast. The news becomes live reports from grocery stores, whether the city will have enough salt and reporters doing “live shots” from ODOT. To further prove my point, ODOT hired former TV news personality Theresa Pollick to be its local spokeswoman.

Last week was a miniature version of TV Stations Gone Wild. To be fair, the stations were not in “Full-Blown White Death Coverage” but it was definitely the lead story on all four newscasts for 48 hours. The predictions ranged from a half-inch to 7 inches of snow.

That’s right: From four stations with seven forecasters, there were 6.5 inches of discrepancy.

If you want to play a great ongoing game with co-workers and you love fantasy sports, start a Fantasy Weather league. It works the same as other leagues, except this one focuses on predictions and actual amounts of precipitation. Draft your favorite local meteorologists and wait for the storms/games to begin.

On Jan. 12, I kept track of what Toledo’s weather personalities were predicting about Friday’s potential storm. Here is what they said.

The 13abc Storm Team, which included Jay Berschback, Stan Stachak and Blizzard Bill Spencer, predicted between 2 and 4 inches of snow by Saturday.

WNWO’s Norm Van Ness predicted between 2 and 4 inches of snow  through Friday. But “WNWO Today’s” Jon James predicted less than 1 inch by Friday morning. Same team, two different forecasts.

WTOL’s Robert Shiels predicted light snow, 1 inch or less by the morning commute.

FOX Toledo’s Doug Moats predicted 6 to 7 inches for the total snowfall.

The amount of snow that fell on Jan. 13 was … less than 1 inch!

WTOL is claiming victory in the first “Winter Storm of 2012” in a promo that declares Robert Shiels the most “accurate.” 13abc’s marketing department quickly answered the salvo with a promo of its own touting ratings, or in sports vernacular yelling “Scoreboard!” The one station that is oddly quiet is FOX Toledo. I suspect Doug Moats’ over-guestimating the snowfall by 1,300 percent is not worthy of a chest-beating promo.

Some may say that the difference of a couple of inches doesn’t matter, but trust me, it does!

Fantasy Weather League scoreboard:

1. Robert Shiels, WTOL: 5 points  (win-tie)

2. Jon James,  WNWO: 5  p oints

(win-tie)

3. 13abc Storm Team: -3 points

4. Norm Van Ness, WNWO: -3 points

5. Doug Moats, FOX Toledo: -6 points

Jeremy Baumhower is a self-proclaimed media expert who writes and produces for morning radio shows across the country. Please follow him on twitter@jeremytheproduc.

Tags: 13abc, Blizzard Bill Spencer, Doug Moats, FOX Toledo, Jeremy Baumhower, Media Watch, Norm Van Ness, Robert Shiels, WNWO, WTOL

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 19th, 2012 at 6:30 pm and is filed under Community, Media Watch, Television, Weather.
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It’s that time of year for Toledoans to reflect and give thanks for the special things that happened in 2011. Here is a list of some of the things Toledoans should be thankful for. Toledo:  Chrysler’s expansion of Jeep.

• Mayor Bell:  That the Chinese investors who want to turn Toledo into a tourist attraction have not visited during the winter.
• Toledoans: That Bob Seger remembered where Toledo was … twice.
• Tony Packo Jr. and III and Robin Horvath: For the amount of quality time they spent together this year.
  

• Toledo: For the Toledo Mud Hens’ Joe Napoli and the excellent work he does every day that makes our lives better. His demand for constant quality and understanding of Toledo families give us temporary escape at a reasonable price.
• Former Mayor Jack Ford: For his health and nightly puppet shows.
• Occupy Toledo: For each other
• Michigan Wolverines fans: For tattoo parlors.
• TPD homicide detectives and TFD arson investigators: For overtime.
• Toledo’s wives: For the fire that gutted Platinum Showgirls in August.
• Toledo’s husbands: The arrival of Yuengling Beer and the lack of fire at Deja Vu and Scarlett’s.
• Toledo film fans:  That Katie Holmes’ new movie “Jack and Jill” is only 91 minutes long.
• Women’s NCAA Tournament: For not inviting the UT Lady Rockets.
• Rocket football fans: For Mark Beier’s play by play on 1370 WSPD.  He is the “Voice of the Rockets” for a reason and UT is lucky to have him.
• Detroit Tigers fans: For baseball in October and Cy Young Winner Justin Verlander.
• Local Teachers, TPD and TFD: The Defeat of Issue 2.
• Toledo Free Press: That The Blade takes time to read our paper.
• Andrew Z : For lawyers, second chances and take out.
• Ben Konop: For movers.
• WSPD’s Brian Wilson: For ISDN (technology that allows you to broadcast from abroad)
• 13ABC: For Oprah’s retirement.
• My Mom: For the neighbor who vacated his house but was kind enough to leave his three cars.
• Eastsiders: For Pajama Jeans and Sudafed.

• Toledoans can also be thankful for the complete lack of national attention this year due to scandal.  2011 is almost over and we haven’t had any TV satellite  trucks parked Downtown. No Father Robinson trial, No Noe-Gate and no riots.

I am beyond thankful for the responses I have received since coming aboard here.  I am incredibly humbled that you take the five minutes to read my 700 words or less weekly, and entertain my thoughts.

If you wish to share why and what Toledo should be thankful for, please tweet your thoughts using the hashtag #ToledoIsThankfulFor

Jeremy Baumhower is a self-proclaimed media expert who writes and produces for morning radio shows across the country. For more self-admired brilliance, please follow him on twitter @jeremytheproduc.

Tags: 13abc, Andrew Z, Ben Konop, Bob Seger, Detroit Tigers, Jack Ford, Jeremy Baumhower, Joe Napoli, Justin Verlander, Katie Holmes, Lady Rockets, Mark Beier, Media Watch, Mike Bell, Occupy Toledo, Oprah Winfrey, The Blade, Toledo Free Press, Toledo Mud Hens, Tony Packo's Robin Horvath, University of Michigan Wolverines, WSPD, Yuengling Beer

This entry was posted on Friday, November 18th, 2011 at 12:00 am and is filed under Media Watch, Opinion.
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Frostbite, hypothermia, power outages and snow emergency levels were among the topics addressed by local weatherman “Blizzard Bill” Spencer during a recent Ready U presentation about winter weather safety.

13abc’s meteorologist told the group of area residents gathered Nov. 14 at the Main Library for the free, hour-long program that this winter was likely to start slow, but pack a wallop early next year.

“We’re probably not going to see a lot of snow in November and probably not much in December either,” Spencer said. “It’s really going to kick in, like last year, right after the holidays, especially the middle of January, that six- to eight-week period where we had a whole winter’s worth, a record amount of snow. I think that could happen again. There are indications of a very active storm track. We just have to be ready.”

The best way to protect yourself during winter weather is to think ahead and use common sense, Spencer said.

“Always think ahead to the worse scenario and you should be fine,” Spencer said.

Emergency supplies

Put emergency supplies in your vehicle and make sure to keep the gas tank at least half full to prevent the fuel line from freezing. Always have a cell phone and car charger with you.

If you get stranded, remain inside the vehicle. Tie a red scarf to the antenna so your vehicle can be seen by tow trucks and snow plows. Keep windows slightly ajar and run the car’s heater 10 to 15 minutes per hour. Make sure the exhaust pipe is clear.

“Don’t set out walking unless you see a building because you could lose your way,” said Spencer, adding that distance can also be distorted by blowing snow. “You could be 30 feet from your car and not even know it and freeze to death.”

If you do leave the vehicle, consider tying a roll of twine to your vehicle so you can find your way back, Spencer said.

When a winter storm watch is declared, it’s a good idea to stock up on food and supplies — but stick to nonperishable food so it won’t go to waste if the storm doesn’t happen or if there’s a power outage, Spencer said. If purchasing canned foods, make sure you have a manual can opener.

A watch means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 -48 hours and residents are advised to review emergency plans and monitor local weather reports. A warning means life-threatening conditions have already begun or will begin within 24 hours and residents should take precautions immediately.

If power is lost, turn off or disconnect all appliances, so there’s not a surge when the power comes back on. Leave one light on so you can tell when the power returns. Flashlights are safer than candles. Eliminate unnecessary travel, since traffic lights may be out as well.

Food in an unopened refrigerator can last about four hours. Food in a full, unopened freezer can last up to 48 hours, or 24 hours in a half-full freezer.

“If the power outage is short-term, refrigerated food should be fine, but if it goes on for 24 hours, the food’s done. Toss it. Just get rid of it. Really play it safe. We don’t want anyone to get food poisoning,” Spencer said.

A level 1 snow emergency rating means motorists are urged to drive cautiously. Level 2 means motorists should use extreme caution and should drive only if necessary. Level 3 means roads are closed to all motorists except essential emergency personnel and other drivers may be subject to arrest. If your job may require you to drive during a level 3 emergency, consider asking your employer for a letter in case you get pulled over, Spencer said.

The best winter outfit consists of warm, loose-fitting clothing in several layers, including a hat and gloves.

Never use a generator, grill, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside the home, including a garage, basement or any enclosed area. When using such devices outdoors, make sure they are located away from doors, windows and vents that would allow carbon monoxide inside the house.

“It’s amazing how fast levels can build and become dangerous,” said Tom Barnhizer, deputy director of Lucas County Emergency Management Agency, who was in attendance at the event.

Free carbon monoxide detectors were given to all attendees.

Ready U, a yearlong series presented by the Red Cross of Greater Toledo and the Lucas County Emergency Management Agency, is designed to educate the public and prepare individuals and families for potential emergencies in Northwest Ohio.

The next Ready U event, called “Planning Your Victory Garden,” is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Anderson Activity Room, 1833 S. Holland-Sylvania Road, in Maumee.

Toledo Free Press is a media sponsor of Ready U.

To learn more, visit the website www.ready-u.com.

Tags: 13abc, Bill Spencer, Ready U, Red Cross, Toledo Free Press

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 17th, 2011 at 6:18 pm and is filed under Community, Ready U.
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About 75 Toledoans gathered Nov. 3 at the Maumee Valley Country Day School to view a documentary about the lives of teachers today and discuss the state of education.

The “American Teacher” movie screening and discussion was put on by the area’s Women’s Initiative of United Way. The nonpartisan Women’s Initiative “motivates women to become leaders and advocates” in their community, said Elaine Jansen, director of the Women’s Initiative. Jansen added that the turnout was more than anticipated.

One of the United Way’s major focuses this year is education. The Women’s Initiative is developing a creative-writing program, focusing on the last “R” of reading, arithmetic and writing, said Susan McHugh, who also delivered the opening speech.

“American Teacher” was co-produced by Nínive Calegari, the keynote speaker at the Women’s Initiative Spring Event, author and former teacher. The film profiled several teachers, including a Harvard-educated New Jersey teacher, a San Francisco instructor turned realtor, a Texan middle school educator and a pregnant first-grade teacher in Brooklyn, N.Y. The teachers struggled with issues like low salaries, little family time and a lack of respect for their profession. The film, narrated by Matt Damon, is part of The Teacher Salary Series, a campaign examining the education system in America.

After the film, Lissa Guyton of abc13 led the discussion of the film. Many in the audience were teachers or students studying education.

Some lamented that education isn’t valued enough. “If you’re getting an ‘A,’ it should be as valued as if you’re the start of football or basketball,” said Melissa Snively, a Bowling Green University student.

Dr. Richard Ruppert, another audience member, echoed her statement. “There are only two things that are important to the growth of a community: jobs and education,” he said.

Regina Carter, membership manager for the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, recalled that several of her friends were education majors who started out in the Toledo area. “I feel they were the best of the best,” she said. However, all have since left the area.

Many audience members also agreed that the way to improve the country’s future is through education. “We can create our own history in this community if we have the chutzpah to move forward in a collaborative way,” said Dr. Libby Ruppert.

To learn more about the film and event, visit www.theteachersalaryproject.org and www.unitedwaytoledo.org/womensinitiative.

Tags: 13abc, American Teacher, Libby Ruppert, Lisa Guyton, Matt Damon, Maumee Valley Country Day School, Regina Carter, Richard Ruppert, United Way

This entry was posted on Friday, November 4th, 2011 at 2:12 pm and is filed under Community, Education.
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