Wednesday, August 25 2010 11:52 AM EDT2010-08-25 15:52:11 GMT
I've been immersed in the oil spill crisis this week. Actually, I've been spending hours with a panel of journalists, learning better ways to cover the myriad of stories related to the oil spill and its ongoing human impacts. Tuesday, the group heard from a very vocal and concerned activist from Alaska who is well informed about the crisis and its likely aftermath.More >>
Tuesday, August 24 2010 12:23 PM EDT2010-08-24 17:23:21 GMT
I'm spending three days in New Orleans this week to discuss ongoing and future news coverage of the oil spill. I was among 20 journalists chosen to take part in a seminar sponsored by the Poynter Institute: "The Gulf Oil Disaster: Covering What Comes Next." I'm hoping to learn more and better ways to report on the variety of issues surrounding the oil crisis.More >>
Tuesday, May 11 2010 8:06 PM EDT2010-05-12 00:06:09 GMT
I've been thinking of big alligators lately. You see, I've had close-up encounters with three big gators over the past couple of weeks. Both happened while on assignment. In one instance, a big gator scared me to death. The second time, a pair of gators left me feeling somewhat sad.More >>
Monday, March 1 2010 11:25 AM EST2010-03-01 16:25:56 GMT
For this reporter, there's nothing like a late winter kayak trip to shake the cold weather blues and blahs. Monday provided just the opportunity. The temperature hit 70 degrees and the water of the Mississippi Sound was as slick as it gets. Deer Island was the destination and it never fails to disappoint.More >>
Saturday, February 27 2010 8:03 AM EST2010-02-27 13:03:46 GMT
The Biloxi lighthouse shines brightly once again, and I couldn't be happier. I've long been a fan of the historic structure and have enjoyed the opportunity to do several stories about it. The post-Katrina restoration looks great and will strengthen the tower for decades to come.More >>
Monday, February 8 2010 10:35 PM EST2010-02-09 03:35:48 GMT
You probably already suspect this. I'm a barber shop haircut kind of guy. I've always enjoyed having short hair, and I've found that only an old fashioned barber cuts it short enough for my liking. And I found a very good barber in D'Iberville. He's even got a good old barber-sounding name: Shag Webster.More >>
Wednesday, February 3 2010 6:24 PM EST2010-02-03 23:24:29 GMT
Soaring pelicans, bright sunshine and a passion for still photography gave this reporter a great day off this week. I spent much of the morning Tuesday capturing pictures of brown pelicans (and a few white ones) around Ocean Springs harbor. Photography is my new hobby and the Mississippi Gulf Coast provides more than enough scenic opportunity for me and my Canon Rebel XSI.More >>
Tuesday, January 19 2010 11:57 AM EST2010-01-19 16:57:25 GMT
I think I was born in the wrong generation. I'm not at all comfortable with all this advancing technology. Smart phones and 3G networks and GPS devices are not my thing. Some guys have to have the latest gadgets and high tech toys. That is definitely not my way. I don't even have a personal cell phone. I have nothing against cell phones, I just don't see the need for owning one.More >>
Thursday, December 24 2009 5:18 PM EST2009-12-24 22:18:03 GMT
I have very fond memories of Christmases past, growing up in the wintry weather of central Illinois. To me, family and faith are the two most important ingredients of celebrating Christmas. I was blessed on both counts. I spent Christmas with my family and one of the highlights for me was always attending midnight mass at the small Catholic church where I grew up.More >>
Friday, November 6 2009 9:43 AM EST2009-11-06 14:43:23 GMT
I'll be in heaven this weekend. The Peter Anderson Arts Festival in Ocean Springs is an event I look forward to every year. I enjoy the art, the people, the music and the food. Up to 100,000 people are expected over the two days of the festival. And I'll be there both days.More >>
Thursday, October 15 2009 12:43 PM EDT2009-10-15 17:43:09 GMT
Ocean Springs is rallying to help a child cancer patient. Sophia Mohler has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. She is the daughter of David and Theresa Mohler, who own the famous "Tato Nut" doughnut shop downtown. The Mohler family has long been a pillar of the community. Now, the town is doing what it can to help them in their time of need.More >>
Wednesday, September 30 2009 5:57 PM EDT2009-09-30 22:57:31 GMT
I'm about to experience a serious dose of "car envy". And I knew it was coming. It happens every year at this same time. You see, "Cruisin' the Coast" sparks so many memories about classic cars and kindles my desire to own one again. I owned some of the classics, but that was "back in the day". Still, I yearn to own one again. Darn those "cruisers" and their fancy rides. Can't they see it makes me extremely envious?More >>
Friday, September 18 2009 7:10 PM EDT2009-09-19 00:10:53 GMT
I covered a story this week that made me truly thankful that I'm gainfully employed. It was a job and career fair that attracted several thousand people who are looking for work. It seemed to be a real commentary on the economy. While the national economy might be turning the corner, there are still a lot of folks struggling. I saw and spoke with them this week.More >>
Thursday, September 17 2009 5:32 PM EDT2009-09-17 22:32:36 GMT
The Ocean Springs board of aldermen voted this week to ban dogs from the Biloxi Bay bridge. City leaders have received numerous complaints from people about pet owners not cleaning up their pet's poop. The city provided plastic bags and a disposal can for the waste. But some irresponsible owners still failed to clean up after their dogs.More >>
Friday, September 4 2009 10:16 AM EDT2009-09-04 15:16:35 GMT
There's a video making the rounds on YouTube and other sites that is a powerful reminder about the dangers of texting while driving. This British-produced public service announcement is graphic in nature and disturbing enough to make someone think twice about continuing what's clearly a dangerous practice.More >>
Friday, August 28 2009 8:50 AM EDT2009-08-28 13:50:26 GMT
This reporter will never forget a certain drive down Howard Avenue in East Biloxi. It was taken less than 48 hours after Hurricane Katrina. It resulted in a nine minute story that became the single piece I've received the most comments on during my nearly 18 years at WLOX-TV. I re-traced that drive recently, four years after the storm. It ended with a walk through the Church of the Redeemer property, demolished by the storm.More >>
Friday, August 14 2009 7:00 PM EDT2009-08-15 00:00:39 GMT
I have a whole new appreciation for those big C-130-Js that fly so low along the coast and across Highway 90 frequently. That's because I had the opportunity to fly a training mission with the "Flying Jennies." That team of dedicated reservists is getting set for another overseas deployment to a war zone next month. The next time you see someone in uniform, take the time to shake their hand or at least offer your thanks.More >>
Friday, August 7 2009 12:24 PM EDT2009-08-07 17:24:07 GMT
Ocean Springs is currently considering banning dogs from the pedestrian path along the bridge because of a problem. They're getting complaints about dog poop. But you certainly can't blame the animals, they are only doing what comes naturally. The problem here is irresponsible pet owners. You know who you are and it's time to grow up.More >>
Thursday, July 30 2009 6:07 PM EDT2009-07-30 23:07:40 GMT
Maybe it has something to do with the lighthouse. Perhaps that's why I'm so attracted to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It's a beautiful lighthouse that stands at the front of a first class harbor and beside the 18th green of a PGA tournament golf course. I've long enjoyed seeing, photographing and doing stories about the Biloxi lighthouse. I guess that's part of the reason I enjoy my vacation getaways to South Carolina.More >>
Friday, July 17 2009 9:44 AM EDT2009-07-17 14:44:53 GMT
I love growing plants. I love eating fresh vegetables. Too bad I can't get those two things to work together. I'd like to think I have something of a "green thumb." After all, I've had moderate success with flower gardening, which I enjoy. Surely I should be able to plant a modest vegetable garden. I'm a boy from the Midwest, from farm country for goodness sake.More >>
Tuesday, July 14 2009 4:47 PM EDT2009-07-14 21:47:59 GMT
The reporter who enjoys stories on the water, got to do a couple recently. One involved a chill bump inducing ride on a law enforcement speed boat. The other, a more relaxed pursuit of submerged seagrass. You can't beat stories involving boats and water. U.S. Customs and Border Protection was showing off its latest weapon on the water, while scientists were sharing the methods of studying valuable vegetation.More >>
Thursday, July 2 2009 4:55 PM EDT2009-07-02 21:55:08 GMT
It's time to get serious about our litter problem on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Drive any roadway in South Mississippi and I guarantee you'll find evidence of the mess. There are countless soft drink bottles, beer cans, fast food wrappers and cigarette butts on every corner. Litter bugs are slobs. It's really that simple. And it's time we call them out on their disgusting behavior.More >>
Friday, June 26 2009 6:32 PM EDT2009-06-26 23:32:02 GMT
It's something we've long known about in the news business: Celebrity deaths come in threes. And it happened again this past week. Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett and Michael Jackson all passed away. And for us baby boomers, this trio of entertainers left some pretty remarkable memories.More >>
Friday, June 19 2009 8:19 PM EDT2009-06-20 01:19:56 GMT
With Father's Day in mind, allow me a moment to brag about my Dad. That's something that he would never do; brag on himself. But he deserves praise more than anyone I know. My Dad is one of those rare individuals who truly knows the sacrifice and dedication required to be a good father. I owe him more than I can ever mention.More >>
Friday, June 12 2009 10:35 AM EDT2009-06-12 15:35:36 GMT
I was inspired this week by a group of sweaty teenagers. They were participants in a summer mission camp at First United Methodist Church in Long Beach. These young people spent the week doing various "good deeds" throughout the community. They demonstrated their faith with their actions.More >>
Friday, June 5 2009 12:01 PM EDT2009-06-05 17:01:36 GMT
The Ocean Springs mayoral race was certainly one to remember. The contest between incumbent Mayor Connie Moran and challenger Scott Walker attracted plenty of attention and political speculation throughout the campaign. Most everyone predicted a tight race, and they were right. Mayor Moran prevailed by less than 100 votes in a contest that attracted record turnout.More >>
Monday, June 1 2009 11:10 AM EDT2009-06-01 16:10:44 GMT
I love to kayak the various waterways in South Mississippi. But I think my favorite water getaway might be the Pascagoula River. The more opportunities I have to paddle the Pascagoula, the more impressed and addicted I become. It's the longest free flowing river in the lower 48. And it's filled with a variety of wildlife and habitat. Paddling the river is relaxing, enjoyable and worth repeating.More >>
Thursday, May 14 2009 10:01 AM EDT2009-05-14 15:01:07 GMT
I look forward to the many "boat stories" I'm assigned here at WLOX. The truth is, I love being on the water. That's why such stories are my favorite assignments. And thankfully, there are plenty such stories here in South Mississippi. I've frequently done stories with the Department of Marine Resources, on everything from oyster cultch planting to boating safety.More >>
Tuesday, May 12 2009 11:28 AM EDT2009-05-12 16:28:44 GMT
I thoroughly enjoy my drive to and from work along scenic Highway 90. But lately the drive isn't quite as nice. That's because blowing sand has turned sections of the beach front highway into an obstacle course. Sand blowing on the highway isn't a new problem, but I don't think I've ever seen it this bad. That's why suggested solutions need a serious look.More >>
Friday, May 1 2009 5:43 PM EDT2009-05-01 22:43:50 GMT
I wish I had a dollar for every time someone asked me the question: Did you hurt your neck? Well, the truth is yes and no. My rather obvious neck disability is actually a form of arthritis, something that hit me hard many years ago. The "yes" portion of the answer involves a memorable ride on a roller coaster at a popular theme park. Chronic neck pain is the end result, but I really can't complain.More >>
Thursday, April 23 2009 1:04 PM EDT2009-04-23 18:04:27 GMT
We in the media hear the accusation all too often: All you do are bad news stories. I would beg to differ. One of the most rewarding aspects of my profession is the opportunity to report positive news stories. Over the years, I've done countless stories that have touched or changed lives for the better. Allow me to share two such stories, one involving a deaf pit bull and the other a remarkable non-profit that helps cancer patients.More >>
Friday, April 17 2009 12:36 PM EDT2009-04-17 17:36:21 GMT
If you're looking for a getaway and a sure place to relax, you would do well to consider the barrier islands along the South Mississippi shore. Boat owners have access to Horn, Ship, Deer, Cat and Petit Bois islands. But even if you don't own a boat, Ship Island Excursions offers an affordable round trip to that barrier island. The islands are perfect for bird watching, hiking, kayaking, sun bathing or just plain relaxing.More >>
Friday, April 10 2009 9:42 AM EDT2009-04-10 14:42:04 GMT
People love to hear about and read "behind the scenes" stories here at WLOX-TV. Since it's Easter time, I thought it appropriate to share some thoughts about faith and spirituality here in the news room. There's a popular stereotype of the "media" that suggests all media are "godless" and basically ignore reporting on issues and matters concerning faith and religion. That's certainly not the case with our news decisions and coverage.More >>
Friday, April 3 2009 8:04 PM EDT2009-04-04 01:04:06 GMT
The Thunderbirds are causing me to have flashbacks. When our own Jeff Shepherd rode with the T-birds this week, I was recalling my own ride with an elite flying squadron. It was the mid-1980s in Jacksonville, Florida, when I was lucky enough (and young enough) to fly with the famed Blue Angels. My adventure in an F-18 was something I'll never forget.More >>
Monday, March 30 2009 10:13 AM EDT2009-03-30 15:13:07 GMT
Have you given any thought recently to our American troops serving around the world? I was reminded of that fact the other day, while covering a story at the Biloxi armory. Hundreds of National Guard members are getting prepared to deploy to Iraq in early June. With the economy stealing the national headlines these days, let's be certain we don't forget the service and sacrifice of these brave men and women.More >>
Monday, March 23 2009 9:50 AM EDT2009-03-23 13:50:20 GMT
The Biloxi lighthouse is a favorite landmark. And the cast iron tower that's stood strong through more than a century and a half of storms and hurricanes is about to get a facelift. The City of Biloxi is taking bids on a restoration project. Work should begin by early summer and be finished by year's end. Tours of the lighthouse could resume next Spring.More >>
Thursday, March 12 2009 9:42 AM EDT2009-03-12 13:42:54 GMT
Some people embrace new technology. Some fear it. Others loathe it. I find myself caught somewhere in the middle. This old school journalist is certainly not a "tech geek." But there is one advancement I can't imagine life without. Clue: It involves a computer and a joke about Al Gore.More >>
Friday, March 6 2009 10:02 AM EST2009-03-06 15:02:03 GMT
Nearly four years later and they continue to come. Amazing. I'm talking about the volunteers who are still making their way to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to do their part to erase the countless Katrina scars which remain.More >>
Friday, September 24 2010 10:27 AM EDT2010-09-24 15:27:20 GMT
If you drive Interstate 10 by the Highway 43 interchange, you'll soon be able to see just how high the water got there during Hurricane Katrina. Crews were set to begin pouring concrete Friday to create two monuments, but work was delayed until Monday because of rainMore >>
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