Statuary of the Holy Crucifix and Calvary at Charles Bridge
Prague’s Charles Bridge boasts a collection of 30 statues arranged in two rows on each side. Predominantly Baroque in style with religious themes, these statues, primarily from the 17th and 18th centuries, contribute to the bridge’s artistic allure. The inaugural statue, dedicated to John of Nepomuk, the Bohemian saint, was introduced in 1683. To safeguard the originals, now housed in the National Museum and Vyšehrad, gradual replacement with copies is underway for preservation purposes. Here are just a few images.
Statues of Saints Barbara, Margaret and Elizabeth
St. Barbara, Margaret and Elizabeth: St. Barbara is a Christian saint and martyr venerated in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches. She is the patron saint of artillerymen and firefighters. St. Margaret of Antioch is the patron saint of pregnant women, and St. Elizabeth of Hungary is the patron saint of bakers, beggars, and the homeless.
Statue of St. John of Nepomuk
A plaque adorns a statue portraying a man being thrown off the bridge in 1393. The oldest statue, completed in 1683, represents Saint John of Nepomuk, the court priest of King Wenceslas IV. Legend suggests that the king ordered his death because Saint John refused to disclose the queen’s confession. In reality, Saint John invited a bishop to Prague, a move seen as defying the king. Touching the statue has become a Prague ritual, believed to bring good luck and ensure a swift return to the city.
Many people touch the image of St. John for blessings or luck.
Saint John of Nepomuk (1345-1393) met his demise by being thrown off Prague’s Charles Bridge and drowned, an act orchestrated by King Wenceslas of Bohemia. Notably, he is revered as the patron saint of bridges.
The John of Matha, Felix of Valois, and Saint Ivan statue
The statue featuring John of Matha, Felix of Valois, and Saint Ivan stands out as the largest and most expensive on the bridge. Depicting John and Felix, renowned for purchasing and liberating Christians held captive by non-Christians, the statue is a testament to their charitable acts. Crafted in 1714 by Ferdinand Brokoff, the Charles Bridge Statue portrays Christians held captive by Ottoman Turks and the saints who founded the order dedicated to liberating Christians from enslavement.
Inside the grated cave features statues of three slave Christians inside praying for Salvation.
Below this monumental structure, a grated cave is situated, housing three enslaved Christians fervently praying for salvation.
The Statue of the Madonna Attending
This baroque statue depicts the Madonna and Saint Bernard. Crafted by sculptor Matij Vaclav Jack in 1709, it features the Virgin Mary at the center, holding the infant Jesus and a wand. On her right, St. Bernard, the Cistercian Order founder, kneels and gazes upward, accompanied by an angel holding an abbatial infula. On the left, angels carry symbols of Christ’s suffering, including a cross, spikes, hammer, pliers, a crowing rooster associated with Peter’s denial, an image of Christ’s face on Veronica’s scarf and dice used by soldiers for Christ’s clothes.
The Crucifix and Calvary
The official title is the Statuary of the Holy Crucifix and Calvary, and while it may seem like just another statue on Charles Bridge, it holds a unique historical and religious significance. Originally, it was the first figure erected on the bridge, making it the most historic and religiously divisive. The story encompasses legends and blasphemy, with two key aspects. This was also one of the places used for public executions. In 1696, the addition of the golden Hebrew text on the crucifix serves as a stark illustration of Medieval European antisemitism. The Prague authorities, accusing a local Jewish leader named Elias Backoffen of blasphemy, imposed a peculiar punishment. He was mandated to raise funds to acquire gold-plated Hebrew letters encircling the statue’s head.
Closer view of The Crucifix and Calvary
These letters spelled out “Holy, Holy, Holy, the Lord of Hosts,” representing the Kedusha from the Hebrew prayer and originating from the vision in the Book of Isaiah. The inscription symbolically humiliated and degraded the Jewish community in Prague.
A view of Prague Castle in the distance and the Charles Bridge on the left
One of the cathedrals I visited in Prague on Christmas Day is St. Vitus Cathedral, home of the tombs of St. Wenceslas and Charles IV.
One of the stained-glass windows of St. Vitus Cathedral
Just to clarify, since I got some pushback by pointing out the “Good King Wenceslas” was a mere duke. He was posthumously named “king” and “saint” by Holy Roman Emperor Otto I. So, the carol “Good King Wenceslas” is not wrong.
It is one of central Europe’s most lavishly endowed cathedrals, spanning nearly six centuries, holding great significance in Czechia’s religious and cultural fabric.
Prague Castle is believed to have been established around 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty (Přemyslovci). The UNESCO World Heritage site is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest ancient castle complex globally, covering an impressive area of nearly 750,000 square feet (70,000 m²).
Balcony at the Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral
The Great South Tower, a focal point of Prague Castle, provides an opportunity to arduously ascend its spiral staircase for a captivating panorama of the city.
View of the St. Charles Bridge from the Great South Tower of St. Vitus CathedralAnother colorful view from the Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral
Each step reveals breathtaking (and I do mean literally “breathtaking”) views of Prague’s iconic landmarks, such as the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the endless expanse of red rooftops.
Stairway to heaven…or the nearly 300 stone steps leading up to one of the best views in Prague
I was halfway up the nearly 300 spiral stone steps and didn’t think I would make it. I was relieved when I reached the top and saw some athletic young men collapsing breathlessly on the benches.
Going down
Given the opportunity, you should climb it if you’re able. I will not be joining you.
No one seemed to notice the glass-encased clockworks of the tower dating back to 1597.
Clockworks in the Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral
Also, on the way up, I stopped to catch my breath and looked through an obscure tower opening, and to my surprise, it was the belfry housing the Sigismund Bell, the largest bell in Czechia.
Sigismund Bell in the Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral
It reportedly weighs more than 66,000 pounds (30 tonnes), a little more than a typical adult Humpback Whale. It’s said to emit a deafening 120 decibels, in the range of a thunderclap or a jetfighter aircraft’s take-off.
The bell is rung by four bell-ringers, while two others control and slow its resonant heart. Rotated 90 degrees once every 150 years to prevent bursting, the bell remains unseen from the castle courtyard, yet when it tolls, a rushing sound wave engulfs onlookers like an approaching train.
Standing with the spires at at Prague CastleA view of some gothic architecture at St. Vitus CathedralMetal door access to one of St. Vitus’ many giant stained-glass windows
23 December 2023 – La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise restaurant in Prague
It was difficult to imagine anything that could take away the enveloping grief in Prague after Czechia’s worst-ever mass shooting on 21 December 2023.
Out of sorrow and respect, it has occurred to me that I should cancel my reservation made months ago at La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise. I had been anticipating the experience at the Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s one of only two such recognized restaurants in the country, also known as the Czech Republic.
For many reasons, I’m very grateful that I did not cancel.
Entrance to La Degustation in Prague with a tiny reminder of one of the restaurant’s many accolades, the Michelin Star
I arrived 30 minutes before my reserved time and checked in just to let them know I was there. I fully expected to be asked to return at the agreed-upon time and was going to explore the sights and sounds of the area for a half hour. Instead, they welcomed me, took my coat, scarf, and umbrella and escorted me directly to my seat.
“If you get a good ingredient, don’t kill it. You go to a restaurant these days and you get eight different garnishes, overcomplicated with textures and so forth.” – Albert roux
The restaurant does not feel stuffy and imposing but rather comfortable and friendly. The staff made me feel like a local “regular.”
Greeting table arrangement at La Degustation
The décor is earthy, with wooden tables featuring cross sections of trees showcasing their rings and, of course, ages.
The daily menu offerings at Prague’s La Degustation – bound like an award announcement
Between the two options for the day, a three-course menu and the tasting menu, I chose the latter, along with the wine pairings.
The simple rundown of the tasting menu for 23 December 2023 at La Degustation in Prauge
The gastronomic journey began with a fresh local fruit and veg dish, which I was advised to eat with my fingers. That is my preferred method of eating foods that are easy and clean. I even prefer to have a clean salad that I can dip into dressings and the same with chicken wings.
The started at La Degustation in Prague
It was followed by what I believe would be considered the amuse-bouche – only on a tasting menu, the term doesn’t apply.
Pear, truffle, kale
It was a dish of pear, truffle and kale. This had me concerned because I only enjoy one of the three. Truffles have historically left an over-powering taste for my palate, and I’m of the age that I remember kale as a garnishment that was not eaten by humans but instead thrown in the trash bin. Despite this dish’s pleasing texture and taste, I still think the world has lost its collective mind with kale. The flavors were well-balanced and quite complementary. It was served with a delightfully fruity Hibernal 2021 Stanislav Charvat.
Vojtěch’s attention to detail is focused and friendly.
As is customary in exclusive restaurants, the servers seem clairvoyant. Without feeling hawkishly watched, the next tasting came just as I had a moment to finish and savor the aftertastes of the first.
I feel that food is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a symphony that plays on the strings of the heart, creating a melody of joy that dances across the face in the form of a genuine, irresistible smile.
A delicately poached catfish filet with pumpkin and ham appeared next.
Catfish, pumpkin, ham
Initially apprehensive about a departure from my usual American fried catfish, the poached alternative surprised and delighted me. The pumpkin brought a lively texture to the dish, and the ham provided the perfect touch of savory goodness. It was served with Frau Welt Blanc 2020 von der Vogelwalde. The Cuvée offered hints of apple and honeydew melon, an ideal accompaniment for the fish.
The team always seem to be happy to explain all the culinary details without pretentiousness.
The kitchen and servers’ sleight of hand transitioned me to duck with beetroot and licorice.
Duck, beetroot, liquorice
The rare duck is reminiscent of my experiences at Süring in Bangkok, Thailand’s only restaurant to boast two Michelin Stars. The tender and juicy bird with a slightly crispy skin, combined with the other ingredients, surpassed expectations.
It was served with Overi 2021 Martin Vajčner red, often touted with Pinot Noir grapes trampled underfoot. I understand that the wine is not clarified or filtered and does not include sulfur.
Fallow deer, cabbage, rose hip, blueberry
Fallow deer, cabbage with rose hip, and blueberry snuck onto my table. The deer is sourced from northern Czechia, a reminder of the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients. The tender and succulent meat reflected the region’s culinary heritage and was served with Barolo Serralunga d’Alba 2019 Rivetto with a slight hint of plum.
Cream, rum, nuts
This was followed up by ice cream with rum and nuts served with Patience 2022 Utopia, a fun dessert ice cider.
The La Degustation staff performs in harmony
Because I was sitting just outside of the front kitchen, I watched a half-dozen or so culinary professionals perform a seemingly impossible dance of delicate, time-sensitive, detail-oriented culinary magic.
The last stop before the table at La Degustation
Good food is like good family. In a 2020 interview with Michelin Guide, Chef De Cuisine Oldřich Sahajdák said the restaurant opened on 26th July 2006, the same day his son was born, “So, I always refer to it as my second son!” he said.
The staff at La Degustation were kind enough to take me into the kitchen for a photograph.
Vojtěch seemed to take a keen interest in ensuring my experience was sublime. His kindness and professionalism are beyond compare.
The artistry of the chefs, staff and servers, who performed more like presenters than wait staff, makes La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise well deserved for its Michelin Star and many other accolades.
One of many personal takeaways from this experience is to keep it simple. It’s about the ingredients. In the immortal words of legendary chef Albert Roux, “If you get a good ingredient, don’t kill it. You go to a restaurant these days and you get eight different garnishes, overcomplicated with textures and so forth.”
21 December 2023 – Prague crime scene of Czechia’s worst mass shooting in modern history
Within hours of arriving in Czechia’s capital city of Prague on 21 December, I was subconsciously becoming stressed by the deafening sounds of police and ambulance sirens and speeding emergency vehicles.
Quite quickly, I learned that the country’s worst mass shooting was underway just a hundred yards or so from where I was taking in the sights of what is often billed as a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas experience.
One year after retiring from news and the practice of daily journalism, I found myself an unwitting guest to my well-worn front-row seat to history.
The sickening feeling of the tragic violence unfolding all around the city hit an all too familiar chord. My adrenaline skyrocketed, and my journalistic instincts took over; only I had no established outlet from which to report. No news directors, editors, producers or audience demanded my reporting from the scene—no breaking news alerts. No deadlines. No social media demands. It was just me surrounded by a swarm of emergency activity in what was developing into one of the top global news stories.
I was a lone tourist amid a tragic calamity. For one of the first times in my adult life and career, I felt no clear purpose. There was no need for me to report from the crime scene barricade perimeter. There were no official contacts or inside connections to rely upon. Not being an emergency responder or reporter, there was no purpose for my being there other than as a shocked bystander. It was a dreadful feeling of helplessness.
21 December 2023 – Students standing near crime scene tape near Charles University in Prague
Instead of my usual professional duties as a journalist postponing the trauma unfolding around me, it was hitting all at once.
The attempt to continue absorbing Christmastime’s wonder and beauty in Prague’s historic Old Town seemed fruitless. I made an effort, but the dizzying Doppler effect of the sirens and chaos thwarted my attempts to enjoy the long-awaited experience of magic of Christmas in Prague.
After doing a couple of Facebook live posts, I escaped the cold, windy pandemonium by walking 15 minutes to my accommodations.
Since I am not covering the devastation as a journalist, this story is uncomfortably packed with the excessive use of “I” and “me.” The shameful overuse of those personal pronouns feels uncomfortably selfish, but there is no other source from which to share this experience. There are no witnesses with whom to speak and share their stories.
22 December 2023 – Scene in front of Charles Univerity in Prague after deadly mass shooting
The following day, I returned to the scene of the senseless tragedy where a sizeable makeshift memorial of candles, flowers, photographs and personal items was growing. Not having the emotional shield of “professional duties,” I was moved and even overwrought by the lives lost, dreams unfulfilled, and immeasurable lifelong pain to be endured by the survivors.
22 December 2023 – Child places lighted candle at makeshift memorial for mass shooting victims at Charles University in Prague
Departing the scene as a sniveling and sobbing mess, it seemed writing this would give a tiny therapeutic reprieve. It is indeed only a slight respite.
In June of 2000, I found myself in the green room of the Todayshow at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, NBC headquarters in New York City. When we walked in, we saw television and democracy icon Norman Lear donning his signature canvas porkpie hat.
Norman Lear, of course, was a legendary figure in the world of television who had recently made headlines for an extraordinary purchase—an original 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence for $8.14 million. He was on a mission to share the historical document with the American people, estimating that “99% of Americans” would never have the opportunity to see it otherwise.
June 30, 2000 – I’m looking at an original Dunlap copy of the Declaration of Independence. Sadly, I’m blocking Norman Lear who was viewing it with me.
John Dunlap, a Philadelphia printer, produced the copy on the night of July 4, 1776. Among the hundreds printed and distributed to the 13 colonies, only 25 have survived, declaring their independence from Great Britain.
Side note: Sotheby’s auction house says it was the highest price ever paid for an item on the internet and for any American historical document. Lear’s commitment to taking this rare piece of American history on the road underscored his passion for democracy and education.
June 30, 2000 – This Declaration of Independence was discovered in 1989, hidden vehind a torn painting. Not knowing what was behind the painting, the buyer bought it for $4.00…because he liked the frame.
Norman’s impact on the television landscape was equally profound. All in the Family marked the beginning of his sitcom reign, tackling societal issues with humor and insight. The show’s success led to spin-offs like Maude, featuring Edith’s cousin, and Good Times, centered around the struggles of a Black family facing poverty. Arguably, one of his most iconic contributions was The Jeffersons, using the medium to address social issues and promote understanding.
The Friday Concert Series guest was Britney Spears. Katie Couric and I watched the then 18-year-old wearing the clichéd schoolgirl outfit. She was grinding on a school desk. Katie and I were puzzled, “Is this supposed to be sexy?” Months before, she was a minor. Anyway, Norman wanted to meet the soon-to-be superstar. The teenage Britney likely had no clue who he was because she refused to meet with him. He turned to me and said, “Hmm, I’d bet she’d want to meet if I were creating a new show.” Although some thought that to be an arrogant comment by Norman, I knew what he meant. I found him to be kind, grounded and thoughtful.
July 24, 2018: Reporting from Kansas City, Missouri, during a rally by then-President Donald Trump
There is no such thing as “fake news.” There’s real journalism, which is the only news. There’s satire and parody; think The Onion or SNL. Then, there’s propaganda. Full stop!
A quote that has erroneously been attributed to Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Goebbels, rings so true today: “If a lie is only printed often enough, it becomes a quasi-truth, and if such a truth is repeated often enough, it becomes an article of belief, a dogma, and men will die for it.” Some sources have found the thought originates from the 1869 book, The Crown of a Life by Isa Blagden.
There is too much confusion between journalism and the all-encompassing term of “the media.” Journalism is a specific type of media that involves the gathering, verifying and disseminating of news, facts and information to the public. It is obviously based on a set of ethical principles that prioritize accuracy, fairness, and independence.
Conversely, “the media” refers to a broader range of entities, including entertainment media, social media, propaganda, advertising and other forms of communication that are not necessarily focused on journalistic principles or practices.
In recent years, the term “fake news” has been used to discredit legitimate journalism and to sow confusion and mistrust among the public. This has made it more difficult for consumers to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information and has highlighted the importance of media literacy and critical thinking skills.
It is crucial for media organizations, including cable “news” networks, to be transparent about their editorial policies and for journalism organizations to adhere to ethical principles of journalism. At the same time, consumers have a responsibility to seek out multiple sources of information, to evaluate the credibility of those sources, and engage in critical thinking when consuming news and information.
By working together to promote media literacy and to uphold the principles of journalism, we can help to ensure that the public has access to accurate and trustworthy information, and that the role of journalism in our democracy is respected and valued.
In today’s interconnected world, the rapid spread of false information through social media and other online platforms can have devastating effects on individuals, communities, and even entire societies.
Misinformation leads to confusion, mistrust, and even violence. It can influence public opinion and decision-making, affecting everything from elections to public health. In extreme cases, it is used as a tool of propaganda by governments or other entities seeking to manipulate and control populations.
To combat the spread of misinformation, it is essential for people to critically evaluate the sources of information they encounter and seek out reliable, trustworthy sources.
It is also important for social media platforms and other online forums to take responsibility for monitoring and removing false information while preserving the principles of free speech and open communication. There are ways of cooperating to help ensure that truth prevails over falsehood and that our shared beliefs are based on accurate information and a commitment to the common good.
The rise of the “fake news” narrative has made journalism more challenging and even dangerous. Journalists are essential to democracy, and they should be able to do their jobs without fear of violence or harassment.
However, in recent years, journalists have faced increasing hostility from some people and groups who have been misled by false information and conspiracy theories. This has led to verbal attacks, threats, and even physical assaults against journalists who are simply doing their jobs.
It is essential for media organizations, governments, and society as a whole to take a stand against this type of behavior and to support and protect journalists. This can be done by promoting media literacy and critical thinking skills, holding those who spread false information accountable, and providing journalists with the necessary resources and support to report on important issues safely and effectively.
It is true that the rise of social media and the increasing number of politically slanted outlets presenting themselves as news sources have created confusion about what constitutes legitimate journalism. However, the role of professional journalists remains as crucial as ever, especially in an era where disinformation and propaganda are ubiquitous.
Professional journalists are trained to gather and verify information, to provide context and analysis, and to hold those in power accountable. “Hosts” and social media do not adhere to the same standards.
In a dangerous trend, some politicians and newsmakers prefer to speak to “friendly” outlets and personalities who may not ask the tough questions. It is important for journalists to maintain their integrity and continue to ask substantive questions and follow-ups. By doing so, they can help to expose falsehoods, clarify issues, and hold those in power to account.
Ultimately, the role of professional journalists is to serve as a watchdog for the public, providing accurate and unbiased information that enables citizens to make informed decisions about the issues that affect their lives.
This role is more important than ever in a world where disinformation and propaganda are becoming increasingly prevalent. It’s worsened by a media landscape that caters to what people want to hear versus what they need to know.
Carman Deck prison photo (Missouri Department of Corrections)
The man looked in my direction and mouthed the words of what appeared to be “I’m sorry.” He was dead within minutes.
Carman Deck could not see me, nor were the other witnesses to his execution visible, because of the two-way mirrored glass separating us.
The barbaric occasion on May 3rd, 2022, was justice or revenge for his savage attacks on Zelda and James Long.
The execution came twenty-six years after the Longs were murdered execution-style in their DeSoto, Missouri, home.
Carman Deck was executed at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre that Tuesday evening.
In the presence of fellow witnesses, Deck was injected at 6:02 p.m. with the lethal combination of drugs that ended his life. Within a minute, Deck seemed to fall asleep, but I noticed his chest and abdomen appeared too still for breathing.
Deck, Missouri Department of Corrections Inmate #990144, was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m.
Our state’s governor said, “Justice was served.”
Deck’s last written statement reads, “My hope is that one day the world will find peace and that we all will learn to be kind and loving to one another. We all are a part of this journey through life, connected in every way. Please give love, show love, BE LOVE!”
Despite his unconscionable violence against two innocent senior citizens, it seems illogical for the State to be in the killing business. Allow me to explain, starting with a conservative point.
Financial Costs to Taxpayers
From a fiscal point of view, the cost of enforcing the death penalty with pretrial and trial expenses, the costs of automatic appeals, state habeas corpus petitions, and costs of incarceration on death row are substantially higher than sentencing a person to life in prison without parole, according to the U.S. Supreme Court (Alarcon & Mitchell, 2011).
Pursuing the death penalty costs Florida $51 million a year more than the cost of sending all first-degree murderers to life without. According to the Palm Beach Post, the 44 Florida executions since 1976 have cost the state $24 million for each execution.
The Dallas Morning News reports that a death penalty case in Texas costs more than two million dollars, around three times the cost of 40 years in a maximum-security cell.
Getting it wrong
More than 150 people have been released from death row (including at least four in Missouri) since 1973 after evidence proved their innocence, according to the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil & Constitutional Rights.
Obviously, execution is irreversible.
Race
In Washington state, jurors are three times more likely to sentence a black defendant to death than a white person in a similar case, according to the University of Washington.
The Santa Clara Law Review reports that the odds of a death sentence in Louisiana were 97% higher for people convicted of killing a white person compared to a black victim.
Despite 2021 Pew Research statistics showing that more than half of U.S. citizens support the death penalty, nearly 50% say capital punishment does not deter people from committing murder or other violent crimes.
Thinking out loud
Regardless, I write this just hours before Kevin Johnson is set to be executed in Missouri for the execution-style murder of a St. Louis area police officer.
Despite it being the law of the land in the Show Me State and many others, is it just? Is it accurate? Is it cost-effective?
Updated at 8:15 p.m. 29 November 2022: 37-year-old Kevin Johnson was executed at the prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri. He was pronounced dead at 7:40 p.m., according to Missourinet.
Although Walter Cronkite is arguably the standard-bearer for journalism and TV news, I have been more of the Tom Brokaw generation. My career in TV news allowed me amazing opportunities to meet both the legends and my hero, Tom.
Tom Brokaw
My first personal encounter came in the mid-90s when I asked Tom to look at a tape of my anchoring and reporting work. He agreed and responded through the U.S.P.S. with some words of encouragement saying I “had the tools for success” in our craft. He also offered advice including something I would later learn exhaustively myself; the importance of reporters and producers who can write well and generate original content.
We first met in person when he was speaking at the University of Minnesota in 1999. I had recently moved from Montgomery, Alabama, to the Twin Cities and was working at a regional cable news channel. Oddly, I had already agreed to return to my old but improved job at the NBC affiliate in Montgomery, so I just introduced myself during our meeting as being from Alabama’s capital city. He was eating something from the fruit tray in the green room backstage and responded by saying, “Wow, Joey, you’re a long way from home.” I laughed and explained the recent changes and my U-Haul movement. We visited for a few minutes and got a nice picture together.
In 2003, I moved to Wyoming to what would become and remains one of my proudest career achievements; helping launch KCWY – NBC for Wyoming. Along with a brilliant team of on and off-air talent, I was lucky enough to be the founding news director of the nation’s newest NBC affiliate.
My station was the newest competitor of the station where NBC justice correspondent Pete Williams once worked.
The first KCWY crew I affectionately call “The Pioneers”Tom Brokaw’s book “A Long Way from Home”
Tom’s newest book A Long Way from Home came out that same year. As you can imagine, the title of the book immediately took me back to what he said to me during our first meeting.
Tom Brokaw inscribed his book to me, “For Joey – Who’s always at home even when he’s a long way away.”
You can also imagine my response when received a copy of that book on the station’s anniversary. It was inscribed: “To Joey – who’s always at home – even when he’s a long way away.” It’s almost a certainty that he inscribed that book similarly to many fans, but because of our past exchange, it felt auspiciously inspiring.
When the NBC Nightly News anchor transition happened in 2004, (Tom handing over the anchor chair to Brian Williams) affiliate stations were offered a chance to interview them both about the change. I accepted. I have never been a Brian Williams fan. I try to keep these stories as positive as possible, but my allegiance was to Tom. I do think Brian has done serious journalism but he has also grievously damaged our craft. Whether it was a sign of the times, his own desires, or advice from NBC public relations, he seemed to be more into the celebrity of the anchor job rather than the continued importance of quality journalism. We would later see this problem, among the unrepentant “misremembering” of his extraordinary experiences, when he was removed from the “Nightly News” job and replaced by Lester Holt.
The interview with Brian was fine but I was most excited about chatting with Tom again. I thanked Tom for the book and asked if his advice had changed over time. It had not. The satellite delay made it a little awkward and I had a grammar stumble but it was still a nice moment.
Walter Cronkite
Meeting “Uncle Walter” came about in a situation that was rather unique to me. Instead of it having to do with my efforts or roles in journalism, it happened through my friend, Frank Lee Roberts.
Brochure for an evening with “Uncle Walter” in 1998
In October 1998, Mr. Cronkite was in Birmingham to speak at an event for the Business Council of Alabama hosted in part by HealthSouth founder Richard Scrushy. The event was called “And that’s the way it is…” which of course was the news legend’s nightly signoff.
Having a chat moment with Walter Cronkite (That’s a shadow behind me not my hair in a bun.lol)
I was a bit disappointed by his response when I asked him what the mood was like just after he took President Bill Clinton, Hillary, and daughter Chelsea out sailing on Cronkite’s yacht, Wyntje. His reply was curt saying he would not discuss his private moments and conversations with the first family. I respect the fact that the Clinton’s could discuss their lives with him in confidence, but I just wanted to know more about the president’s mood after he had just recently admitted to the affair with Monica Lewinsky and his impeachment case was getting underway. Cronkite was a private citizen though and was in the company of the Clintons as a friend, not a working journalist. It was still nice getting to visit with him briefly and to have him inscribe a book to me as “a fellow broadcaster.” EPIC!
“Objective journalism and an opinion column are about as similar as the Bible and Playboy magazine.“
Walter Cronkite
By the way, Scrushy’s signed copy of that book along with all the convicted felon’s other belongings and properties were sold at an auction trying to satisfy his $2.8 billion dollar civil judgment for accounting fraud, among other legal issues.
Tim Russert
Meeting Tim Russert at 30 Rock in 2000
Very few “celebrity” deaths have made me physically cry. Tim Russert’s untimely passing was one of them.
Tim was a journalist’s journalist. He was one of the smartest interviewers ever. I tried to model my political interviews after his. He was always so very well-informed, respectful, tenacious, and thoughtful. He rarely got confrontational. He would instead question people as would a good attorney. I’ve seen Tim rephrase and ask the same question two or three times. Instead of being rude he simply let his audience realize the guest was skirting the question or refusing to answer his direct query.
On 30 June 2000, I was at 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City as “part of my job” at WSFA. Tim was there with his son, Luke, to watch an 18-year-old Britney Spears perform as part of the Summer Concert Series. He took a moment to talk to me and take a picture.
Tim Russert in Las Vegas at the National Association of Broadcasters Convention in 2007 for “Meet the Press” induction to the NAB Hall of Fame
I would be lucky enough to see Tim again. He was in Las Vegas in April of 2007. “Meet the Press,” the top-rated and longest-running television program in the world was being inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). Tim accepted the honor on behalf of the show and for NBC. Just a little more than a year later, Tim died at the age of 58…at work.
“The best exercise for the human heart is reaching down to lift someone else up.”
Tim russert
I yelled her name from across a food table to tell Christiane Amanpour, “I love you!” She said, “I love YOU!”
While I was at the NAB Convention in Vegas, I also got to visit with the gifted journalist and CNN’s chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour. She inspired me to want to be a foreign correspondent, but I did not have her intestinal fortitude. She has reported live from war-torn countries and other violent hotspots around the world. She was lovely in person.
Return to 30 Rock
Hanging with Ann Curry in the green room at “TODAY” was one of the NYC trip’s highlights
Going back to 30 Rock in 2000, we basically had all-access to the green room and surrounding areas on the day I knew we would be meeting Katie Couric, but we were bonused by the generosity of Tim Russert, Ann Curry, and Al Roker. Ann is another journalist I respect.
“Journalism is an act of faith in the future
Ann Curry
Honestly, I wasn’t that big of an admirer of Katie until that day. I happened to be watching an interview she did with Tom Arnold (Rosanne Barr’s husband at the time) years ago and as she wrapped up the interview she said, “It was nice having you.” Tom, appearing to be funny, said, “It was nice having you too.” Katie’s seemed quite offended and snapped back with “Whatever!’ I don’t know why this stuck with me for as long as it did during Katie’s stellar career. She proved herself so very accommodating and down to earth with me and my guests. Despite the zany nature of NBC’s Today, she also repeatedly proved herself a solid journalist
Picking up Katie Couric
I have a feeling neither of us will forget the moment I lifted Katie Couric of the floor at “TODAY.”
Yes, this is the day I physically picked up Katie Couric. I don’t remember exactly why I got the feeling that this would be acceptable behavior, but I whispered to her as we were posing for pictures, “I’m going to pick you up.” She laughed and said. “What?” as she grabbed onto me signaling that she was okay with this ridiculous stunt. As I scooped NBC’s multimillion-dollar anchor into my arms I also grabbed her short skirt to keep from flashing her to everyone in the green room. Instead of it resulting in criminal charges and the end of my career, it was a very fun moment for us all.
Katie’s personalized photo to me of our unique moment was a nice touch.
Katie even signed a picture of the moment, “Joey, you really swept me off my feet.” Within the next year, Katie would sign a more than $60 million dollar contract with NBC in what was believed to be the largest on-air talent financial deal in the history of TV news.
Katie would also become the anchor of CBS Evening News. The same job Walter Cronkite held for 19 years. Katie would only be at the desk from 2006 until 2011.
Meeting Bob Schieffer in 2016 while we were reporting from the Republican National Conference in Cleveland, Ohio
I ran into Bob Schieffer while we were covering the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in 2016. He is another old school journalist I respect.
Working Among the Greats
The legendary journalist Carl Bernstein was gracious enough to pose for a picture at the RNC in Cleveland.
“The lowest form of popular culture – lack of information, misinformation, disinformation, and a contempt for the truth or the reality of most people’s lives – has overrun real journalism. Today, ordinary Americans are being stuffed with garbage.”
Carl Bernstein
Just a few of the teams I’ve been lucky enough to call colleagues
It’s strange both meeting and sometimes working alongside people who have meant so much to my career and life as a journalist. Some of the names you may not recognize. Some are or were giants in our field. Others continue to work daily to cover the news and uncover the truth.
At Gov. Eric Greitens’ January 9, 2017 inauguration with the venerable Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Famer Bob PriddyThis is one of those odd moments where all three male evening anchors were assigned to the governor’s office for interviews. In yellow is Kermit Miller from the market’s CBS station. I’m shaking hands with Jim Riek with the NBC affiliate. Combined, these guys have been at their respective local stations longer than I’ve been on Earth.
Please make careful and honest assessments of the journalists you read, watch, and listen to. Do not buy into the narrative that “the media” has an agenda and delivers “fake news.”
The legendary Bob Schieffer also sat in “Cronkite’s chair” ay CBS Evening News
Saying “the media” is about as ignorant and sleeplike as saying “the gays,” “the Asians,” “the whites” and “the blacks.” One is inappropriately super-generalizing and marginalizing a huge variety of people from many walks of life, talents, and character based on one similarity. “John Wayne Gary was a child rapist and killer…so you know those whites.” If you say OANN and The Associated Press in the same sentence, you are speaking of total opposites. The only thing they have in common is they disseminate info via a large platform. That is where the comparison should stop. To group the two as “the media” is nonsensical and irresponsible.
“As one former fake news writer told 60 Minutes, if it is in a news-ish format and agrees with preexisting biases, people will believe just about anything.”
We must stop using “the media” as an excuse to not think for ourselves. To stay properly informed takes common sense and even your own independent research. It may not feel as good as Sean Hannity telling a person how right they are even when they’re flat out wrong. It may not give one the warm fuzzies or that self-righteous comfort felt when agreeing with an opinion shared by Rachel Maddow.
Interviewing the interviewer, Bill Plante of CBS News
Someone with a YouTube channel is not Reuters. Just because someone wears a suit and sits at a desk does not make them a news anchor or journalist. Yes, question everything but ffs don’t use Facebook to do it.
ABC World News anchor David Muir grabs a selfie with our news teamWhat a run…so far!
What was I thinking when I ‘popped the question’ to supermodel Cindy Crawford? Why would a globally-recognized beauty queen even consider marrying a local news reporter/anchor working in Dothan, Alabama and Panama City, Florida? I know. It doesn’t make sense to me either, but Cindy did not say no.
The Planet Hollywood Nashville grand opening media pass in a gaggle of others
Planet Hollywood was opening in Nashville, Tennessee, in June of 1996. The Music City was certainly not within my market coverage area nor was it part of the mission of WTVY News to cover entertainment news. My boss allowed me to go on my own time. It was about a six-hour drive from Dothan and I had a friend in Nashville, where I could stay. That would save on any possible expenses which was handy since the station wasn’t covering such costs other than allowing me to use the gear.
The Short-lived Planet Hollywood History
Planet Hollywood, the movie, television and music-themed restaurant chain was launched in New York City in 1991. It was backed by some of the stars I was able to meet and greet in-person, such as Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and others. Additional celebrity endorsers like Wesley Snipes and Danny Glover were there as well. The company was successful in fits and starts for a few years but declared bankruptcy shortly after 9-11.
The fun before the end of the “Planet”
Frank Lee Roberts (image courtesy of Frank Lee Roberts Photographer)
My friend and accomplished photographer Frank Lee Roberts accompanied me on the adventure, and we dragged my friend since childhood, “Nashville Mike,” along as part of the crew and for good times.
Some of the thousands of stargazers at Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening in 1996
The plan was to start shooting video earlier in the day in order to beat the crowds, but the parties started early and the entire day was frantic.
As we were moved through streets crowded with revelers, jockeyed for position on the elbow-to-elbow red carpet and each bathed in our own sweat, I told my “crew” that this will be a much better memory. We laugh about it today because we didn’t even have time to actually enjoy the experience while getting what was needed for a story.
Bruce Willis stops to chat at Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening in 1996
The first celebrity experience came in the afternoon with Bruce Willis. He and Demi Moore were still married and I asked where she was. Bruce replied, “She’s in New York for the premiere of Striptease; the one where she takes all her damn clothes off.” Bruce would later stop to promote his then-upcoming film with Christopher Walken, Last Man Standing. Meeting Bruce was exciting enough but I would have gone mental if Walken had been there.
George “Goober” Lindsey and Billy Dean at Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening in 1996Sylvester Stallone at Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening in 1996
I don’t remember the exact order of who walked the carpet and when, but I recall people like George Lindsey (Goober on ‘The Andy Griffith Show’), county music artists Mindy McCready and Billy Dean, Ashley Judd (whose mom I met in the early 80s while I was working as an extra in Living Proof; the Hank Williams Junior Story) and others. Planet Hollywood business partner and superstar Sylvester Stallone also stopped by. I first bumped into Sly around 1991 on the backlot of Universal Studios as he was filming the movie, Oscar. A fire destroyed his movie sets at Universal, so filming had to resume at Disney-MGM Studios the next month.
Luke Perry
Luke Perry at Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening in 1996
Luke Perry practically bounced-along the red carpet fresh off of his white-hot run on Beverly Hills, 90210. He worked in film and television from childhood all the way to just before his death. His most recent work was Quentin Tarnation’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. His passing in March 2019 at the age of only 52, saddened me while also allowing a moment to reflect on seeing the talented actor in-person 23 years earlier. His many fans treasure the life of a remarkable man as well as his prolific and diverse career.
Amy Grant
Amy Grant at Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening in 1996
Musician and the “Queen of Christian Pop” Amy Grant stopped to chat but she seemed totally disenchanted to be there. Perhaps it was something I said or asked her. I do know I played her pop hits ad nauseam in my radio days.
Lisa Hartman-Black and Clint Black
Lisa Hartman-Black and Clint Black at Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening in 1996
Actress and award-winning singer Lisa Hartman Black and her husband, award-winning country music star Clint Black walked the glamor walkway together and were generous with their time. They both seemed genuine and quite comfortable chatting with me.
“Proposing” to Cindy Crawford
Joey having fun with Cindy Crawford at Planet Hollywood’s grand opening in 1996
My microphone was shoved in quite a few faces that day and I was getting tired of asking the same questions. Then, through the throngs of celebs and their handlers, supermodel Cindy Crawford appeared. As she has with billions of people on the planet, she caught my eye. Although I had grown weary of the repetition, I couldn’t let Cindy “freakin’ Crawford just walk by me without some interaction. A funny wedding proposal would throw her off and break up the monotony for us both, I thought. It did. She took it like a sport after a split-second of figuring out whether I was joking or if she needed to have her security team tackle me. Her playful slight shove was a nice touch.
“You have been erased!”
Vanessa Williams and Arnold Schwarzenegger at Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening in 1996
Arnold Schwarzenegger walked the red with Vanessa Williams together as they were promoting their new film Eraser. The movie pulled in a quarter of a billion dollars but garnered a mixed response from the critics.
I couldn’t decide who I wanted to talk to more. Obviously, Arnold has been part of my whole movie-watching life, but Vanessa has it all. She is the most famous (and even infamous for a while) Miss America ever. In 1983, she was the first black woman to be crowned Miss America and the first Miss America to be dethroned. She relinquished the title weeks before the end of her reign after a controversy surrounding nude photographs of herself.
Three decades later, as she served in the role of head judge for the Miss America 2016 pageant, the organization’s CEO made a formal apology for what happened in 1984. Despite the scandal, she is arguably the most commercially successful Miss America in the program’s history.
Actress, singer, designer and former Miss America Vanessa Williams at Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening in 1996
As Vanessa and Arnold plugged the movie, I asked her to look into my camera and say the tagline to the number one movie in the theaters. She smiled, locked eyes with the camera, and in a shock to me, she imitated Arnold’s accent and dropped the line, “You have been erased.”
Joey Parker “proposes” to supermodel Cindy Crawford at Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening in 1996
When I asked her to deliver the line, I was thinking about putting the story together next to Cindy’s clip to make it seem as if I were a schmuck (that part can still be true) who just got two wedding proposals rejected within minutes. It was a creative way, I thought, to put together a light entertainment piece. Let me clarify, such manipulation would never be acceptable in a serious news story. This was more of a Daily Show or late-night talk show theme. It was a fun feature.
Danny Glover at Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening in 1996
It’s a wrap!
Preparations underway for Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening in 1996The 1996 Joey Parker on assignment at Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening
I don’t cover star-studded grand openings and I’d rather report on the midday traffic than anything having to do with dreadful red carpet coverage. Still, this was a fun and exhaustive day I’ll always remember.
It’s a wrap! Just before closing after Planet Hollywood Nashville’s grand opening in 1996
Like many people my age and slightly older, Benny Hill was a naughty boy’s secretive indulgence. The Benny Hill Show was not a children’s program and parents usually prohibited their children from watching it making the taboo show even more desirable.
The Benny Hill Show (Photo courtesy: IMDB)
If you don’t know, it was a sketch comedy that often included now very un-PC themes of “humorous” male chauvinism, inappropriate sexual behavior and even violence. It was really no different than Bugs Bunny, but on this program, it happened to be with live humans which some found quite offensive. Benny Hill would chase women and have women chasing him in high-speed scenes, as well as, other silly themes.
Jane Leeves (right) was a regular performer on The Benny Hill Show
They would often feature buxom women, some celebrities including a young unknown at the time, Jane (Daphne from “Frazier”) Leeves.
Benny Hill jokingly smacks Jackie Wright’s bald head
One recurring scene that seemed to be funny to me was when Benny’s character would do rapid smacks to the back of the head of the short, bald Jackie Wright (1905-1989). Still, most boys (including yours truly) and grown men watched it for the scantily clad women.
The show’s theme song “Yakety Sax” was voted the number one Favourite Theme Tune in a 2015 UK-wide poll.
Benny Hill advertising Black and White whisky in 1971.
Benny was sought after for certain adult-oriented advertisements. Companies wanted to cash in on his fame. In 2002, DJ Taylor of The Independent ranked Benny the third greatest British comedian of the 20th century just behind Stan Laurel and one of his comedic heroes Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977). The only connection I thought I had with Benny was Charlie Chaplin. While Benny was a huge fan of Charlie, my great grandfather stylized some of Mr. Chaplin’s iconic mustaches.
I never thought my life would intersect with the legendary comedian Benny Hill.
Joey Parker on the set of Teenavox in 1987
While I was working on my television variety and dance TV program called Teenavox, I started working at Universal Studios in Orlando. Many celebrities came through to work in the many sound stages and backlots, as well as, on VIP tours of the theme park. I was one of the guides who led some of those tours.
It was a rainy Florida day when I met Patrick McNee (“The Avengers” “Transformers” “A View to a Kill”) so he had his signature umbrella. It seemed as if he was in character.
Some autographs after spending the day with Wolfman Jack
In my brief time at Universal, I would meet Benny, John Landis, Wolfman Jack, (pictures) Dan Aykroyd and others, as well as, work in close proximity with New Kids on the Block, Bon Jovi, Mary Kay Ash (Mary Kay Cosmetics) and Melissa Joan Hart of “Clarissa Explains it all.” Since we also ran Nickelodeon tours, I got to actually slime kids and got slimed a few times myself.
An optimistic Joey Parker goes for the Benny Hill interview
When I learned Benny Hill would be shooting on the backlot, I made arrangements with his management company for an interview for my show.
The business card of the company handling Benny Hill’s visit to Orlando
Over the course of his outdoor filming, Benny got a bit overheated and too tired to sit for an entire interview. Despite his exhaustion, he offered to do a promo for my show and promised an extended interview on his return the following year. Sadly, the summer 1992 interview wasn’t to be. Benny died on 20 April 1992. Don’t click that link and read about his death if you wish to have happy memories of Benny Hill at the moment.
Benny Hill takes his position before going on camera.
I arranged the use of a Sony Betacam and photographer to shoot the promo. I went into an area and met a very friendly and even demure Benny Hill. I told him what I’d like him to say. It was simple: “Hi, I’m Benny Hill and you’re watching Joey Parker on Teenavox.” He agreed and asked for a few minutes to learn the brief script. As we set up the camera and one light, I watched the comedy legend reviewing my handwritten script and whispering the words to himself. He said, “Okay. I’m ready.”
Despite a possible heatstroke in the Florida sunshine, Benny gives it his all.
We got into a side-by-side position so the camera could start on a closeup of Benny and zoom out and pan right to include me. When I asked if the camera was rolling, Benny said, “Wait! Hang on. Let’s break-out the bank.” I had no idea what he was talking about and even had a slight fear that he was about to charge money for the promo. This is not unheard of when it comes to old school performers.
An assistant approached Benny with a container the size of large cigar box. When the handsomely-lined box was opened, Benny removed his signature beret, neckerchief and round eyeglasses; his moneymakers a.k.a ”the bank.” I was stunned that he took the time while tired, sweaty and possibly having a mild heatstroke from the Florida heat and humidity to get into character just for me.
Benny Hill does his signature salute
He got into position, delivered the script with a few delightful alterations including pointing at me and mouthing, “This is him,” and ending without being asked by smacking my head as he did with Jackie Wright. As they did in the show’s postproduction, I added the smacking sound effects and “Yakity Sax” music for the promo.
The higher-ups at Universal found out what I did and said I abused my position since I’m not a producer at the studio. I reminded them that I set this up and recorded it on my own time during a day off of work even. They demanded a promise that I would never again “abuse my power and access-all-areas clearance” authority. I said I couldn’t do that and explained it was one of the reasons I took the job. After stewing on it all night, I quit the very next day.
Benny and Joey having a laugh after the recording
Regardless, I again received an experience and gift I still feel I didn’t deserve and for which I am so very grateful.
Finally, Benny was featured on the BBC program Living Famously, where he visited the home of Charlie Chaplin after Chaplin’s death. Mr. Chaplin’s son took Benny into his dad’s study and showed Benny several videotapes of Benny’s work. The son told Benny what a great fan his father was of Benny and his work and watched it all with thorough enjoyment during his final years. Benny, who of course idolized Mr. Chaplin, was reportedly moved to tears.
From the moment I heard Luciano Pavarotti perform “Nessun Dorma,” I was hooked. I had not become an opera fan, as much as a Pavarotti fan, but it meant that my first official foray into the genre was Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot.
I listened to his music for years before I understood its meaning. Even being ignorant of the language, I felt the passion in his voice. It wasn’t until Morgan Freeman’s character, Red, in “The Shawshank Redemption” said in his own legendary voice, “I have no idea to this day what those two Italian ladies were singing about. Truth is, I don’t want to know. I like to think they were singing about something so beautiful it can’t be expressed in words and makes your heart ache because of it.” That is how Pavarotti feels to my ears and heart.
Pavarotti performs in Baton Rouge
While living on the Gulf Coast in 1993, I learned that Pavarotti was going to perform in Baton Rouge. “The King of High Cs” was doing a show to help raise funds for a Louisiana housing charity.
We went all out to see Luciano Pavarotti in concert in early 1994, but I wouldn’t get that ticket signed by Tibor Rudas until seven years later.
Paying top dollar for Pavarotti LIVE
As soon as tickets were on sale, I went to a record store in the mall (this was pre-internet) to buy three tickets; I ordered the most expensive seats money could buy. They were $175 each. I got one for my girlfriend, one for me, and one for my best friend, Frank Lee. The reason I spent my hard-earned radio DJ money on such expensive tickets ($175 each – about $310 each in 2020 money) was that I felt this would likely be the only time we’d get so close to greatness.
The program – Tibor Rudas presents Luciano Pavarotti” in Baton Rouge
On 4 January 1994, we headed to Baton Rouge, where the real-life Pavarotti adventure begins. We arrived at the Riverside Centroplex Arena (now called Raising Cane’s River Center Arena). Our seats were in an elevated section with a decent side view of the stage. The seats weren’t fantastic, but they were close and unobstructed.
My Baton Rouge Luciano Pavarotti concert friends
Sneaking into the front row
Pavarotti came out on stage and began belting out some of his most famous arias. Our seats were to his 10:00 position, and we enjoyed it immensely. I was distracted by three empty front row seats on the floor. I told my concert partners that if the seats remained empty for the first half of the concert, we would move to them at intermission. My plan was met with fear and resistance, as they worried we’d get tossed out of this magnificent event. I told them I needed their support for such a bold move. They gave me their blessing and cooperated and we moved to the floor and took the three front-row seats. We were now spitting distance from the greatest opera singer in the world.
A Pavarotti-signed CD of The Three Tenors
As we meandered the crowd of VIPs and dignitaries including then-Governor Edwin Edwards, attorney F. Lee Bailey, Tibor Rudas (creator of The Three Tenors) and a host of other luminaries, I met the organizer of the show. Ambassador Lil Barrow-Veal was the head of a non-profit agency and asked me, in our very brief exchange, if we were coming to the dinner afterward. I improvised some BS about our desire to attend but that there had been a “mix-up” regarding the invitations. I don’t know how I just pulled that cockamamie story out of my “arsenal,” especially since we knew nothing about any sort of afterparty. She asked how many of us would be there. I said, “three” and pointed out my other two mates. She said, “Find me after the show and I’ll get you in.”
During the second half of Pavarotti’s concert, we could hardly contain ourselves with the knowledge that we would be going to some event with the legend. My friends did a good job of tamping down expectations, saying she was going to ghost us the moment the show ended. I was ready for that but still hopeful.
After the show, Ms. Veal was hobnobbing with the VIPs and my friends and I clung to her as best I could. We were hungry strays looking for any Pavarotti snacks she may throw our way. She moved through the crowd with an entourage of organizers and others and we made it through every security checkpoint before approaching an escalator. We rode up the moving stairs and arrived at a set of ballroom doors, where the only people being admitted had gold lanyards around their necks. We had none.
She passed through security and we thought we’d had a good run and were totally ready to abandon the soiree with the joy of having seen Pavarotti in concert. In all the madness, Ms. Veal turned and extended three fingers on her elegant hand, waiving us into the private room. We took a seat at a large round table that was positioned about 10 yards away from the head table with name placards marking the seats for Pavarotti and his guests.
As the server brought our salads, I asked if she would bring me get a side of blue cheese dressing. She said it was not possible and the vinaigrette was all they were serving. As the server left, a woman sitting at the opposite side of the table said with mocking disdain, “You’d think at a thousand dollars a plate, we could get whichever dressing we want.” We laughed, but inside I began a sweaty panic, thinking that sometime during the event or thereafter they would come to me for $3,000 to cover our three dinners. That’s a lot of dishwashing, even for three interlopers.
The maestro entered to a standing ovation along with Governor Edwards, F. Lee Bailey, Mr. Rudas, and some other VIPs. They all took their seats at the long table, à la the Last Supper.
A few times during the meal, Pavarotti looked over at my girlfriend and made eyes with her. I normally would have been a bit jealous. Instead, I felt as honored as she.
When the dinner ended, we all were invited to meet and shake hands with Pavarotti. Somewhere along the way and just a few people in line, organizers stopped the meetings, made apologies, and Pavarotti and friends left. We pilfered anything we could from the table. I wanted Pavarotti’s name placard, but it had already been claimed. We still left Louisiana elated; Three people could not have had a better experience.
Luciano Pavarotti in wax at Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Fast forward to 1998. In Amsterdam, at Madame Tussauds, I posed with the wax figure of Pavarotti. I couldn’t wait to share it with my Baton Rouge concert partners. I thought it would be a nice way to wrap up my amazing Pavarotti experience. It was not the end…at all.
Getting the “impossible” interview
In 2001, while working at the NBC affiliate in Montgomery, Alabama, I got word that Pavarotti was coming to Birmingham, for his first and only concert in Alabama. I immediately started shaking the trees to try to work out an interview. This was “impossible,” as Pavarotti does interviews with Barbara Walters, Diane Sawyer, Mike Wallace, and Oprah. He doesn’t do interviews with Joey Parker or any locals.
When I started my dialogue with Pavarotti’s people, I started off by saying, “Please do not say ‘no’ until hearing me out.” I told them of my Baton Rouge experience and explained that I was a hardcore (not a Johnny-come-lately) fan. I even bribed them with Alabama BBQ I had shipped on dry ice to their New York City offices. The shipping cost three times as much as the BBQ.
Eventually, one of his people said Pavarotti would be performing shortly before his Alabama concert in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They asked if I would be willing to travel that far to do an interview to promote the Birmingham concert in advance. I distinctly remember my answer: “I would go to Hell to interview Luciano Pavarotti!”
Luciano Pavarotti in Albuquerque, NM program
After a big laugh and a thank you for the “delicious BBQ,” we eventually set plans for an interview in Albuquerque.
New York City, September 11, 2001 – Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Finding familiarity in a time of terror
On a beautiful September morning, I watched along with the rest of the world as our nation came under attack. The last thing on my mind during the 9-11 terrorist attacks, was my interview with Pavarotti. Much like the current COVID-19 crisis, the nation was turned upside-down.
When I got to Albuquerque, I told my production crew from KNME-TV what I was thinking for months leading up to the show, that the interview was very likely not going to happen. Legend has it that he has had two former U.S. presidents in his audience and canceled the show because of a throat tickle. This was weeks after 9-11 and Pavarotti was out of his normal artistic element and in the dry climate of New Mexico.
The hotel arranged a room on the same floor as Pavarotti’s suite. We set up at the appointed time, met with his people, and began the wait. I shared my feelings with the crew about envisioning Pavarotti in his suite, looking at his agenda and saying, “Who the hell is this guy? And, why am I doing a local television interview? Cancel it!”
As I peeked out of our room down the hall to Pavarotti’s, we waited 15, 30, and then 45 minutes. When we hit the one-hour mark, and I was accepting the reality it was not going to happen. I looked out for what I figured would be the last time. There was movement. People were gathering outside his room, and then it happened. Luciano Pavarotti stepped out of his room and was on his way to MY room.
Amber McClarin photobombs Luciano Pavarotti
We met and kindly shook hands. We got seated. As the intern, Amber McClarin, was attaching his microphone to Pavarotti’s signature silk scarf, I couldn’t help but fawn. As I was explaining to him how he single-handedly “turned me on” to opera making me a fan decades before our meeting, he was eying Amber. She was aware of Pavarotti’s wandering eye and flirtatious behavior and took it in stride. I think she was even amused.
Meeting Luciano Pavarotti was a dream come true.
Pavarotti sniffs my watch
While the photographer, Manuel Machuko, was adjusting his lighting, Pavarotti noticed my Hublot watch. He pointed and said with his thick Italian accent, “Hublot?” I hesitated because I didn’t understand his question. When it hit me, I confirmed it is a Hublot watch. In the excitement of the moment, I opened the deployment clasp of the watch and handed it to him. He took it from my hand and drew the watch to his nose to sniff it. This was a snapshot of a memory that I’ll never forget. I wondered to myself, “What series of events has led to my being in a hotel room with opera legend Luciano Pavarotti sniffing my watch?” I still get a laugh out of that moment. In reality, he was pointing out how the rubber strap doesn’t emit the funky smell of a men’s leather watch strap.
Mr. Pavarotti looks at the program from the 1994 Baton Rouge concert
The interview got underway. I was moved by his relaxed demeanor and at how agreeable and personable he was. It was going well until I asked him how the events of 9-11 affected him. His eyes turned red and welled with tears and he took a deep breath. I knew I had just blown this interview, I knew I had lost Pavarotti and his people were about to step in and stop the interview they felt was getting perhaps too personal. After a pause, he sighed and answered the question with passion. He said the terror attacks were “the death of my soul.”
My visit with Mr. Pavarotti was supervised by his team
We rebounded and spent the better part of an hour together. After the interview, I wanted to get one quick reverse shot while he was there. For people who are not in television, this is where we put the camera to the rear side of the subject for cutaways, reaction shots and editing purposes. I was afraid to ask him so the Manuel knew from my rehearsed look to quickly get the reverse shot. Pavarotti noticed and was patient. We chatted, and I showed him the picture of me posing with his wax replica. He asked if this was from London or Paris. I told him it was from Amsterdam. He had no idea “he” was on display in Holland. I told him I thought this was as close as I would ever get to meeting him and also shared our Baton Rouge experience.
KNME photographer Manuel Machuko during the Pavarotti interview
Not only did we blow out the 15-minute time limit, after an hour together we were still having a pleasant time. So pleasant in fact, Pavarotti invited me to play poker with him that evening, and soon to Modena, Italy, so he could cook a meal for me. I told him I like cooking and will treat him, but he said, “I do the cooking. You eat!”
We finished the interview, he posed with me and the crew for pictures, signed autographs and recorded some promotional pieces for A&E. That’s when A&E really meant Arts and Entertainment. It was also when TLC actually meant The Learning Channel.
The Three Tenors’ producer Tibor Rudas is a legend in the opera world
BONUS: Visiting with legendary promoter Tibor Rudas
As a bonus, I was able to have an interview with the show’s producer, Tibor Rudas, often referred to as “the George Martin of opera music.” The once prisoner of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany, Mr. Rudas became as important in arranging and producing the Three Tenors (Mr. Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and José Carreras), as Mr. Martin was to The Beatles.
A Pavarotti program signed by Tibor RudasLuciano Pavarotti signed a program to Joey (Pavarotti preferred to sign in blue because it is “more romantic”
When we finished, Pavarotti walked by my “football.” That is my makeup and prep bag that goes with me everywhere, thus “the football.” Aside from my earpiece, makeup, and other necessary things for television work, I had a tin of Altoids. He reached in and grabbed them. He asked if he may have one and I offered him as many as he’d wish. I still have the tin because it potentially has his skin cell DNA inside. I mean that not in a creepy way.
Pavarotti asked if I was going to the show “tomorrow night.” I said we would love to see him perform. He set us up with front row seats. I mean he arranged those prime seats for me, the cameraman, the intern and their significant others, as well as the general manager of the TV station and his wife.
Row One courtesy of Luciano Pavarotti
History taught me that money cannot buy front row tickets. If this had been a serious news interview, I could not accept such a gift. In fact, it was ethically questionable anyway.
Pavarotti rehearsing with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra
The next day, the crew accompanied me as invited guests to what is always a closed rehearsal. After the evening concert, Pavarotti allowed us all to visit him backstage. He did pictures and autographs and joked about BBQ. I was gobsmacked to learn Pavarotti had tasted the Alabama BBQ I sent to New York.
The next day, the crew accompanied me as invited guests to what is always a closed rehearsal. After shooting for a few minutes, the tour manager kicked us out. As we were leaving, even though we told him that we had permission to be there, Pavarotti saw us heading out, and yelled my name. He waved us back in, and we continued to shoot with unfettered access. It was remarkable.
After the evening concert, Pavarotti allowed us all to visit him backstage. He allowed pictures, signed autographs, and joked about the BBQ. I was gobsmacked to learn Pavarotti had tasted the Alabama BBQ I sent to New York.
The Pavarotti production crew: Joey, Amber and Manny
When I got back to my room that night, I called my friend, Frank Lee who was my partner in crime in Baton Rouge, and told him my career was done. Nothing could top this. After the extremely depressing lows of 9-11, I had one of the greatest moments of my life with a musical hero I had admired for so long.
The Pavarotti program for Birmingham, Alabama
Pavarotti in Alabama
Once again, Pavarotti and his people arranged front row tickets again at his 10 November 2001, concert at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center. My guests would include Frank Lee, my girlfriend who was with us in Baton Rouge, and some of our friends. We all enjoyed the show and were granted backstage access again. My friends all got to meet him and get autographs. He did not allow pictures because his leg was troubling him and was bandaged and elevated on a scooter.
The dressing room door sign and backstage pass for Luciano Pavarotti
I did score his dressing room door sign. I stuck my backstage pass on it for the scrapbook.
The Baton Rouge trio seven years later leaving Montgomery for the Birmingham show
Before we left, his manager mentioned something about the barbecue. Pavarotti made the connection and asked if I could get him some more of “that delicious barbecue.” I told him I would try. When we got back in the limousine (we had to treat ourselves for this very special event), I called Dreamland in Birmingham and asked if we could get an order delivered. They told me they had shut down the BBQ pits for the night. When I told them it was for Pavarotti and crew, the restaurant manager asked if I could get an autographed picture for the restaurant if they fired up the pits again and delivered to his hotel. If you’ve never been to this iconic BBQ restaurant, Dreamland has celebrity memorabilia decorating the dining room. It’s mostly autographed pictures of sports legends such as Alabama Football football Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant and other sports icons. I told them we had already left the venue but gave him the contact number of Pavarotti’s manager and I paid for the BBQ.
The latter and final years with Pavarotti
Sometime later, some friends and I were headed to see Aerosmith in Birmingham at the same venue. Arena workers dropped the massive scoreboard onto the stage crushing some of Aerosmith’s equipment and causing the band to cancel the show. I already had tickets and plans to go to Birmingham, so we continued on. While we were figuring out what we were going to do, I proposed we eat at Dreamland. As we walked to our seats in the restaurant, we noticed something special. Ensconced in a lighted and locked glass case was a picture with the inscription, “The best BBQ ever…Luciano Pavarotti.” I had chills and a stupidly huge grin knowing that I was a part of making this happen.
A note from Modena, Italy, by Nicoletta and Luciano
In 2003, I sent a note to Pavarotti’s home Modena, when I learned that his wife, Nicoletta Mantovani had given birth to twins. I congratulated the couple on the birth of daughter, Alice, and sent sympathies regarding the stillbirth of her twin brother, Riccardo. I received a nice thank-you note from “Luciano and Nicoletta.”
In 2007, I learned how serious Pavarotti’s health problems were. I sent him pictures and a letter reminding him of this very long tale and how much he means to me. To this day, I do believe he saw it before he died of pancreatic cancer on 6 September 2007.
When I hear one of his songs or see him on a TV broadcast, all these memories come rushing back with the force of a pleasant punch to my emotions. His kindness, generosity and passion still fill me with a joy that’s deeply appreciated.
Luciano Pavarotti signed a poster from a concert program
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Above: A 19-year-old Joey producing and hosting the television show – Below: Almost fade to black
The usual scorching heat of the Pensacola, Florida summer beat down relentlessly on August 7th, 1987. Little did I know that this date would forever be etched in my memory, not only for its alliteration of eight seven eighty-seven but for the life-altering, harrowing events that were about to unfold.
My mission was to move my show’s television studio set from Pensacola to Mobile, Alabama, for storage. I was with my then-girlfriend, Kristi, and a mutual friend. Little did I know that this seemingly mundane task would plunge us into the depths of danger.
Picking up and loading the set into the back of a pickup truck proved uneventful. The trouble started when we realized the tarpaulin had come loose on one corner, causing the pieces of the large but lightweight set to blow onto I-110 a mere three miles from the trauma center at Baptist Hospital.
Kristi looked at me and asked, “What do you wanna do?” The littering aspect came to mind first. Then I remembered the pieces of the set, some upwards of a square yard each, are made of sturdy but floaty Dow Chemical Board used most often for inflation could cause a serious crash.
I decided we should pull over, stop and retrieve the pieces. We all scrambled to collect the items that once served as a physical manifestation of the first TV show I ever created.
The blistering hot road stretched out behind us with the boards strewn about. We made our individual and random routes through the asphalt arteries, carefully avoiding and dodging traffic.
Kristi pointed to a piece of board 40 yards down the highway and moved toward its direction. I grabbed her Dallas Cowboys football jersey, which would later become a tourniquet and said, “I’ll go get it…it could be dangerous.”
Just as I recovered the board, I saw a car approaching the bend at full interstate speed. It’s still estimated that the vehicle was traveling at 65 mph (105 kph). A terrified Kristi saw it too.
We were waiting for the screeching of tires, but instead, the vehicle and I did the “hallway dance,” simultaneously moving side to side to avoid each other, only to remain on a path of collision. This was a possible dance with death.
While it happened in real-time, in mere seconds, the moment seemed to be slow enough for me to realize every unavoidable moment.
I looked back and realized the car was about to make contact with my left leg while I was in a running position. I tensed up and bit down, bracing for impact. The grill appeared to me as the angry exposed teeth of a monster as it hit my left leg, shearing and tearing a compound fracture of my tibia and fibula.
The estimated 200,000 pounds (91,000 kg) of force threw me onto the hood with my right hand slamming the windshield as if to stop me from going through the glass. It kept me from flying through the windshield and into the car’s cabin.
The shattering tempered glass turned the palm of my hand, as the doctor described, into what looked like “hamburger meat.” My hand was forced down as it punched the dashboard, breaking my wrist and causing compound fractures of the ulna and radius. My body’s impact, the car’s speed and the laws of physics sent me hurtling over the vehicle some 30 feet (10 m) in the air only to fall like a ragdoll to the unwelcoming sizzling skillet of asphalt below.
I remained conscious through the terror of the crash and learned the meaning of “solar plexus syndrome,” or having the wind knocked out of me. Once I regained my breath, I was embarrassed to have fallen so clumsily in front of Kristi. After all, James Bond would have punched through the windshield, slapped the inattentive driver, taken the wheel and saved the day. That thought made me want to stand up, dust myself off and say, “I’m okay.” I was not “okay.”
For a discombobulating moment, I feared Kristi and perhaps others were hurt as well. She reassured me that was not the case while using her jersey to tie off my blood flow hastily. The unrealized skills of a future nurse and the daughter of a practicing nurse kicked in. Otherwise, it would have been more than the four liters of AB-negative blood that soaked into the interstate’s pores that day. I’m certain my life would be drained before first responders could arrive. Thank you, Kristi. I still owe you.
Not realizing the extent of my injuries, I didn’t think I was anywhere close to death. I thought I might be treated in the hospital and released that same Friday night.
I told Kristi I had glass in my mouth, but upon closer inspection, she and I realized it was not glass but tiny shards of my own teeth caused by biting down during the impact.
Despite the hospital’s close proximity, emergency responders decided to collect me in a medical helicopter rather than a road ambulance during heavy traffic. Fortunately, Baptist LifeFlight had been established one decade before this crash. It was the first aeromedical helicopter program in Florida and only the third in the United States.
Kristi spoke words of encouragement while keeping me alert and conscious while paramedics built a tent over my body to avoid further injuries.
Soon they loaded me into the chopper, where a man leaned over to inspect my chart and injuries. “19-year-old male pedestrian hit by a vehicle at a high rate of speed. Compound fractures of the ulna, radius, tibia and fibula, various lacerations, contusions and extreme thermal burns…unknown internals,” he communicated to the trauma center. I muffled indistinctly underneath the oxygen mask, and he pulled it away from my nose and mouth to ask me to repeat what I said. “There are no internal injuries,” I told him. He laughed as he radioed back to the hospital, “Patient advises there are no internal injuries.”
He asked me who I was. I told him. He asked me who the president was. I said, “Ronald Reagan.” I could not, however, accurately answer what day it was or the time of day.
Although I was certainly uncomfortable, it wasn’t until I was being prepped for emergency surgery that the pain started. They refused pain meds because of the procedures that were to follow, and I begged for water, even for a sip. I was refused for the same reason. Kristi was still by my side with a small plastic container of water and a gauze pad to keep my burnt lips moistened. I told her she’d give me a sip from the container if she loved me. She had a moment of laughter through her hours of shock and tears.
I awoke in the recovery room with the harsh fluorescent light bathing my eyes with its flickering mercury poisons.
They eventually rolled me into a room where my once estranged mother would assist me in recovery. It was a kind and healing gesture in multiple ways, but it caused tensions among Kristi, her family and my foster family. That’s another story altogether.
The doctors, nurses, specialists and attendants were in and out of the room all day, every day, examining me, running tests and changing my sheets. The changing of the sheets was an excruciating process as more than 60 percent of my body was covered in asphalt burns. The sheets appeared covered in burnt cornflakes at each change.
The worst part of the day was when they’d bring in the arterial stick. I distinctly remember during one visit with the nurse bringing the now familiar “caddy of pain.” I started to cry like a child. It felt as if they were driving the needle into my wrist bone.
I didn’t have much time to recover, as I had trouble breathing. I eventually couldn’t breathe on my own and was taken to ICU.
As my blood oxygen level dropped to 30 from the normal healthy level of 95 to 100, it was realized that I had suffered a pulmonary embolism.
My grandfather from Atlanta was in the room during one of my lucid moments. We only talked on the phone a few times a year, and visiting in person was even rarer still. It was a joy to see him, but that’s really the first time I knew I was in danger of death. He was not a sentimental man, and I thought he wouldn’t see the point in traveling five hours for a mere hospital visit.
I was later told the doctors said the family may need to consider funeral arrangements because nothing other than oxygen treatment could be done. “It’s now up to the patient.” Sometimes they recover, but it did not look good at my level of hypoxia and hypoxemia.
Days turned into weeks as I fought a grueling battle against pain and despair. Physical therapy became a daily ritual, each step forward an arduous triumph over the injuries ravaging my body.
Having the rod romoved – I had to write, “Do not operate on this leg, please” on my left leg.
Months turned into years as my body slowly healed for the most part, leaving behind scars that told a story of survival. The road to recovery has been long, arduous, and fraught with setbacks, addiction issues, pain and distractions.
To alter one of the best movie lines in history: “I had this uncomfortable piece of metal up my leg for 15 years. And now, little man, Franklee, I give the rod to you.”
During the depths of darkness, I turned to a god, resented and even hated a god and eventually decided that no god was responsible for my tragedy or seemingly miraculous survival.
The reasons I survived and am alive to write this 36 years later are Kristi, the first responders, the doctors, nurses, technicians, other medical experts, science and my surprising will to continue.
I have not feared death from then on. In fact, I used to jokingly say that I cannot be killed by conventional methods. Although I am still fearless of the end, I am aware that I, like all of us, have an unavoidable date with the Grim Reaper. It just wasn’t 8.7.87.
“A brush with death always helps us to live our lives better.” – Paulo Coelho
Diaphragmatic breathing is not only for voice professionals.
When speaking, many people use clavicular breathing, using their upper chest and shoulders to breathe rather than engaging the diaphragm.
Unlike diaphragmatic breathing, which allows for a deeper and more efficient intake and release of air, clavicular breathing can negatively affect the voice.
When relying on clavicular breathing, the amount of air available for speaking (or vocalization for singers) is limited. That limited breathing can strain on the vocal folds (aka vocal cords) as they try to produce sound with insufficient airflow.
Avoid Damage to Your Voice and Your Health
Also, the muscles surrounding the vocal folds, neck, shoulders, and even the rib cage may become tense and overworked, resulting in muscle fatigue, discomfort, and potential vocal problems.
Clavicular breathing can also make the voice sound weak, strained, or even hoarse. The vocal folds often must exert extra effort to compensate for the lack of air, leading to increased tension and potential damage to the vocal folds. Over time, it can even result in vocal nodules or polyps, which can cause further voice problems, including vocal cord damage, inflammation and temporary or prolonged voice loss.
Doctor Recommended Breathing
Dr. Emily Crawford-Thompson is a licensed clinical psychologist who founded Columbia Psychology Healing Center in Columbia, Missouri. She says she often recommends paying more attention to how we breathe. Dr. Crawford-Thompson says, “The physiological benefits of regular diaphragmatic breathing are well documented and include lower cortisol levels; in other words, more relaxation and less stress.” (Full disclosure: The writer of this article is a client of Dr. Crawford-Thompson and highly recommends her.)
Talk Like a Pro!
This is even more important for people who rely on their voices regularly, such as anchors, reporters, singers or other performers.
Engaging the diaphragm uses the full capacity of the lungs, ensuring adequate and efficient airflow, leading to a more powerful and sustainable voice without unnecessary strain or tension.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use diaphragmatic breathing while speaking:
Find a comfortable and upright posture: Stand or sit with your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and feet firmly on the ground. This allows for optimal airflow and supports the proper engagement of the diaphragm.
Place your hand on your abdomen: Position one hand on your abdomen, just below your ribcage. This will help you feel the movement of your diaphragm during breathing.
Take a deep breath in: Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, directing the breath toward your diaphragm. Focus on expanding your abdomen and feeling it rise as you inhale. Allow your chest and shoulders to remain relaxed during this process.
Exhale while speaking: As you exhale, release the air steady and controlled through your mouth while speaking. Maintain a steady stream of airflow throughout your speech or sentence. Avoid shallow or forced exhalation; instead, let the breath flow naturally as you speak.
Maintain a steady rhythm: Aim for a balanced and consistent rhythm of inhalation and exhalation while speaking. Avoid holding your breath or taking quick, shallow breaths. Focus on creating a smooth and uninterrupted airflow.
Practice breath control: Pay attention to the amount of air you release while speaking. Make sure you have enough air to sustain your voice and maintain clarity and power in your speech. Avoid speaking until your breath is fully depleted; this can lead to strain and tension.
Incorporate relaxation techniques: It’s essential to keep your muscles relaxed while speaking. Tension in the neck, jaw, and shoulders can interfere with proper breathing and voice production. Practice relaxation exercises and be mindful of any unnecessary muscle tension.
Warm up your voice: Before engaging in extended speaking or vocal activities, warm up your voice with vocal exercises and gentle stretches. This helps prepare your vocal apparatus and encourages proper breathing and support.
Seek guidance if needed: If you are unsure about using diaphragmatic breathing effectively while speaking, consider working with a broadcaster with knowledge of diaphragmatic breathing, a vocal coach or even a speech therapist. They can provide personalized guidance, exercises, and feedback to help you develop proper breathing techniques and optimize your voice.
DO THIS ALL DAY, EVERY DAY! Just like learning a new language, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.
With consistent application, diaphragmatic breathing can become a natural and beneficial part of your speech habits, supporting a powerful, clear, authoritative and sustainable voice.
When money is involved, crooks and scammers often find a way to rip us off. That can’t be the case regarding extra-virgin olive oil…right? Sadly, some have learned to corrupt the virgin.
In the ancient world, Homer called it “Liquid gold;” I still do.
Some EVOO makers mix their brands with cheaper oils and preservatives and even use spoiled olives to deceive consumers. Ensuring authenticity is not an issue of olive oil snobbery. It can be a health concern. The food fraud can include EVOO mixed with soybean or other seed oils, which can be dangerous to people with allergies.
Olive Oil Police
The increasing awareness of the importance of quality, purity and authenticity of olive oils has prompted significant advancements in fats and oils analysis. Recognizing this, the International Olive Council (IOC) has called upon olive oil chemistry experts from its member countries (of which the United States of America is not) to collaborate on developing more accurate and reliable methods, especially in detecting fraud. This collaboration began in 1988 and continues through biannual meetings.
The collective efforts of these experts have resulted in the adoption of olive oil-specific methods by the IOC. These methods are designed to detect various forms of adulteration, including the presence of seed oils, olive-pomace oil, and traces of halogenated solvents, among other potential contamination. By using technological advances and incorporating new scientific data and research, these methods enhance the ability to control and ensure the quality and authenticity of olive oils.
While scientific analysis is the most accurate way of determining what’s really in your olive oil, there have been “studies” that increase the chances of buying “fake olive oil” by up to 70 percent. This figure is often disputed.
Finding the real deal
Determining authentic olive oil can be challenging, but there are several factors you can consider to increase your chances of finding the real deal. Here are five:
Read the label: Authentic extra virgin olive oil should clearly state “extra virgin” on the label. Check for additional information, such as the region of origin, harvest date, and the type of olives used. Transparent labels with detailed information are typically a good sign.
Check for a seal of approval: Some countries or regions have specific seals or logos that certify the authenticity and quality of olive oil. For example, look for the DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta or Protected Designation of Origin) or IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta or Protected Geographical Indication) seals in Italy. See images of PDO and PGI seals below.
Consider the price: Authentic extra virgin olive oil is a high-quality product that requires careful cultivation, harvesting, and extraction. Be wary of meager prices, which could indicate lower quality or fraudulent practices.
Conduct a sensory evaluation: Authentic extra virgin olive oil should have a fresh, fruity aroma and a distinct flavor profile. It might exhibit peppery or grassy notes, depending on the variety of olives used. Take a small sip and assess its taste, consistency, and balance of flavors.
Buy from trusted sources: Purchase olive oil from reputable retailers or directly from trusted producers. Local specialty shops, farmers’ markets, or reputable online vendors can be good options.
Remember that fraudulent practices exist in the olive oil industry, so it’s important to be vigilant and informed. By doing your research, you can increase your chances of finding authentic and delectable olive oil.
Chicken Marsala is a delightful and flavorful Italian-American dish that has gained immense popularity over the years. Combining succulent chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce, it has become a staple in many Italian restaurants and home kitchens alike.
Let’s take a journey into the history of Chicken Marsala, exploring its origins and evolution, before diving into a classic recipe you can prepare yourself.
The roots of Chicken Marsala can be traced back to the western region of Sicily in Italy. Marsala, a fortified wine produced in the coastal town of Marsala, was a prominent ingredient in the local cuisine. Sicily, being a melting pot of various cultures and influences, saw the convergence of Italian, Spanish, and Arabic culinary traditions. It was in this dynamic culinary landscape that the concept of cooking meat in Marsala wine first emerged.
The popularity of Marsala wine grew during the late 18th century, and it eventually found its way into many Sicilian recipes. As Italian immigrants made their way to the United States, they brought along their culinary heritage, including their love for Marsala-infused dishes. It was in the Italian-American neighborhoods, particularly in the New York City area, that Chicken Marsala began to flourish.
Over time, the dish evolved to suit the American palate and incorporate local ingredients. Chicken Marsala gained widespread recognition during the mid-20th century when Italian-American cuisine gained popularity throughout the country. Its rich and robust flavors, coupled with its relative simplicity, made it a favorite among both home cooks and professional chefs (also my niece, Michelle).
Now, let’s delve into an easy recipe for classic Chicken Marsala. Here are the ingredients you will need:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Enough garlic to satisfy (I don’t believe in such a thing as, “too much garlic.”)
8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
To prepare the dish:
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic and sauté until the mushrooms become tender and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet and deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for a couple of minutes until it reduces slightly.
Stir in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the liquid reduces.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
Serve the Chicken Marsala over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
The result is a mouthwatering treat for any family or social gathering.
