Ted_Perry's Blog

Did you know the students at Davidson don't have to do their own laundry? Seriously, the school does students' laundry so they can have more time to study. Seriously, I'm not making this up. The school's president says academics is number one on the DU campus.

So even though school is in session, the school is paying for FLIGHTS and GAME TICKETS for any student who wants to go to Detroit for the game. So much for academics being number one.

Usually, I cheer for the underdog this time of year but c'mon how can I like a school that pampers students like this? Call it my UW public school bias but I can't wait for Bucky to end this story a few hours from now.  At the UW we did our own laundry. Or in the case of one of my roommate's who shall remain nameless, we didn't do laundry at all. (I never went in his room it was so ripe in there.)

Anyway Cinderella,the dj called last dance so take the floor, let the national media fawn for a few minutes, and then take off the glass slipper before you cut yourself.  Remember your place Cinderella--you'll be back in rags soon.  And make sure you clean my bathtub too---you forgot to do that last time. Just don't touch the laundry, I know you've never learned to do that.

 

Researchers in Great Britian and America have concluded that the 'midlife crisis' is something that will affect people across the world, not just in Western Europe and the United States.

They've even come up with a U-shaped formula that shows we're happiest and the start and the end of our lives. At the bottom of that "U" is the age of 44  where the probability of depression peaks.  As I'm 43 and 9 months, this story jumped out at me today.

In my "Ted's Take" tonight, I talked about a guy named Clarence Garrett who I know from the YMCA.  I profiled Clarence(who just graduated from college at the age of 87) ten years ago as he was always happy and he told me then it was because there was just no other choice. That always clicked with me. Sometimes, it's simple enough to say "Just Be Happy Already." Sometimes it's not.

And that's where you come in. What's your secret of happiness? No judgment here, just asking you to share your tricks for happiness. I don't care if it's a sunrise, a Bible verse, a yoga trick, a joke....just asking you to share.

Thanks in advance.

 

 

I was in Iowa covering the caucuses when I learned about the passing of former Governor Lee Dreyfus.  Our family had just moved to Wisconsin in 1979 the same year Dreyfus became Governor.  I've always been a news junkie and when I moved here I watched a lot of news trying to get used to my new home state.

I honestly didn't know a lot about politics then--I was just in middle school--but there was something very avuncular about my new governor. Maybe it was the mustache, maybe it was the red vest but he just seemed ..well, likable.

How little did I know how much I would like this guy.

Several years back when former President Nixon died, I was assigned to go to Dreyfus' home and do a quick interview. Fat  chance.  I can't tell you if Governor Dreyfus and I hit it off or if he was always this much fun to talk to and I didn't care. All I knew is that I was hearing story after wonderful story with a man who was bigger than life but still amazingly down to earth. I've often told people that is one of my favorite days in my 20 years of tv news.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family--I know what it's like to lose a dad---but what a wonderful life.

 What an interesting man.

 

 

 

I am a half-hour east of DM. Oh, i'm sorry - that's Des Moines. The locals call it DM, but before I ever came here, I would have called it BM, because I never thought a city in Iowa could be so nice. Shame on me. There's a front-page story in today's Des Moines Register newspaper about how many look forward to covering the caucuses because DM has become a cool spot. I'd have to agree - it's a much nicer city than I expected.

You may object to Iowa getting such a say early on, but I can tell you the people who will actually go to caucus tonight have done their homework. There's an old joke about a guy running for office in Iowa and one farmer says to the other, "What do you think of him?" and the other guy says, "I don't know, I've only met him 3 or 4 times."

Some notes from the past 24-hours:

* I seem to be the only reporter without a laptop. We have an assigned workspace in the Iowa events center, but I went there and pulled out my legal pad and notebook and felt like I was working for the Amish News Network. Campaigns have gone high-tech, but I'm still old-school. (So, how am I blogging? I'm dictating to the lovely Amy Kant as we drive).

* A reporter from Miami turned to me and said, "How do you wear a scarf?" I said, "What do you mean, how do you wear a scarf? A winter scarf? Anyway you can... as long as you cover the Adam's Apple and the throat, that's the important thing." He showed me how he was wearing his... it looked dapper I'm sure, but was doing nothing to keep him warm.

* Big scuttlebutt last evening was that actress Scarlett Johansson was showing up at a Barack Obama appearance at a high school at 10 o'clock. Both the outside and inside had the feel of a surprise rock concert. Inside, crews from Russia, Italy, Inside Edition and all the major networks were there with cameras ready. The big surprise was that Johansson never appeared, although she was spotted behind the stage by some reporters.

* While shooting some interviews with Iowa voters in a health club, we noticed former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton and a friend on a couple stairmasters nearby. Her friend seemed very concerned that we were there and talked to a manager. I assured her that our story was about Iowa voters and we had no interest in shooting or interviewing Chelsea. Her friend seemed grateful but surprised. Let's not forget here... at the end of the day, the stars are the voters.

* As we write this, photojournalist Andy Konkle and I are heading to Mike Huckabee's final appearance of the day. We'll have all the latest news on FOX 6 news at 5 & 6... and we'll be LIVE with results after the bowl game.

I know we don't get the attention Iowa does... but remember, the circus will be here when we have our primary February 19, short of a few acts that will be cut after tonight's caucus.

Looking for transplanted Iowans here.

Ever taken part in a caucus in Iowa? Would love to talk with you as I'm heading there Jan 2. Don't worry, it's not a tv interview, just backround stuff.

If you have, ted.perry@foxtv.com.

Peace and Merry Christmas.

Inspired by the actions of the state legislature last week, I too went out and spent money I didn't have for something I really didn't need. In my case, it was more music.

I read some good reviews of the new Alison Krauss/Robert Plant CD called "Raising Sand". I love Alison Krauss. If she put out an album in which she just covered WHAM songs, I'd still probably buy it because of her voice.  She could rent herself out as a lullabye singer and I'd dip into my 401K plan to get a good night's sleep.

I was never a huge Led Zeppelin fan mostly because I never felt like smoking pot before putting an album on. (Settle down Zep-heads, I'm just teasing.)

Ok, here's the deal on "Raising Sand". I didn't love it. In fact, I barely like it. Krauss and Plant sound fantastic and they play off each other well. The problem is I didn't care for the song selection or the music--and that I blame on T-Bone Burnett who produced it.

But I have much better things to say about another Alison Krauss release: It's called "A Hundred Miles or More" and it's sort of a 'best of' album. This one really features her brilliant pipes and her ability to tell a story thru a song. It's just lovely.  There are also some heart-breakingly good duets with James Taylor, Brad Paisley and John Waite. I'd get this album if I were you, it's a great listen.

Speaking of great listens.....

It took me waaaaayyyyyy too long to get exposed to the genius of Johnny Cash and I'm ashamed to admit it took even longer to get hooked on Willie Nelson. "The Essential" is a collection of Willie songs that you expect ("Mammas Don't Let Your Babies...On the Road Again"..etc) but it also has some great covers of classics (Patsy Cline's "Crazy" and Ray Charles' "Georgia on my Mind") and some great duets with Emmylou Harris and Waylon Jennings).

I never gave Willie much credit. I always thought of him as sort of a punch line for jokes about back taxes and excessive marijuana smoking. I was so wrong.  If a campfire could sing, it'd sound like Willie and I meant that as a compliment. There's a smoky warmth in his throat that draws you in. I understand-finally-why he's such a hit with people who've seen a thing or two in life.

 

 

 

Ok, those of you who know anything about me know I'm a huge fan of the Wisconsin Badgers having graduated from there in 1986 (although the University has asked me to say I went elsewhere!).

But I'm also a Big Ten fan having grown up blocks away from Dyche Stadium (home of the Northwestern Wildcats) and having several siblings and in-laws graduate from the University of Illinois.  I actually rooted for the Blue and Orange before falling in love with the Cardinal and White. Anyway.....

One of the things I like about Illini fans is a little thing they do when they see other fans wearing Illinois t-shirts or sweat shirts. The first person to notice the other yells "I-L-L..."...and the other person yells, "...I-N-I". It spells, of course, Illini.  When it works, it's kind of fun. When it doesn't...it goes over like a fart in church.

So today I'm at the grocery store and I see this woman wearing sweatshirt that says "University of Illinois" on it. As she passes me, I look at her and say "I-L-L...." and then....silence. More than silence. I got a look from her that was about the same look I would have been given if I said, "Hey lady..want to go over to the produce aisle and make out?" It was the most uncomfortable part of my day.

But the day is still young.

 

A co-worker of mine who I respect told me to get over it but I'd like to pick your collective brains about this one. The actor who plays the delivery guy in the VERY funny Miller High Life ads sang the National Anthem at Miller Park Tuesday night.

I love the commercials and the actor sounds like a very decent guy (I've heard him in a few interviews). He also nailed it--he sounded great.

Here's my question: should he have been "in character"?

He was wearing the delivery uniform he wears in the commercial. Yes, I know it's "Miller" Park and I know that's how he's known but I can't help but think it looks like the anthem is "for sale".  If Toby McGuire were asked to sing the National Anthem and showed up as "Spiderman" the same weekend the movie were opening, it would look like an obvious plug--and people would not be happy.

Is this any different?

Larry Hisle and I were teammates today. There's a phrase I never thought I'd write.

The former Brewer (and a very kind man), me, Mayor Barrett, County Executive Scott Walker, Tony Hrkac of the Admirals, Scott Dolphin of FM106 and Gregory Jon of WOKY were all invited to play wheelchair basketball with the athletes in town for the Veterans Wheel Chair Games. I think I can speak for the aforementioned guys when I say it was an honor and a humbling experience.

The athletes who are gathering in Milwaukee this weekend are all military veterans. They were also my 'teammates' for 20 minutes this afternoon.  It's funny when you think about it but the "able-bodied" guys were actually a hinderance to the wheelchair athletes. But athletes are athletes and these guys wanted to win. Which meant those of us who haven't played hoops in a chair needed a crash course in the finer points of wheelchair basketball. 

If you don't think it's not hard, go to your neighborhood basketball court, sit on a chair and shoot a few free throws. Now do it in a rolling chair. And dribble. And then have someone crash into you while you're shooting. Now, you're getting the hang of it.

Here's something I've never told anyone: my deepest fear is that I won't always be able to walk. I'm afraid that sometime while I'm out on my Harley, some drunken idiot will run a red light and leave me paralyzed.  I pray to God, I'm wrong but it's a fear.  I spent less than an hour with these men and women today but it was enough time to realize we all have a strength in us. These athletes are remarkable because a) they're veterans and b) they have the love of the game.

I hope you get a chance to watch some of the events this weekend. There's a link on our website to the schedule. All events are (Milwaukee's favorite word) free.

Make them feel welcome.

 

I dont usually post my "Ted's Take" script in my blogs because a) it's lazy blogging b) my scripts are usually pretty sloppy and I don't want you to see what a lousy speller I am and c) we want you to watch the 'teditorial' every night at 10:16.

Having said that, I got a letter from a dad who liked what I had to say last night and asked me to post it so his kids could read it. I'm asking you to add whatever advice you have for high school graduates below.

(Sorry about the CAPS but that's how our scripting for teleprompter works)

> 25-YEARS AGO *TONIGHT*--IN MY LAST OFFICIAL ACT AS CLASS PRESIDENT---I STOOD IN A PACKED GYM IN BARABOO AND GAVE A QUICK SPEECH--THE ORIGINAL TED'S TAKE IF YOU WILL.

TONIGHT'S TAKE IS FOR A LIMITED AUDIENCE: THOSE WHO HAVE OR WILL GRADUATE THIS MONTH. FOR THOSE WHO ARE MILITARY BOUND: GOD-SPEED AND THANK YOU.

FOR THOSE HEADING OFF TO COLLEGE, A FEW SINCERE WORDS OF ADVICE

. I REMEMBER HOW SCARED I WAS THAT NIGHT NOT ONLY TO SPEAK BUT TO BE "IN THE REAL WORLD" BUT NEVER UNDERESTIMATE FEAR AS A MOTIVATING TACTIC.

BELIEVE ME, THERE WILL BE DAYS IN THE FEW YEARS AHEAD THAT WILL TEST YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL----YOU MAY FEEL LIKE QUITTING--DON'T.

YOU MAY FEEL LIKE YOU CAN'T DO IT, YOU CAN.

YOU'LL MAKE LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS, CHERISH THOSE.

 YOU'L GET YOUR HEART BROKEN, IT GOES AWAY.

YOU MIGHT NOT ALWAYS BE THE SMARTEST PERSON IN THE ROOM AND THAT'S WHEN YOU SHOULD PROBABLY STOP TALKING AND LISTEN.

AND TRY NOT TO DOUBT YOURSELF TOO MUCH--IT'LL STAND IT THE WAY OF HOW GREAT YOU CAN BE.

GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN AND NEVER,EVER, EVER GO BARE-FOOT IN THE DORM SHOWER.

Ok, there's a catch and it's not exactly a small one: you had to serve at Normandy on D-Day 63 years ago.

Since many of these gentlemen might not be on the blogosphere, former TV6 Anchor Carl Zimmermann is asking for help finding them. Carl helps gather these heroes every year for a free dinner at Elliot's Bistro on Milwaukee's East Side. They are welcome to bring their wife or a friend.

Why Elliot's? The owner, Pierre Briere was a little boy in Normandy during the invasion and remembers the kindness and bravery of the American troops. So every year he makes them this awesome meal and doesn't take a dime. Now that's gratitude.

If your father or grandfather served on or around D-Day in Normandy, please encourage them to sign up for this dinner. I covered this as a story during the 60th anniversary and the atmosphere in that room was electric.

You can write me at ted.perry@foxtv.com and I'll give you the number but please do it soon. Pierre needs an accurate headcount.

 

There's a park about a half-block from my house and off to the side is a batting cage where a pitcher stands behind a screen and throws to the batter. It's all fenced in with netting so that no balls can get loose.

Anyway, I was driving by the other day and this dad was throwing to his kid who couldn't have been more than eight but probably more like six.  This kid had one of the sweetest swings I've ever seen for someone that age.  I'm no Ted Williams but I played a little baseball in high school and coached some in my adult life so I know the basics of hitting.

Whack....whack....whack....whack...this kid was a machine. Line drive after line drive. That kid's dad was grateful for the protective screen, I'll tell you that.

Just as I was thinking, "That guy is probably the best boy on his team" I looked over again and saw this long hair out of the back of the batting helmet.  The little dude was really a dudette. I stand only minorly corrected: That girl is probably the best player on her team.

I believe the expression is "You go girl".

 

 

...because I'm shrinking.

At my bi-decade physical my very able doctor informed me that I'm a half-inch shorter and four pounds heavier than my last physical.  By my math I will become an oompah-loompah by the year 2025.

Heavier I understand, but shorter? I never really thought that happened. I'm quite certain I will not be America's next top model.

My former co-anchor Joyce Garbaciak used to tell me, "Wait until you hit 40, you won't care so much what other people think". Whether it's a self-fufillig prophecy or just true, I really do find myself caring less what people think.

Having said that, and just for fun, I'd like your thoughts on this one.

I've been going to baseball games since I was 5 years old-that was 38 years ago. In that time I"ve been in Major League parks from Los Angeles to Toronto and I've never caught a foul ball.  Came close once in Canada but didn't really feel it was right to tussle with a 12-year old girl for one that came in our section (and No, I wasn't afraid of losing).

This season, I started  bringing  my catcher's mitt to Miller Park.  Three weeks ago, I brought my long-time friend and college roommate to the game. When we got to the parking lot and I reached in the back seat to grab my glove he said, "What are you doing with that...you are NOT bringing it in."  I reminded him whose seats we were sitting in and he had no choice but to relent.

Last weekend, I brought another good friend and his two sons to the game. I met them at Hank (Aaron statue) and he looked at the aging leather glove on my left hand.

"Nice mitt," he said sarcastically.

"Your kids each have one," I replied more defensively than I wanted to be.

"Yea, they're 10 and 6."

So what are your thoughts? Am I a total geek for bringing a glove with me to the game? Is it adorable or pathetic? Or somewhere in between?

And if I'm bringing a glove to a baseball game at the age of 43, how long until I start wearing black socks with loafers while I cut the lawn?

I'm going to keep wearing it. I mean, Michael Jackson wore a glove for no apparent reason but I'm on a mission here folks!

And I promise, seconds after catching it, I will look around and toss it to the youngest kid in my section.

That's what real men do. Even the geeky ones.

There's this book out called "The Secret" which I haven't read and don't really plan to but the premise is positive thoughts can produce positive results. (Duh)

But I thought, let's give it a try with our Milwaukee Brewers. Since the Opening Day win against the Dodgers, I have been saying, "THAT'S why we're going to the World Series."

I say it two to four times a game. You don't want to overdo it but don't undersell it either.

I said it a lot last night when I was at the game. JJ goes deep in the whole to rob a single..."THAT'S why we're going to the World Series"....Prince hits two home runs on Sunday ..."THAT'S why we're going to the World Series".

So say it often and say it proud....and if you say it enough ...well maybe "THATS why we're going to the World Series."