Welcome to the SALections!

We hope you find this newsletter inspiring and just maybe it will make you laugh out loud. Here we go.

November 2024

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HEROES

The Hero we are profiling this month is ED HUGHES.

Sometimes we meet people who have an everlasting affect on your life, who are real life, real time heroes for just being themselves and by being real, they are larger than life years after they are gone. For me that is Ed Hughes.

Ed was a bonafide, broadcasting legend and I was lucky enough to work with him. Gonna take the scenic route, but this will make sense as the story unfolds.

It was tax day - April, 15th, 1985 - Michele Harvey and I were starting together at WTKR TV in Norfolk. Michele, aka Shelly was the news co-anchor and I was the sports guy. Shelly was a pistol & just great to work with.

We were joining a couple veterans in Andy Roberts as the weather man and Ed Hughes as the local news anchor.

Coming into the role, I had spent the previous five years doing weekend sports in Richmond. It was a big step up and one that I was ready for.

In addition to anchoring the 5, 6 and 11 sports Monday to Friday, I was responsible for managing a 4 person sports team and plotting our daily coverage.

We had all the tools – live trucks, a chopper and a satellite truck. The latter could go live from wherever it was parked. So if we sent the truck to Florida, we could be live from Daytona on our news broadcast.

There are just over 200 television markets in the US. Norfolk was 42 on the list and we had great sports teams to cover.

Colleges like Old Dominion, Norfolk State, Virginia, William & Mary and Va Tech, a Triple A baseball team, mens and womens golf tournaments and we also covered the Redskins home games.

Friday nights were pretty crazy as we covered at least 10 high school games using the chopper, photographers and a few high school interns. We also had a Sunday night sports show. Football season was typically an 80 hour week and despite the grueling hours, I loved it.

This was a dream role for me and I was ready to lead the sports team. The one thing I didn’t account for was Ed.

He was known as the Walter Cronkite of Norfolk, with a booming authoritative voice and he anchored at WTKR for 36 years. Would I get along with Ed? Chemistry is such an important component for a news team to work well together. I wasn't in awe of Ed, although I probably should have been. Yes, he was that good.

On the plus side, Ed loved sports – his Red Sox, NASCAR and the Redskins so he would often come along with our sports crew to events.

On top of that, Ed was also a great still photographer. After a particularly tough Cowboys – Redskins game at RFK, Ed took a fantastic picture of Tony Dorsett sitting on the bench with his helmet up and the strain of a rough game on his face.

When I took that picture up to Tony the following year, he agreed to sign it, but wanted a copy of his own. That happened fairly often.

Ed could not have been more gracious when I started. He was so good, so accomplished and had won every award in broadcasting. I was just 27 and one lucky SOB, as Ed took me under his wing.

Despite being the big kahuna, Ed could have fun on the set as he waved to a guest off screen here.

He was also a gifted reporter who could deliver a story like no other. He loved doing reports on the tall ships, the military, storms in the outer banks and the first responders in Hampton Roads.

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We had so much fun on the set. Somehow we started playing a game where we tried to break each other up right before the light came on letting us know we were live on the air.

Ed got me fairly often and it was rare for me to pull one over on him, but I got him this time.

THE LAST DONUT

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Even the great ones have moments when live TV gets the best of us. Things happen, words are jumbled and hilarity ensues. We certainly had our share at WTKR and Ed was all for the party.

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After working on the weekends for 5 years in Richmond, when I moved to Norfolk, I wanted to go to Harborfest. It was a 3-day party on the city's harbor front with music, food, tall ships and large crowds.

The first time I went, Ed led the way. We were looking for a parking spot and Ed said you can fit in over there. So the car was parked and off we went.

The Station sponsored the event, so we were asked to introduce the musical guests. Andy our weatherman introduced the headliner, Ray Charles.

As the sun began to set, it was time to cover my favorite sport in ten years of broadcasting. What was better than being on the NFL sidelines, courtside for an ACC basketball contest or covering the Super Bowl - well that would be Boat Hopping with Ed at Harborfest.

Everyone knew Ed and they all wanted him to come on their boat. He lead a posse of 4 of us. Each vessel had a great spread of food with any drink you could imagine. We'd stay for 5 or 10 minutes, say hello, tell some stories, take pictures & sign autographs, thank the nice folks and it was off to the next yacht.

This went on for hours. The festivities were coming to a close and when we went to get the car - it was gone. We took a cab home, but I made sure to properly thank the Legend for getting my car towed.

Thanks for getting my car carted away - Big Shot I said. To which he replied, Don't forget to pick up my shirts in the morning Rookie. Ed was never at a loss for a comeback.

While he passed away way too soon in 2004, he is missed by many including yours truly.

Thanks for your friendship Ed and for taking this young broadcaster under your wing. We became best buds and I will always cherish those memories.

Working with you was as good as it gets. Getting to know your family was an added blessing.

How lucky was I - an up and coming sportscaster working every day with a talented, funny and gracious legend at WTKR.

I was speaking at a school and someone asked what it was like to work with Ed. I said working with Ed was like batting behind Ted Williams every day. He would have liked that as I pulled in a beloved Red Sox reference for him.

For those not familiar with the Boston Thumper, Ted Williams was widely regarded as one of the best hitters in baseball. He was a 19-time All Star with a career .344 batting average.

Love you Ed and will always remember the great times we shared together. You'll always be in my heart.

Heroes – Footnotes

We all have heroes. It’s really important to let our heroes know how much they mean to us. Write them a letter, pick up the phone or go see them.

Let them know that they have made an impact on you. You will gain so much more in that conversation, while making them feel appreciated. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

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CINEMA LOU

Cinema Lou is an entertainment enthusiast with a vast knowledge of films and the streaming world. He is also a featured guest on the Arch Campbell podcast.

We are delighted at the SALections to have Cinema Lou share his thoughts with us as a Special Contributor.

CINEMA LOU on DOCUMENTARIES

Have you noticed the glut of documentaries that have infiltrated movie theaters and streaming services lately? Seems since the writer's strike and the studio’s budget cuts, real life stories have dominated, and I believe it’s at least partially because they are cheaper to produce.

I used to believe there was no such thing as a bad documentary, because done right, they are a vehicle to learn, understand and enjoy. I still believe that, but some are much better than others.

We have limited time, and there are so many choices. Streaming services offer endless documentaries on World War II and Nazi Germany, celebrities like Mary Tyler Moore and Gene Wilder, real life drama, crime, events, sports, and unending political documentaries. Some are good, some not so good and some very good. But one I saw recently stands out. Super/Man, the Christopher Reeve story.

Reeve was an unknown actor who landed the role of a lifetime when he was named to play Superman in 1978. He went from an unknown to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Super/Man pulls no punches. It shows his messed up upbringing and domineering father. And how he struggled in his career and life post Superman movie success.

Super/Man doesn’t glorify Reeves or make him out to be a great person but it shows how he transformed after his life altering accident that left him completely paralyzed. The two hours goes by quickly and I can almost guarantee you will shed a tear or two. You’ll also have a great appreciation for Reeve, his wife Dana and his family.

Super/Man is playing in theaters, so you’ll have to shell out ten bucks to see it now, but it’s well worth it. If you’d prefer to wait, HBO is a producer so expect to see it on that platform soon. These days we could use a super hero, and I highly recommend Super/Man.

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LOVE SONGS

***SEXIEST LOVE SONG 2024***

A new song every month to add to your playlist & get you in the mood.

THINK I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU - CHRIS STAPLETON

He is a 10-time Grammy winner and a bear hug of a man but can he deliver a smoking hot love song. Go one minute into this performance and let the guitar chords work their magic. Then of course, there is his voice.

BABY DO YOU EVER WONDER....

This song is on his 5th Album, Higher. It features a laid back groove that pulls you in. It spent 35 weeks on the charts and lyrically Chris confesses his love and devotion in this bluesy blockbuster.

Big props to Dua Lipa in this performance. She is used to being outfront and in the spotlight, but she purposely takes a step back so Chris can look directly across the stage and sing this song to his wife, Morgane.

"YOU ARE MY LIFE. YOU ARE MY WORLD.

YOU'RE THE AIR I'M BREATHING GIRL."

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PLACES TO VISIT

***PORTO***

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and it takes a backseat to no one with its beauty and charm.

We went to see our daughter Rachel, and made some of the typical touristo stops. The Porto Cathedral which dates back to the 1100's and the Train station with it's beautiful architecture.

We also went to our daughter's favorite park, restaurant & museum. This is the Crystal Palace Gardens.

One of the museums that Rachel enjoys is the Photography museum. It is set in a former prison which contrasts art with the history of the building.

Here is a Penrose 1900 camera which was used to take many of the pictures on display.

It's pretty easy to say How are you in Portuguese - Como Vai.

So I threw a phrase at my daughter to playfully test her Portuguese skills.

Looks like she got it pretty quickly. Way to go Rachel!

We wanted to get a sense of what is was like for someone who was visiting Porto for the first time. Fleur from France gave us her thoughts.

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One of the busy city centers is Santa Catarina Avenue where there are shops and sidewalk cafes. It is a great place to get a sense of the city and people watch while in Porto.

And how about the residents, what do they like to do in the city. We spoke with Rita who grew up in Porto & absolutely loves the city.

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Porto is a very walkable city with numerous options for tourists - a cruise on the Douro River, Wine tasting of their famous Port wine or a guided day of adventures by bus, scooter or foot.

Before we wrapped up the day, we couldn't resist one last shot of their impressive city hall.

It is quite a beautiful city & we had a great time in Porto! We will certainly go back.

If you are interested in visiting Porto, here is a site with some great information - https://visitporto.travel/en-GB​

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PLAYLISTS

Even though they are currently taking a break, Hall & Oates are the BEST SELLING R&B Duo of all time.

They have sold more than 80 million albums and have 29 hits - six of them making it to number 1.

Songs like....

Rich Girl - She's Gone - I Can't Go for That - Private Eyes

Maneater - One on One - Kiss on My List - Sara Smile

You Make my Dreams - Everything your Heart Desires

A group of friends and I have been following them from the early days when they met at Temple.

We have seen them perform many times live, but last summer at the Hard Rock, the band came out after their performance and we were able to spend time with them. They loved hearing about the songs we really liked and why. It was a great night.

I may need "a drink & a quick decision" to get through this but here are the

BEST OF THE REST

taken from the 349 songs Hall & Oates have recorded.

10) Stop Loving Me, Stop Loving You

This is a Daryl song with a strong Philly groove. It features Daryl's soaring vocals and a heavy dose of Charlie DeChant on the sax.

9) Out of Touch

From the Big Bam Boom album.

8) Why do Lovers Break Each Other's Heart

This has a bit more of rock edge too it from the Beauty on a Back Street album.

7) I Want to Know you for a Long Time

From the 1977 No Goodbyes Album. This is a very underrated Hall & Oates song.

“YOU’VE GOT YOURS & I’VE GOT MINE

AND SAY BABY....

I WANNA KNOW YOU FOR A LONG, LONG TIME”

6) Do it For Love

From a 2003 album of the same title – this is a blue-eyed soul love song with the vocal harmonies you’re accustomed to from this duo.

“I WOULD WRITE YOUR NAME ACROSS THE SKY

SO THE WORLD COULD SEE, WHAT YOU MEAN TO ME”

5) When the Morning Comes

From the Abandoned Luncheonette album – another pretty acoustic track with gorgeous harmonies and a superb arrangement.

4) Had I Known You Better Than

This is one of John Oates better songs.

“WHERE YOU EVER SO IN LOVE

YOU COULDN'T WAIT TO GET TO SLEEP & DREAM

ABOUT THE ONE YOU WISH WAS THERE...

BESIDE YOU”

How beautiful is that?

3) Say It Isn't So

This was written by Daryl on the H2O album.

The late Tommy "T-Bone" Wolk with some of his brilliant guitar work.

2) Las Vegas Turnaround

This is my favorite John Oates song from the Abandoned Luncheonette album. Charlie DeChant, on the sax is all over this song.

"AND SO I GOT TO PRAY FOR DELAYS

AND FOR DAYS WHEN SHE'S BESiDE ME"

1) Wait for Me

From the X-Static Album & produced by David Foster.

There is a gorgeous piano solo at the top of this song. It may not be one of their hits, but it’s definitely one of their best songs.

Daryl really delivers in this scintillating performance.

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You can request a list of the 10 Hall & Oates songs with the links & the SALections will forward it to you.

Put Hall & Oates songs in the subject line.

Send the request to info@salectionsofthemonth.com

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HUMOR

A nurse reaches to grab a pen out of her pocket and comes out with a rectal thermometer.

She stops for a moment and wonders - which asshole has my pen.

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I'm so old that when I went into an antique store last week,

they did not let me leave.

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Was so excited last week, I did a puzzle in one day

and you know, the box said 2 to 4 years.

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GRATITUDE

What are you grateful for and why?

GIVING THANKS

We're talking about going a little further than Turkey and Football here. What are you giving thanks for this holiday season?

Are you grateful for your health? For shelter, heat and having a roof over your head. For your family, friends and sweet potato pie? For having God in your life.

What are the expressions of gratitude that make your list?

Back in September we talked about your legacy and how you want to be remembered.

Last month, we talked about Kindness and doing something for someone else with nothing in it for you.

This time we are asking - what are you grateful for this holiday season?

There is a wise old saying that goes something like this,

"Gratitude is the ability to see life as a gift."

While we are on this topic:

We are sending the very best wishes to you and yours

for a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

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COMING IN DECEMBER

***OLD PHOTOS***

Join us in December, when we share some Old Photos from the holidays. You can participate as well in this one.

Send us your Old Christmas photos with a brief note on the year and circumstance to info@SALectionsofthemonth.com

Any photo SALected for the newsletter will receive a $25 dollar gift certificate courtesy of Amazon.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 26th.

Let's see those Old Christmas Photos.

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CAREER UPDATE - MAGGIE ROGERS

In our very first SALections, we profiled Maggie Rogers, who blew Pharell away in a NY music master class with her song Alaska.

We are happy to report that Maggie is breaking through in a big way. She is currently headlining her "Don't Forget Me World Tour."

It says here, without any hesitation that Maggie Rogers is on a path to SUPERSTARDOM. Write this young woman's name down.

She is a rare talent - plays 5 instruments, writes all her own material, has incredible vocal chops and is an phenomenal performer.

She hails from Easton, Maryland, played the harp at 7, added the piano and guitar shortly thereafter, played in the school orchestra, sang in the choir, joined a jazz band, played the banjo and has an interest in folk music.

She went to NYU, studied abroad in France, attended Harvard Divinity and has a Masters in Religion and Public Life.

She completed her latest album in 5 days at Electric Lady Studio.

At the SALections, we are raving fans of Maggie Rogers!

​https://www.maggierogers.com/​

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THANK YOU – GRAZIE – MERCI – OBRIGADO

That wraps up the third edition of the SALections.

So what did you think? We have thick skin so good or bad comments are all welcome. That's how we'll get better, so thanks in advance.

Did you know that you can submit Old Photos, Traditions, Heroes or on any other category through our website at www.SALectionsofthemonth.com or by email at info@SALectionsofthemonth.com

Story ideas are always welcome, so don't be shy. We would love to hear about your heroes or learn about your family traditions.

Special thanks to Barb Berlin, a great friend and my former weekend news anchor in Richmond for her amazing proof reading skills. Thank you Barb!

See you in December with our first Holiday Edition of the SALections.

#SALections

#Heroes, #OldPhotos, #Traditions, #LoveSongs, #Movies, #Gratitude, #SaxSolos, #Humor, #FavoriteDishes, #DayTrips #Confessions, #PlacestoVisit, #BadGirls, #Playlists, #Secrets,

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#SALectionsNov2024

#Humor, #Porto, #EdHughes, #DayTrips, #Hall&Oates, #CinemaLou, #ChrisStapleton, #Gratitude, #GivingThanks, #WTKRtv, #PlacestoVisit, #Documentary, #Playlists, #Tommy-Tbone-Wolk, #LoveSongs, #MaggieRogers

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