On Dec. 23, 2011, I faded to black. It’s a television term that means basically an ending of a show, or, in my case, the ending of one’s television career. Fox 29 and I parted ways on that day as I rode off into weather oblivion, never to be seen again on local television news. It was painful and scary, as I was transported into an unknown abyss. It was a pure free-fall with no parachute, no ripcord, just a fall straight down from what at onetime was the very highest of meteorological mountains. I had achieved my childhood dream, after having set the bar very high by aspiring to one day become the meteorologist on CBS2 in New York on the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. I lived the dream and more. I considered myself very blessed and fortunate, this kid who came from nothing, bad neighborhood, no money, just a dream. The executive who helped pave my way to New York also led me back to Fox television in Philadelphia. His name is Dennis Swanson, the president of station operations for Fox television station groups. When my careerunceremoniously ended, I felt not only had I let myself down, I had let down my daughter, my newsroom, respected colleagues, fans ( I had a few), but especially Dennis for failing as a trusted newsroom leader. For this I apologize, as I have nobody to blame but myself. Sometimes you just need to listen and keep your mouth shut. I failed miserably at that. Fox, NBC and CBS all gave this kid an opportunity of a lifetime to live out my dream and for this I will always be grateful and now humbled. You might be wondering why I’m bringing all this up now. Well, this past week I filled in on an upstart TV news station located in New Jersey called SNJ Today News. It opened up a flood of memories, as it sent me back in time when I was simply ecstatic just to be in a newsroom. It took me back to my roots. It reminded me just how much Imiss it. Sometimes I wish I was that kid from Long Island who had this dream. … Those were the best days of my life. Local forecasts
New York
Monday: Wind blown, sun and clouds 65
Tuesday: Cloudy 65
Wednesday: Showers south 65
Thursday:Sun returns 73
Friday: Great finish sunshine 75
Saturday Sun and clouds 75
Sunday: Sun and clouds 72
Philly
Monday:Plenty of sun, breezy milder 66
Tuesday: Grab the Umbrella 62
Wednesday: Morning drops 65
Thursday: Sun returns 72
Friday: Fantastic finish 75
Saturday: Sun and clouds 76
Sunday: Possible shower 73
Boston:
Monday: Wind blown, some sun 62
Tuesday: Changeable skies 68
Wednesday:Clouds dominate cooler 61
Thursday: Sun and clouds 69
Friday: Sweet finish 71
Saturday: Nice 75
Sunday: More nice 72