Tom_Curran's Blog

Isn't it interesting how something bad can be turned into something very positive.  I have been watching that happen in my own life.  Since revealing my Parkinson's disease this spring, many local, state and national organizations have invited me to be a part of various fundraising efforts. The biggest of which is the  National Parkinson's Foundation annual conference. They asked my to deilver the welcome speech to about 400 plus participants in August at the Omni Hotel. I'll be there.  Thanks again to all of you who have supported my in my own fight with P.D.

It has been several weeks since I told you all about my fight with Parkinson' s Disease and I have got to tell you how good you've made me feel. Former viewers in California and  viewers here in Florida have been so kind. I have had several Parkinson's Group's make contact with be about golf  tournaments to speaking to folks and everything in between. In July I'll be speaking at a Parkinson's convention in Atlanta.

Thanks to all of you you only know me as that guy that does the morning news. You are all wonderful.

Thanks.

I thought I would blog about one of my favorite subjects this time. Like many of you, I love cars. If I had enough money I would have several in a garage with a capacity of 10-15 cars or trucks. In the real world however I own just one car with 150-thousand miles on it. I've had overthing from a big s.u.v. to a tiny sportscar. So now I think I've setttled for something in between. I'm almost officialy in the market for what they are calling crossovers. I've read my Consumer Reports and am narrowing down the field. That's where you come in. If you own a crossover, tell me how it's working for you either good or bad. I look forward to you input.

 

SO HERE IT IS AGAIN...MY DAY TO PUT MY THOUGHTS INTO BLOG FORM. I QUICKLY TAKE A LOOK AROUND MY CUBICAL AND THE FIRST THING I NOTICE ARE PICTURES OF MY FAMILY. AT THE RISK OF SOUNDING LIKE ANDY ROONEY...DID YOU EVER WONDER IF  YOU HAVE TOO MANY PICTURES AT YOUR DESK? WHAT IS THE AVERAGE FOR MOST AMERICANS? AT MY DESK, I HAVE FOUR FRAMED PICTURES. ONE OF MY WIFE STANDING IN A COLORADO SNOW STORM. ANOTHER OF THE TWO OF US ON OUR WEDDING DAY. THEN THERE'S THE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PICTURE OF MY DAUGHTER AND LAST BUT NEVER LEAST, OUR SON WITH HIS GOALIE GEAR ON READY TO GLOVE A SIZZLER. HOW MANY PICTURES DO YOU HAVE ON YOUR DESK? SOME OF MY FELLOW EMPLOYEES USE PICTURES ALIKE WALL PAPER. HOW ABOUT YOU? LET ME KNOW HOW MANY PICTURES ARE TOO MANY AND SAY CHEESE.

 

It has gone on too long in many Americans minds but it's far from over in the race for the Democratic nomination for President. Hillary Clinton shocked many of the experts by winning 3 out of 4 races in the latest push to the White House. Barack Obama had packed away 11 consecutive primary wins, and Clinton needed a minor miracle to stay alive. Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island proved to be that miracle. Now the two candidates go back to what got them here. Never before have I seen two candidates from the same party beat each other senseless day after day. Someone better win the nomination soon before one of these two gets hurt. The funny thing is, when all is said and done, this pair will talk about what a wonderful person their opponent is. Ah don't you love politics.

As Fidel Castro tells the citizens of Cuba he is finished as President of the island nation, thousands of Tampa Bay Area residents pause to reflect about the past. Even this kid from Canada has a Cuba connection. In the 1930's, 40's and 50's my Grandfather was the Canadian branch manager of the Bank of Nova Scotia in Havana. My grandparents had four boys. My Dad was first in 1932 and his three brothers followed closely behind, four Canadian boys born and raised before the Castro take-over in 1959. I was born in 1953 so I can slightly recall a huge swimming pool and the beach. I also remember sleeping with a mosquito net over my bed and there was no air conditioning.   My great grandparents had immigrated to Cuba years earlier from Spain. Their last name was Rojas so I've never forgotten my spanish roots. Years after my Canadian family members had all moved back home to Canada, my grandmother would also  tell me what a beautiful country Cuba was.  With Castro perhaps gone, maybe that beautiful country will be born again. My greatgrand parents lived and died in Havana and I've always wondered what it would be like to see their house again. Maybe that will become reality for thousands of Cuban-Americans now that Castro is one step closer to being gone but never forgotten.

As many of you know, I was born in Canada. However, I became a citizen of the U.S. in 1972. Yes a long time ago. Those of us who became naturalized feel a special bond because we chose to become citizens. For most people, they were born here and so they became Americans automatically. The point of all this is the right to vote. I have never missed an election since I was granted citizenship. I'm thrilled to see voter turnout on "Super Tuesday" . There are very few legit reasons why you can't vote come election day and the numbers of voters who turned out was great to see. remember, if you didn't vote, you can't complain.

See you at the polls in November.

I'm keeping it short and sweet this week. It has been one week since I revealed to you I have Parkinson's Disease. For nearly 15 years you  have welcomed me into your homes each morning. However I never would have known how much you think of all the Fox-13 familiy. I just want to say thanks. Your outpouring of support makes me feel warm with your caring and love.

Thanks for being the best viewers anywhere.

I feel I need to clear the air. My family was first to know, then my employers and colleagues and now I come to our loyal viewers of FOX-13. Some of you had already  guessed what is going on with my heath. For a little over two years I have been dealing with Parkinson's Disease. Only recently have my symptoms reached a point where they are more pronounced than before. Some of you have called to ask me whats going on. Others had met me on assignments. The majority have perhaps seen a shake in my hands while on the air. No matter where it was, I wanted our viewers to know I'm in great hands with some fine doctors. My attitude is strong and management here at Fox-13 has been compassionate, caring and concerned. Im ready for what ever battle P.D. has to throw at me in the coming years. After bringing you the morning news for nearly 15 years, I'm not done yet.  If you would like more information about Parkinson's try the website of another P.D. patient, MIchael J. Fox at the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. www.michaeljfox.org

Thanks again to all of you for you support.

Tom Curran

 

Yes its that time of year when we go over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go. For many that will mean hopping on board a big jet that will have us there in just a few hours. But, its not really that easy  when you are surrounded by ugly passengers. I'm not talking about their appearance, I'm talking about  their ugly manners when it comes to travel. Here are a few of my personal favorites

1) The stranger next to you is not about to let you have any of that armrest.

2) The guy that refuses to put his window shade up so we can see that crummy movie in darkness rather than high noon.

3) How about the littke kid banging on your seat back while the parents think he's so cute.

4) I have my headphones on but the guy next to me still wants to talk about something no one is interested in.

 

Hop on the blog to share some of your favorites

Happy tavels!

 

 

The race for the White House comes to St. Pete tonight but it seems most of you are already tired of the race because it started earlier than ever. The Republicans have their latest turn tonight for a debate. The one thing that may draw some folks to watch it revolves around the questions. This time they come from youtube. That internet site that lets you supply your own videos for everyone else to see, will supply questions the men that would-be president may have never faced before. This one might be the one worth watching. We'll see,

 

Do you remember when you were a teenager? Is is too long ago? Well let me refresh your memory. When you were 16 you knew everything, or at least you thought so. Take for instance the teen who drilled into an ammonia pipeline in Riverview. He was reportedly sure there was money in the pipe and he was going to lay claim to it. Oh by the way youngster, there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow also. When I knew everything at age 16 I was recruited by some Dads in my neighborhood to go Snipe hunting. I had heard of this hunt before. You take a paper grocery bag and a flashlight, find a field with high brush, then rummage through the field. If you're a good hunter the Snipe run right toward your flashlight and straight into your bag. By the way, a snipe is real. It is any various long billed shore or marsh birds. Never had any luck catching snipe that night, but since I knew everything, I figured it was just bad luck. For the Dad's who were there, it was a big laugh on me and some of my friends. Now the laugh is on the kid who thought there was money in the ammonia pipe. And he thought he knew everything!  In all seriousness this young man was hurt in this incident and we wish him a speedy recovery.

So what a shock! Gas prices are on the rise again after oil futures reached a record high. The price of a barrel of crude rose above 97-dollars for the first time ever. I got lucky yesterday and  found regular for $2.99 but in most places the price is well over 3-bucks. Imagine saying I got lucky by finding it below 3-dollars. How warped our idea of "cheap" has come.  So now I might as well date myself. When I started driving in California back in the late 60's, gas sold for about 36-cents a gallon. Those were the days. How cheap to you remember gas prices? Send me a reply.

He is much more than the leading scorer in the National Hockey League last season. The Lightning's Vinny Lecavalier is something else to children. Three big cheers for Vinny who this week teamed up with "All Children's Hospital" in St. Petersburg. He's giving three million dollars to create the Vincent Lecavalier pediatric cancer and blood disorders center.

Vinny has spent many hours with kids at All Children's. He says they have touched his heart, and he wants to do all he can to help them. Thanks Vinny for being such a class act.

Each week in our power breakfast reports I profile a local business success story. Among the things I have learned doing these reports is, Americans love the thought of going into business for themselves. It is their chance to become the boss. Many of those with the desire to run their own show turn to franchise opportunities. So did you ever wonder which companies are the top-5 franchises in America! Beginning October 29th and running each Monday morning through November 26th, we will unveil the top-5. It is a series of power breakfast reports you won't want to miss.