MERRY CHRISTMAS

"Pop" (center) reads the account of Jesus Christ's birth to Cameron (L) and Caitlyn (R)

A Message follows this important passage

from the Gospel of LUKE 2:1-20. (KJV)

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, (because he was of the house and lineage of David.)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepards abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And sudenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go enven unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

*****************************************

Dear Friends,

In this joyous time of the year, please do not forget the reason we celebrate Christmas -- the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As I watch my young daughters play, I see the excitment in their eyes of the beauty of lights, holly, and sweet smells of this holiday season.

It is a reminder to me of all that is precious. From our family to yours, have yourself a very Merry Christmas.

Randy

The Place To Be.

Legendary WRAL News Anchor Charlie Gaddy, Weatherman Bob DeBardelaben with Randy at the WRAL Reunion Reception.

(West Raleigh, NC) -- They were my childhood heroes. Frankly, they are legends of a by-gone era of broadcasting. They are the Action News 5 Team -- Charlie Gaddy, Bob Debardelaben, Bobbie Battista, and Tom Suiter.

For one final time together -- they did what I could have only created in dreams years after three of them retired -- come together again to anchor WRAL News. The appropriately titled "WRAL Reunion Newscast" opened with clips from Action News 5's past glory -- then transitioned to the sleek new graphics and music of the present.

With North Carolina's version of Walter Cronkite alongside former CNN founding anchor Bobbie Battista for the first time in 25 years, Action News 5's first male-female anchor team were together again.

Age has been kind to all three former anchors. Battista actually looks better today than she did when she left for CNN in 1981. 75-year-old Gaddy has barely aged a bit. He looks more like 60 -- then again -- he looked all of 59 when he retired in 1994. Venerable weatherman Bob DeBardelaben still has his signature calming voice. Though a little rusty with new equipment such as WRAL Weatherscope and the various other weather maps, Bob was nonetheless as professional today as he was when he retired in June 1989.

Perhaps the most touching moment of the evening came when Tom Suiter joined all three former colleagues on the Anchor desk he has called home since Rich Brenner departed for Chicago in 1981. Being the geniune person that he is, Suiter celebrated the talents that each anchor brought to the program -- saying at one point "I want to cry."

It was obvious this was the Action News 5 Team. This was special for Suiter. It was a joy for Battista, Gaddy, and Debardelaben.

And for at least one more night ... WRAL was absolutely THE Place To Be!

(editor's note: this is the first in a series of posts forthcoming in the next few days regarding WRAL's 50th anniversary.)

ACTION NEWS 5 ... IS BACK.

(West Raleigh, NC) -- The Action News 5 Team is coming together again. Well ... sort of. Legendary Anchors Charlie Gaddy, Bobbie Battista, Bob DeBardelaben, and Tom Suiter will anchor WRAL's 6 o'clock News on Friday, November 17, 2006.

The only one missing from the party: former sports anchor Rich Brenner. He left WRAL in 1982 for a disastorous turn in Chicago. Later, Brenner would go head-to-head with WRAL when he returned to the Triangle via WTVD-11 Eyewitness News.

That obviously didn't sit well with WRAL honchos. They usually don't forgive that sort of thing. Just ask Donna Gregory.

Then again, Brenner's successor, Tom Suiter, has more than eclipsed the exposure Brenner had. Of course, Suiter attributes a lot of what he learned in the business to Rich Brenner.

For the record, Brenner has carved a nice niche of his own at WGHP in High Point for the last 19 years. That's where he landed after his unceremoneous departure from WTVD.

This is going to be really, really, really fun. And ... fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com will be at WRAL for the big event! Hope we can bring you some great photos.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

SHE'S HERE!

(West Raleigh, NC) -- Look Familiar? No, you're not seeing double. That's Catherine Grace Gupton with proud Daddy Randy.

The little bundle of joy was born at 5:03pm, Sunday, November 5, 2006. She weighed in at 6 pounds 11 ounces. That's the smallest little Gupton yet! At 20 1/2" long, with jet black hair, Catherine and family are excited to be headed back to Wake Forest later today.

More pictures will be forthcoming.

PACKED & LOADED.

(Wake Forest) -- The suitcase is packed & loaded. The hospital is simply hours away. After a week of "Overtime" we're ready to do it again. This will be the third child we have had to induce.

Everyone is ready and waiting. Tomorrow, November 5, 2006 a new Gupton will enter the world. The girls are playing at the house. My mom and sister are spending the night to keep them while we head off to REX early Sunday morning.

Does Catherine Grace have red hair? Does she have Hannah's legs? My feet? All the questions will be answered in less than 24 hours.

As always, you can catch the "COUNTDOWN with Randy Gupton" on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=randygupton2

More as it becomes available...

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

THE WAIT IS ON.

It's Overtime.

In Basketball, it's when you've gone past regulation and are entering what you hope to be the decisive final period.

The difference in this game: the baby's got the ball. Hannah was due on Sunday. Here we are late Monday night -- and no baby.

But ... there is still news to report. Contractions have started. Though irregular, they are more frequent in nature -- and more painful.

If we don't have a baby by Friday, we'll have the option of inducing labor. We're probably going to shoot for Saturday night into Sunday morning. Still, we have yet to decide.

In the meantime, we'll keep you abreast of the very latest.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

COUNTDOWN

Randy holds his second born, Cameron, September 8, 2004.

It could be anytime now. October 29th is our target date for the latest addition to the Gupton household to arrive. That puts us 18 days out. But ... you never know. Tonight could be the night. Tomorrow could be the day. Then again ... we may be late.

In any event, I'm as excited as a young child on Christmas morning.

Hannah attendend a Baby Shower held by the Ladies' Auxilary at church last night. We got a lot of items that were needed. We can always use more, however! :)

Keep checking back for more updates. In the meantime, you can get the video narrative of "Countdown with Randy Gupton" by visting the sister site for the blog -- You Tube. The latest update on Catherine's birth is available by clicking the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s-Wu6ul5MY

Until Next Time, Enjoy Life, People.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

GOODBYE, BOB.

WPTF has lost a loyal and dedicated friend. Bob Royal, an employee of the station for some 60+ years has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 84.

For those of us who knew Bob, we were treated to wonderful stories about WPTF's history. And Bob knew the history well. Starting his career at WPTF in 1943, Bob was forced to take a couple of years off as he was drafted into service for World War II.

After the war, Bob returned to WPTF to finish out his career. I'm sure neither he nor any of his colleagues could have ever imagined just how long he would stick around. Working gave Bob purpose. It was a sincere reason for him to get up in the morning and carry on with life's daily grind.

As a News Anchor and Reporter, I learned to accept Bob's crusty ways. In a strange way, you sort of adored this genial fellow. And, oh yes, Bob could get mad. I guess age doesn't diminsh that with time. Bob would often come visit me and talk during my year-long stint as Curtis Media's Human Resources Director. It was during this time that Bob's battle with cancer resumed.

Bob never waivered. He fought every step of the way. Staying out of work just wasn't in Bob's nature.

What's lost beside Bob's loyalty is a sincere anchor to WPTF's storied past. You could feel the connection when you talked to Bob. You knew in some way you were speaking with someone who had deep roots into the history and legacy of the station.

Sadly, what WPTF was has faded away. The business has changed dramatically since Bob's arrival in the early '40s. Greed and running on the cheap have replaced a drive for quality programming and respectability. Even the famed WPTF Newsroom is currently in shambles.

Bob was that rare jewel -- that rare glimpse into what radio used to be. It's what those of us who grew up listening to those far away AM stations dreamed and romanticized it should be.

Bob Royal was a lot of things to WPTF. I promise you there are a lot of programs which would never have made it to air if it hadn't been for him.

Maybe in the final years, the technology and the business had passed him by. He hadn't passed WPTF, however. He was the grandfather clock -- the anchor to our past -- and a beacon of our longing for radio to be the warm, comforting and informative medium it once was -- again.

You Tubed!

The Blog Is JUICED!

Okay, after the tremendous outcries from all of you regular visitors to fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com, we've now added a compainion site at YOU TUBE.

Here, you can take a running bet on how long it will take Randy to go from a 38 waistline to a 40! Or ... you and your friends can place your money on whether or not Randy is still super-sizing his Extra Value Meal two years after McDonald's discontinued the option.

All joking aside, this is your place to check out the latest in the Gupton household.

After the hundreds of thousands of posts I've been receiving at the blog -- I'm sure this will take off just as well.

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=randygupton2

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

Jack Boston has been named the new morning show host of WPTF. He is only the fourth morning show host since 1952 to grace the station's airwaves.

Boston replaces the oft-controversial and much dispised Kevin Miller, who left in August. Miller joined WPTF in 2003. He quickly made enemies of many who worked with him.

After only a few months on the job as the Program Director, Miller replaced long-time WPTF personality Maury O'dell. Many accused Miller of forcing the venerable "Uncle Maury" off of the perch he had held for 26 years.

Boston is talented. He has a storied history and is responsible for probably about 85% of the various voice overs on Curtis Media Group's 16 station's in-house commercial production.

While talent is necessary in continuing (many would say rebuilding) the WPTF legacy, one former We Protect The Family staffer questioned whether or not Boston has the gravitas to give North Carolina's Morning News the shot in the arm it needs.

Overall, Boston is a good guy. He is funny and has an easy going personality. That's true both on and off the air.

Still, don't let Phil Zachary's typical PR spin make you think this was a coveted spot that many were challenging Boston for. Quite frankly, I can't imagine anyone at CMG world headquarters in Raleigh ever being paid what a typical top-45 market morning host should pull down. Hence: Don wouldn't pay for talent beyond a certain point.

Time will tell if this marriage will work. If not, it will go down as just another nail in the coffin of 82-year-old WPTF's now forgetable history.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

Stop Carrying Da Poop!

Okay, I've had it. I think it is absolutely absurd how "caring" and "considerate" people are these days when it comes to walking their pooch.

Everyday on the way home from work, I see person after person walking their dog on Grove Barton Road -- 90% of whom are carrying a bag of dog crap.

Now, maybe you think I'm crude. But, look at it from my perspective: when did people start carrying plastic bags filled with fecal material up and down the sidewalk?

Look, I'm just a country boy. Bred, Born, and Raised in the small Vance County town of Henderson -- we lived a little differently. I can assure you of this -- in 20 years of living in Vance County, I never once -- NOT ONCE -- saw a single individual carry doggie doo with them during a leisurely walk.

God had a plan for dog dump -- let it fertilize and replinish the nutrients in the soil. It usually hardens in a few hours or a day. Trust me -- it ain't that big a deal!

And, my friends, this ridiculous problem is spreading. Every night while I enjoy my supper at the bay window of my home, I watch a neighbor religiously walk their dog to the same spot -- where he defecates -- same fido time, same fido station.

Now, I don't know about you, but my idea of a good meal is not watching fido drop his log and then see my neighbor pick it up with a plastic food lion bag when I'm chewing tonight's meatloaf.

It is time for this insanity to end. The next time you see one of these poor lost souls carrying around a sack of $*&#, stop and ask them "Excuse me, but do you find yourself attractive carrying around that foul fido funk?"

I mean, come on! My dog did her business in the back yard, side yard, front yard, neighbor's yard, -- you name it -- growing up as a child. And how often did I step in the doggie doo? Once in a very, very, very blue moon.

And you know what we did in our little country abode? We wiped our shoes off in the grass.

But ... not in Raleigh. No -- we have to be more civilized. (Folks -- this isn't civility -- it's stupidity!) It's become so systemic, there are even doggie trash cans and little baggies on some of the freakin' sidewalks.

And finally, if any of you are some of the afforementioned poo-poo heads who are participating in this nonsense -- STOP NOW! Please think of how utterly ridiculous you look in your athletic wear, walking your dog, trying to stay in shape ... all the time carrying dog crap.

And that's part of our world...

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

SAFE

US AIR FORCE MAJOR JILL METZGER FOUND SAFE...
WAS COHERENT BUT DISORIENTED WHEN FOUND...
FAMILY OVERJOYED...
SAYS SHE WAS KIDNAPPED BY THREE MEN AND A WOMAN...
SEDATED AND BEING DEBRIEFED...

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/09/08/world/main1985454.shtml
http://www.wral.com/news/9813036/detail.html
http://www.hendersondispatch.com/
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-09-08-missing-major_x.htm

I have not seen Jill Metzger since she was a senior, and I a junior at Northern Vance High School in Henderson. While it's been 15 years since we last crossed paths, the news of her disappearance this week struck a deep chord with me.

Jill has been portrayed fairly and accurately. She was an all-american girl. Lettering in 4 sports (the first and only Vance County female athelete to do so) she was always energetic -- vivatious.

Her family is close knit. I had her brother in several classes. Her father was the ROTC instructor and a teacher at Northern Vance/Vance Senior High.

And while I can't claim to have been a close friend of Jill's, I can attest to this: She's a neighbor, a citizen, a friend. When it's someone from your hometown, someone you saw practically every school day, someone who was always friendly, caring, compasionate -- it really hits home.

Like many other Hendersonians, I too was praying for Jill's safe return. We had our prayers answered tonight. It was a fortunate ending to a story that too often ends another way. And, most importantly, a stark reminder of the perils and dangers our military men and women face on a daily basis. It's not just in Iraq. It's not solely in Afghanistan. The dangers are real around the globe.

Lest We Forget.

DEVELOPING...
EXCLUSIVE HIGH SCHOOL PICTURES FORTHCOMING...

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

GENUINE, GRACIOUS, GENTLEMAN

Bob Schieffer officially handed over the reigns to Katie Couric on tonight's edition of the CBS Evening News. In what could only be described as deeply touching and emotional, Schieffer thanked viewers for "Welcoming" him into their homes for the last 18 months.

full story and video available at CBS News' website:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/31/eveningnews/main1957258.shtml

I've watched many farewells and goodbyes during the course of my 32 years. This one, however, struck a sincere chord. For 18 months, Bob Schieffer single handedly saved CBS News. Yes, I said SAVED.

There was never any pressure for this 69 year old newsman. That much was admitted by Schieffer. He told USA Today there were "Zero Expectations" when he took over the anchor chair after Dan Rather's unceremoneous exit in March 2005.

And, CBS again continued to take parting shots at Dan "The Man" during Schieffer's last broadcast. Among the noted highlights of how Schieffer is more respected around Black Rock:

• In Katie Couric's first piece at CBS -- a retrospective on Schieffer's career -- Couric made mention of Schieffer taking over the anchor chair during CBS News' "darkest hour." She even mentioned the 'memogate' scandal and Rather in the same breath.
• Les Moonves showed up at the end of the broadcast along with Evening News Executive Producer Rome Hartman to shake Schieffer's hand and pat him on the shoulder.
• The usual "Wal-Mart" closing tag was -not- played. Instead -- an extended mix of the CBS Evening News theme was played to show the well wishes from all in attendance (CBS didn't blow the retail giant's advertising dollars off on his final broadcast.)

Beyond the feeling that CBS News has indeed redeemed itself, and is turning a corner next week is the realization of just how genuine Bob Schieffer is. He's like an old sweater -- the one that you just never can part with or get rid of. You know -- the one you keep bringing out every winter because it's cozy and warm.

Schieffer added over 630,000 viewers this week over last year alone. Part of that is probably because those people watching at home felt the ease and gentlemanly nature come through. He's not Peter, Tom, or Dan. He's the good-ole Texas reporter that really cared about getting the story on the air, and didn't take himself too seriously in the process.

I'm not one of these people who believes emotion is a grand thing for broadcasters. Rather used it to his detriment on one too many occassions. One of the most moving moments in Couric's tribute, however, came when Schieffer described how others have made him who he is. "I don't believe in this being your own man business. My mother -- my wife -- my daughters -- they all made me who I am and are responsible for where I am today." Schieffer said as he choked back tears.

And ... they were the real kind. Not the fake, "Turn the camera toward me" tears that Rather used to display. Don't get me wrong -- I like Rather. In the end, however, the news became about him rather than anchored by him.

Now, the genuine, loveable gentleman is headed back to Washington. I feel like those of us who watch CBS News owe Bob Schieffer a hearty "Thank you." He restored our faith in the hallowed halls once graced by Edward R. Murrow.

In his closing comments tonight, Schieffer did thank viewers for welcoming him into their homes, and then welcoming him again -- an obvious reference to the increased viewership. No, Bob -- you shouldn't thank us. We thank you for coming into our homes.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

Dan, the Late Night Man.

Oh, Dan. Dan, Dan, Dan, Dan, Dan.

It's hard to tell if Dan Rather was a seasoned legendary journalist at CBS News. Just when you think the CBS brass had found every possible way to humilate the former CBS Evening News Anchor, yet another round of 'Dan who?' has popped up.

Thanks to a pre-season NFL game featuring the New York Jets, CBS' flagship station in New York, WCBS, will most likely pre-empt the one hour tribute slated to air about Rather on September 1. If the game ends on time, the Rather special has a shot at airing immediately following the game. But ... if there is an overtime ... it most likely will air during the wee morning hours when virtually no one is watching.

The special tribute was already a joke. It will air on a Friday night -- one of the graveyards of the broadcast television universe. Adding insult to injury, September 1st is a holiday weekend. I guess if you're a Dan fan, you'd better be glad we live in a DVR universe.

Regardless, the insignificant time slot makes Rather look less like a journalist and more like a joke. Is that Rodney Dangerfield in the background? Can anyone say 'I get no respect?'

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

MILLER TIME IS OVER.

'ROUND MOUND OF SOUND' FINALLY OUT AT WPTF

Kevin Miller, the notorious Program Director at WPTF-AM in Raleigh, is leaving the station. Sources inside Curtis Media Group headquarters confirm to fivesecondstoair Miller will be leaving the 50,000 watt AM blowtorch for a station in Nashville.

The first tail-tale signs of Miller's departure were evident Monday and Tuesday during the first hour of the Rush Limbaugh show. Normally, this prime radio real estate is used to shamelessly promote the controversial Miller. Instead, the seg into Rush was used to promote a promo titled "Are you in touch?"

Sources also confirm to fivesecondstoair Miller's departure has not been met with one tear out of the 200 Suite of 3012 Highwoods. He has been accused by some over the years of shoving long-term WPTF legend Maury O'dell out the door to lower-level PTF employees such as Board Ops and Triangle Traffic Network staffers.

DEVELOPING ...

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

CBS EVENING NEWS TO BE SIMULCAST ON RADIO

A digital makeover is in store for the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. In addition to the new digital newsroom, 500 CBS Radio Affiliates will carry the first segment of the Newscast in a simulcast beginning at 6:30 in the East.

The complete story is available at Broadcasting & Cable:

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6353668.html

Elsewhere ... Laura Logan continues to be the Eye Network's go-to reporter in the Middle East. Why the CBS Brass didn't give the Evening News gig to her is a mystery. More about her tough-as-nails, Laura Croft-esque style in a future blog entry.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

EGGxactly! CBS Eye On Eggs

I know it's obvious that I'm a CBS fan. Some would argue the word "fanatic" would be more appropriate. Actually, I'm a television junkie. CBS didn't become my network of choice until late 89/90 ... somewhere in there.

In any event, over the years I've come to enjoy and appreciate some of the "Eye" network's fall promotions. Some of the most memorable: "Get Ready for CBS" (1989-91); "You're On CBS." (1995-96); "The Address Is CBS. Welcome Home" (1997-98).

"THIS IS CBS." (1993-94)

This fall's promotion seems to be a little scrambled. Actually, one could argue the network isn't playing Chicken. In one of the oddest promotions ever, the Tiffany Network is planning to plaster its 50-year-old logo on the incredible, edible egg.

This is a developing story. We'll keep our eye on this one and update you on the very latest. Do you -- like me -- wonder if this story is hard-boiled? Half-baked? Over Easy?

Okay, okay. At the risk of sounding worse than Greg Fishel, I'll stop now.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

HE'S BACK...

Dan "The Man" Rather returns to television via Mark Cuban's HDNet Television Network. Rather will host "DAN RATHER REPORTS" on the channel. He left CBS News in a bitter ending to a 44-year career at the Tiffany Network last month.

Get the complete story ...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/11/AR2006071101588.html

Also of note: Rather will appear on CNN's Larry King LIVE tonight at 9pm EDT. It will be interesting to see if there will be any swipes taken at the CBS Brass.


Finally, the countdown is on for the "Perky One," Katie Couric, who is only 55 days away from pushing the venerable Bob Schieffer out of the anchor chair. An updated story on the marketing campaign was listed in today's NY Post...

www.nypost.com/business/katie_push_heats_up_business_holly_m__sanders.htm

WHAT ABOUT BOB: Schieffer First, Last On Eye Desk

Dismantling Begins On 10-Year-Old CBS Set.

There's a new camera shot opening to the CBS Evening News with Bob Schieffer. And there's a good reason for it -- nothing's behind him.

As the 69-year-old elder statesman winds down his interim duties as the anchor of the the Eye Network's centerpiece news broadcast, things are a changin'.

Computers and Desks have been ripped out of the newsroom portion of the CBS set which was home to Dan "The Man" Rather. All of this is part of the rough prep work which will transform the decade old set into something new and flashy for the "Perky One" -- Katie Couric.

Ironically, it may only be fitting that Schieffer is the man sitting at the desk while the place is ripped apart. After all, he was the first anchor to show off the new newsroom in February 1996.

Being the News Junkie that I am, I remember the unveiling well. It was on the CBS Saturday Evening News with Bob Schieffer that viewers first got a taste of the new set. What made it more exciting was the addition of the newsroom to the backdrop of the set. (Dan had gone it alone for some years with just a plain 'old set -- no newsroom.)

A complete story on the transformation of CBS News was logged by the Associated Press over the weekend. (The link from Yahoo! is below.)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060702/ap_en_tv/tv_sean_mcmanus_2

And so, the changes coninue in the halls where Murrow, Edwards, Cronkite, and Rather once reigned. What will the new set and new attitude look like? We'll have to wait until September to find out.

The Address Is CBS. Welcome Home.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.

'GODSPEED'; Rather's CBS Career Comes To An End

(CBS) Dan Rather's Storied Career at the Tiffany Network has come to an end.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/19/national/main1727285.shtml

A complete comentary tribute forthecoming.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.

CONFIRMED: Rather Out at 60M; End of CBS Carrer Near for Legendary Anchor/Reporter

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/14/AR2006061402394.html

The Washington Post is reporting Dan Rather is indeed out at 60 Minutes, effectively ending the 44-year career of the legendary journalist at CBS. Sources close to CBS Executives say that both parties are working on a "dignified exit" for the former anchor of the CBS Evening News.

Rather, whose contract expires at the end of the year, could be gone well before that. What remains to be seen is if any cable news channel will express interest in the greying newsman. The full story can be accessed at the link above.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.com

DOWN FOR THE COUNT; Rather Out At CBS News?

Dan "the man" Rather's 44-year tenure at Black Rock could be coming to an end.

Rather's contract is up in August. It seems Rather is unavailable for comment, while CBS won't confirm whether or not the legendary anchor and reporter will sign on again.

The New York Post has more on this developing story.

http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/67097.htm

More as it develops.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.com

THREEPEAT!

IT'S A GIRL!

Back in 2002, I started convincing my wife -not- to find out what our first child was going to be. We waited until August 31 to welcome Caitlyn Elizabeth into the world.

It was afterward Hannah informed me, in the future, we would find out what we were having. Pregnant with our second child, Cameron Faith, in 2004, she again reminded me we would find out -prior- to the delivery.

Ultimately, I (with a little help from the doctor) ,convinced her -not- to find out.

But this time -- May 31, 2006 -- history was made. I finally gave in. Would finding out now make a difference in the gender? Nope. Third time -- Same result: It's a girl.

Walking out of the doctor's office, I smiled from ear to ear. If our new daughter loves us a tenth as much as our first two, we will be the richest people in the world.

Everything checks out okay. We'll keep you updated on the pregnancy as it goes along. Check back for today's ultrasound pictures a little later on.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.

ANCHORS AWAY: ABC Drops Vargas; Woodruff

ABC News' hopes for stability following the death of long-time anchor Peter Jennings came to a crashing halt earlier this year.

Bob Woodruff and Elizabeth Vargas had been named the successors to the late Jennings. Executives at ABC had branded them the new face of the evening flagship, ready to compete in the increasingly fragmented news world. Both were youthful, energetic and just the shot in the arm the news division was hoping would propel it back to the #1 ratings it enjoyed in the early to mid nineties.

Only a month into the duo's tenure, however, tragedy struck. Woodruff, on assignment in Iraq, was severely injured by an Improvised Explosive Devise (IED). The extent of the injuries remains unclear to this day. Aside from a picture released by ABC News of its co-anchor in a "World News Tonight" cap (taken right after his transfer out of the hospital into a rehabilitation facility), nothing else has given a glimpse into the severity of the incident.

Being in broadcasting for the better part of a decade, I've come to realize one thing: Silence speaks volumes. No one heard from Dick Clark until a year after his stroke, when the 'Never Aging Teenager' shockingly stunned his fans and new years' revilers ringing in 2006 with a profoundly slurred speech impediment.

While one has to appreciate Clark's courage in attempting his comeback, many viewers found the image of the disabled Clark disturbing and unsettling on an evening which is usually marked for celebration.

Don't misunderstand me: we have no way of knowing if Woodruff even has a speech impediment. But we do know this: Something is wrong. Very wrong.

One can only assume it may be months, if not years, until Woodruff would be ready to resume the rigors of anchoring the most prominent news vehicle on ABC's schedule.

Enter the dilemma for ABC: How to stabilize a newscast which has been spinning out of control since Jennings first announced he was leaving the broadcast to focus on his battle with cancer in April 2005.

Woodruff's partner in all of this, Elisabeth Vargas, picked up the torch and mantle of the newscast which carried both of their names. Graciously, she signed off each newscast with "For Bob Woodruff, I'm Elisabeth Vargas ..."

The sentiment was warm and hart-felt. Unfortunately, Woodruff's injuries were suffered so early into his tenure as anchor of the broadcast, he had not reached the gravitas of Jennings, Brokaw or Rather. Frankly, the audience had not had an opportunity to embrace him.

Then, the announcement came Vargas was pregnant. Whoa Nellie. ABC now had to face the possibility of being without its other main face of the news division for a minimum of six weeks, but, probably longer.

Today, Vargas officially put an end to the roller coaster ride that the news division has been on. She announced she was relinquishing her role on the broadcast, and would return this fall as co-anchor of 20/20.

While Vargas says this was a decision she made to spend more time focusing on the upcoming birth of her child and raising a family, one has to wonder how much proding came from the higher-ups at ABC News.

In the end, the job is ultimately going to the individual most people felt was the heir apparent to Jennings for the better part of the last decade: Charles Gibson.

Ironically, it was Gibson who announced Jennings' death to viewers last August. Now, at 63, he becomes the latest elder statesman to try to bring stability to the evening news. (CBS' Bob Schieffer ends his stint as Evening News interim anchor when the perky Katie Couric takes the helm in August.)

Where ABC goes from here is somewhat murky. How long the alphabet network can stick with Charles Gibson remains to be seen. Still unclear: what happens to Bob Woodruff if and when he becomes well enough to return?

In a written statement in ABC's press release today, Woodruff said he looked forward to contributing to "his (Gibson's) broadcast."

That's pretty plain english to me. World News Tonight with Bob Woodruff and Elisabeth Vargas was really over before it ever began.

New Logo; Same LYMON Taste.

Yep. That's Sprite. According to www.dsnretailingtoday.com -- The Coca-Cola Companies plan a massive relaunch of the soda with that great Lymon taste next week The complete atricle is available at the link below:

http://www.dsnretailingtoday.com/story.cfm?ID=13205KBN

The Cardiac Pack is BACK!

SCRATCH That ...

You know that previous post ... well ... disregard it all. John Beilein is staying put at WVU.

Isn't that 4 strikes now against the Wolfpack? This is too strange.

Herb 2.0

Is It Just Me ... Or do these two guys Look a LOT a like?
It was just this past weekend I was traveling through beautiful downtown Wake Forest. Trying to grab some of Shorty's Famous Hot Dogs, I was secretively mumbling under my breath my disdain for the town's annual "Herbfest" celebration.

That downtown event was keeping me from my beloved Shorty's dogs. One thing did, however, cross my mind. What if instead of "Herbfest" State fans had hosted "HERBfest?"

With the disastorous spill this coaching search has been, there can be little doubt Herb Sendek is receiving some small measure of vendication. Now, don't get me wrong. Maybe it was best for all side Herbie the Love Bug hung up the red S and head out west.

I'm not saying Herb was the greatest coach in NC State history. I am saying, however, Herb received a lot of grief he didn't deserve. He's a classy guy. He ran a clean program.

So, why not HERBfest? A little bit of love may have kept the balding, chewing gum smacking, dry witted coach here. But, alas, we chose not to have HERBfest. Instead, we're left to settle for HERB v2.0

Now that Steve Lavin has said "No Thanks" to Lee Fowler and Wendell Murphy, serious contract talks are underway with John Beilein of West Virginia. And ... he's the coach NC State fans probably least wanted.

While Beilein has won at every program he's coached, he still runs a version of the Princeton offense Sendek was oft criticized for. So, instead of Rick Barnes or Steve Lavin, you're left with HERB v2.0.

Sure, it's an improvement over the last version. But ... will it quiet the wolves howls? Only time will tell. One bit of advice: when the upgraded program doesn't work ... many people prefer to return to their previous installed version. Give it 4 or 5 years. If that doesn't work, someone needs to make a call out to Tempe, AZ.

Phee Phee Phi Phumb ... I See a Little Gupton

The first pics are in for the next addition to the Gupton Household.

Isn't life amazing? I'm going to have to cave on finding out what we're having this go around. I've talked Hannah out of it both times before. This time, 'Mama' is going to win. We'll find out what we're having May 31st.

I could be wrong, but I think I saw a future NC State basketball player in there. Then again, with things moving the way they are in West Raleigh .... that may be the Wolfpack's next coach.

Speaking of the WOLFPACK -- the N & O's online Blog "ACC Now" is reporting tonight West Virginia Coach John Beilein has moved in front of Steve Lavin for the hottest job in College Basketball.

Whether he comes to Raleigh to replace the disenchanted Herb Sendek remains to be seen. More at: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/accnow/index.php

Finally, while demolition continues on the former Sheraton at Crabtree Valley, the developers of the new Soleil Center want to add yet another tower to the already mamoth 43-story project. Now, I don't know about you, but having Raleigh's tallest skyscraper away from downtown is going to be odd enough. What are these guys thinking? Is Raleigh going to have a new metro destination other than downtown?

By the way -- Raleigh's Skyline has been visible from Capital Boulevard in Wake Forest for about three years now. Call it progress -- it was the result of acres of trees cut down for the area now inhabited by Super Target and Home Depot.

http://www.wral.com/news/8992260/detail.html

Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing, Baby.

Now this is a learning experience. Don't fool yourself. (Okay -- so you're not.)

Hope you can listen to the first AUDIO post on the blog. You'll agree I'm working the bugs out. By this time tomorrow, I'll be making some serious entries. Hey, if WRAL's Mike Moss can have a blog ... anybody can have a blog.

Check out the audio, and look for the serious posts starting tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow ... I'll give you a sneak peak at the latest addition to the Gupton household. Oh, yes. If you didn't already know ... there's going to be a third Gupton spawn. Plus, we'll dive right into the NC State coaching situation.

Look for a mix of politics, news, sports, and typical good old North Carolina life right here at fivesecondstoair.

Until Next Time ... Enjoy Life, People.

The Very FIRST Audio Post

Dan the Man would be proud of Henderson's News Leader for the Nineties. Even the former anchor of the CBS Evening News is in awe of Randy's first AUDIO post.

STAY TUNED: Five Seconds To Air ... Is Next!

You know, watching WRAL-TV 5 News as a teenager, I remember rushing to hear Charlie Gaddy tease the 6 o'clock news by saying much the same "STAY TUNED. WRAL-TV News ... Is Next!"

Wow. Glad that phase of my life is over. Still, broadcasting has been a very important part of my life.

This blog will be a new endeavor for me. In the coming days, you'll be able to learn a little bit more about Randy Gupton in the new millenium. Gone are the days of undying affection for Action News 5. A little more mature, a little heavier than most people remember, and very happy in my life -- that's how you can pretty much sum it all up.

Hope you enjoy the blog. Until we really get crankin' ... Enjoy Five Seconds To Air, People.