Reasons To Celebrate

Today marks the seventh anniversary of my marriage to the love of my life. My beautiful, tender wife, mother of my children, lover and best friend. The first time I laid eyes on her, she captivated me. I watched her as a sweet, shy cashier at the young age of 17. She was a rising Senior in High School. I was a 21-year-old college student about to embarq on a new chapter of college life at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

We spent the summer of 1995 as friends. We were, however, smitten with each other. By September of that year, the girl I had kind of sort of been seeing was no more. Hannah saw her prime opportunity to move in. Oh, no, no, no .... don't let me mislead you. She is a subtle force, for sure. She would never be overt in her courtship of me. She merely led me to her with a shy, coy diligence.

There were probably more ups and downs than a lot of romances go. Or -- maybe not. Who knows. We were young. We were both in our first real relationships. Yet through the ridiculous and foolish child-like behaviors we both at times would reveal -- our love survived. We both knew in our hearts we were meant to be together. Looking back, I wished I had come to my senses early on. We dated five and a half years before finally tying the knot. An infintile mind, I would not concede my heart forever at that young age. I can not explain why. There is no good reason. For my bride owned my heart.

THE EQUALIZER.

Raising The Girls Right: Randy's Sunshine, Twilight, and Bright Eyes are being raised to respect and admire NC State.

Growing up in the great state of North Carolina, one can be assured of three things. I like to call them the "Three 'B's" : The Bible, Barbecue, and Basketball. Obviously, raising my children in the admonition of the Lord and following the direction given in the Bible tops the list of the "Three 'B's." After that, Basketball and Barbecue reign supreme.

Now, we don't need to spend much time on the Barbecue quotient. Obviously, the ONLY Barbecue worth eating is Skipper Forsyth's in Henderson. We'll have to save that debate for another day.

Today, my friends, is reserved for the third most important "B." Basketball. Any true North Carolinian knows to live here -- you have to belong to a team. You have four to choose from: NC State, Duke, Wake Forest, and UNC. Anyone who doesn't care -- or doesn't pick a team from around here is either an ignorant soul, or not a true Carolinian.

Make no mistake about it -- this decision is not an easy one. It has divided many a home. It has destroyed many a friendship. Heck, it probably has even ended some marriages. For instance: Say your family is a bunch of Duke fans. You bring home your fiancee who attends Carolina -- this could be a disastrous holiday gathering. You might be best served never to make it to the alter.

Just like good old Baptists won't marry those other than a Baptist -- a State Fan should not marry anyone other than a State fan. That is the key to my harmonious marriage. This household is solidly behind the Red and White. Now, we can pull for other ACC or North Carolina teams on occasion. All -but- one.

Let's make this clear: This household vilifies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There is no evil larger in our day (with the exception of Al-Qaeda and liberals) that threatens the very nature of our American existence.

Yes, my friends, this household's second favorite team is ABC. That's Anybody But Carolina. And we root for our second favorite team religiously.

For those of you familiar with the absolutely disgusting and miserable season the Wolfpack of NC State had this year -- you'll understand the disappointment that any State fan felt.

Likewise, there was little remorse for being able to circumvent our dismay when the devil incarnate school was constantly beating our second favorite team, ABC.

Then came last night. Every State fan's disappointment washed away over the period of two hours. Like the parched soil in the Triangle soaked up this week's rainfall -- EVERY State fan relished the demise of Roy Williams and his Tarheels in San Antonio.

This year's final four could have easily been called the "final three." Carolina looked every bit of an outcoached, outmanned, and outclassed team.

The joy of their demise was well documented among the Gupton household. The most thrilling part of this moment: my daughter Caitlyn enjoying in the spoils. Watching her boo the Smurf-colored Tar Heels while acknowledging how "bad" Carolina was made my heart swell with pride.

These are early, impressionable years. These are the years when my children are most vulnerable. It is for this reason I now present to you how to keep your children out of the grip of Satan's team. Through the steps listed below, you too can become the great Equalizer:

1. DEMONIZE EVERYTHING SMURFY. Although it may be tempting -- Never, ever let your child watch any cartoon featuring the Smurfs. The mere sight of these little blue creatures could cause an affection for light blue.


2. ENCOURAGE RED AS A FAVORITE COLOR. Remove any "Sky Blue," "Light Blue," or any close cousin crayons from your child's crayon box. If necessary, Replace with Red. In fact, it's not a bad idea to take out "Dark Blue," "Blue," "Royal Blue," or "Aqua" in the process. Removing "Gold" also reduces the likelihood your child will have an affection for Wake Forest.


3. MONITOR TELEVISION VIEWING CAUTIOUSLY.We live in an era where there is a constant barrage of filth placed before our children on TV. No where is this more evident than in the local media, and to a less extent, ESPN and FOX Sports Net. If not monitored closely, your children may become the victims of vulgar, profane and salacious UNC propaganda. At the very least, you are protecting your child from irresponsible and harmful outbursts by the head Demon. (See Below).
   

   
   



4. READ TO YOUR CHILDREN. Children develop early. Even as a baby, begin reading books to your child. Tim Peeler's "When March Went Mad" should be read regularly.


5. GO TO MANY, MANY, MANY NC STATE ATHLETIC EVENTS. Basketball games and Football games will help water and nurture the seeds you have planted in your children's hearts. Likewise, Mr. Wuf and Mrs. Wuf will foster early desire.


6. FOLLOW THE WOLFPACK ALL SEASON LONG. Even if you are traveling and must tune in to listen to the Pack instead of seeing them in person or on TV -- ONLY listen to Gary Hahn and Tony Hanes on the Wolfpack Radio Network. NEVER EVER tune in to the Carolina Radio Network for ANY REASON! The vile and often distorted bias of Woody Durham could potentially corrupt your child forever!


7. POINT OUT THE MISERY OF CAROLINA FANS. Show pictures often (like those below) of Carolina when they fall into deep despair. Make sure to point out how unhappy they are. When in public, point out the snobbery and self-absorbed nature of any individual wearing Carolina propaganda.


8. HONOR BILLY PACKER. Make sure you watch any Carolina-called game by Billy Packer. No discussion is necessary here.


9. WEAR A RED BLAZER TO CHURCH. Dad should own a red blazer. Mom should own a hot red dress. (Mom doesn't need to wear the hot red dress to church. But, Mom should always be willing to wear the hot red dress for Dad. Or -- red lingerie. Regardless, Red is a color of passion -- Light Blue doesn't do it for any man in the bedroom.)


10. DRINK COCA-COLA CLASSIC. This is the greatest Soft-Drink of all time. Pepsi Drinkers should be banished to a communist nation. It should be noted that Coke's logo is Red and White.

Following these simple rules have helped maintain a positive atmosphere. It is guaranteed to produce children who love their parents, as well as their schools.

Finally, there was simply no greater joy than the excitement and fun experienced in my household last night. Carolina's humiliating demise was the most exciting game of the NCAA tournament.

Rest assured, this house will always relish the demise of Carolina at the hands of any other foe. The despair, the anguish, the tears of UNC fans warmed my heart. With Carolina not attaining their ultimate goal, the universe is back in order once again. While my team's season ended long ago -- watching Carolina's failure helped make everything right once again.

See you next season, Tarheel fans.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

COURTSIDE: ON THE AIR AGAIN.

The last time I sat behind a microphone was in October 2003. It was probably my most memorable interview while at WPTF. Longtime broadcasting legend, Tom Suiter, had agreed (reluctantly) to be my guest as I filled in for the vacationing Tom Kerney on "Open Line."

Now, you have to understand this about "The Legend" -- Tom Suiter: taking him out of his comfort zone is a little unnerving. Ever meticulous, Tom is the central hub on "Football Friday." Coaxing him to have the tables turned took a little bit of convincing. In the end, Tom thoroughly enjoyed his experience. He has lamented to me on several ocassions of how much he enjoyed the interview.

Not as much as I, Suitman. As I've said in an earlier blog, Tom is the champion of the underdog. He's always looking for ways to champion them. Through the years, Tom Suiter has been a mentor, a hero, and a dear friend.

For me, this was the way to go out. You see, I already had interviewed with Lowe's, and felt relatively confident that my time at WPTF was drawing to a close. Indeed, only two weeks later, I was leaving a broadcasting company I had been affectionately attached to for five and a half years to pursue greener financial pastures.

Interviewing Tom was a dream come true to me. And there I was. Surprisingly calm -- soaking in every minute we were on the air together. I tried to keep the premise of the "Open Line" to its core -- laid back; personable.

Growing up as a teenager, I utilized broadcasting as my identity. An awkward kid, it was usually hard to express myself in ways that made establishing friendships difficult. Broadcasting became me. WRAL-TV 5 was what I identified with most.

Along the way, there were naysayers. Students, Teachers, and others said I would never make it as a broadcaster. By the pinnacle that was that final on-air interview, I had grown into a confident man. No longer unsure of himself, feeling ever so comfortable in the role -- I walked away feeling that there was nothing left to prove. People who doubted me were wrong. I proved to myself I could do it. And ... I enjoyed it.

The funniest thing happened after I left -- I didn't miss it. Not that much anyway. That was a little surprising at first. I realized that part of my life didn't identify me. It shaped me. It helped develop me. But -- I wasn't crushed without it in my life.

I've been so fortunate with the great friendships I've developed through the years. More importantly, I married the most beautiful, passionate, and caring wife a man could ask for. She's given me three darling children. Becoming a family man has certainly replaced the identity I once relied on through broadcasting.

Returning To The Air.

The call came the other day. Ric Crews, the Regional Director of Human Resources for Lowe's needed a favor. He, and the rest of the regional staff were on the way to the annual Sales Meeting in Las Vegas. As a result, no one would be able to do the "live" spot on the Wolfpack Sports Network.

After four and a half years, it was time to dust off the pipes. Courtside, I made my way to Tony Hanes and Gary Hahn. After a little chit chat, I put on my headset and stepped back on the airwaves. Tony Hanes -- ever gracious -- mentioned he remembered listening to me deliver the news years ago. Humbled, I babbled on for the next 90 seconds about Lowe's and broadcasting. Tony and Gary are icons to me. Being a State fan, I was sitting beside the guys whom I listen to call all of State's games. That was exciting.

And for one Saturday afternoon at the RBC Center, I stepped back up to the microphone again. The fun and enjoyment came out of being able to do it. The best part about it was not having to let it identify me. From a geeky teenager who's life seemed to depend on being on the air -- to wrapping up a small career in the business by interviewing my hero -- to stepping back up next to icons of NC State basketball broadcasting -- my journey has come full circle.

Who knows? Maybe one day I'll get back in the business part-time. The nice part about it all is not feeling the need.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

EVERY NOW AND AGAIN ... A SHOW COMES ALONG.

Every now and again ... a show comes along that captivates you, takes hold of your imagination, and leaves you clinging to the edge of your seat for what will happen next. Like a Blue Moon, however, these shows don't happen very often.

Sure, we all fill our hearts with endearing thoughts and memories of shows gone by. There's no question TV genuinely is a letdown these days. Ahhhhh.... but then .... there's DEXTER.

I became hooked on Dexter by watching episodes on Showtime On Demand late last summer. From the get go, the show grabs you and won't let go. Centered in Miami, it stars Raleigh's very own Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood spatter/pattern analyst with the Miami PD.

Oh ... but there's a twist. Dexter just happens to be a serial killer. A killer with a conscience, he does live by a strict code. He only kills very, very, very bad people.


Watch the YouTube Clip and become acquainted with Dexter!

Just when you think you've figured it all out ... SURPRISE! Another Twist. Just when you think you know where the show is going ... JUMP BACK JACK! Another Turn.

Now is your opportunity to experience the same thrills as I have! The writer's strike has afforded CBS to truncate the entire first season into a run beginning this Sunday, February 17th at 10pm.

You get the "cleaner" version here. Trust me on this one. Give Dexter a chance this Sunday night. I have a feeling you'll be back for more. So much so, you may even have to subscribe to Showtime to catch Season 2 after you've been captivated by all 12 episodes from Season One.

Enjoy!


Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

THE SWEETEST WORDS

There are moments in your life that remain in your heart forever. One of those is when she says "I do." Another is the sound of your baby's first cry. Fathers always seem to become animated when their children speak for the first time.

And for years and years since babies have been born, probably 98.9% of the time a baby's first words are always "Da-Da." It's happened with our two previous children. Now, add my latest born to the list.

While on vacation in Boone this past weekend, my sweet little Twilight, Catherine Grace, uttered her first words. Now, you have to consider the problem with this: she's only eight months old. My other children haven't spoken quite this early. But ... there she was, uttering a proud father's favorite two words from a baby.

At first, I wasn't sure. It was late evening, and my eldest daughter and I had gone for a walk around the campground of Julian Price Memorial Park off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I carried Catherine on my shoulders in a baby back-pack. We stopped for a brief moment of rest. As we got back up to walk -- I heard it for the first time: "Da-Da."

Instantly, I gravitated to the words. "She said it." I thought to myself. "But -- maybe it was just babble." Naturally, I began to attempt to get her to say it again. "I love you. Can you say Daddy? Da-dd-y? Come on, baby, say Daddy."

Well, the more I talked, the quieter she got. So, Caitlyn and I stopped for one last rest before heading back to camp. Again, right before we got up, I heard her say it again "DA-DA!"

Confident, and full of pride, we headed back to camp where I proclaimed "Folks, I know you're not going to believe this -- but -- we have our first words. She said Da-Da."

Now, this always comes as a blow to any mother. "Yeah, Right." said my beautiful wife. Well, we just sat around the campfire for a little while -- and there she spewed off those beautiful consenants and vowels again! "Da-Da."

I ran up and kissed her -- praising her. She lit up with delight as she recognized how much attention she was getting. So again and again she started to repeat it. "Da-Da." And .... again and again she got praised.

And there you have it my friends: the precious first words of my third born child. Yep. She's a Daddy's girl. They all are.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

SHRADE-DAWG AT HIS BEST

Okay ... This is CLASSIC Brian Shrader. This clip is absolutely hilarious.


Shrader and I go way back to the days at WPTF. You have to wonder, however, if Shrader has missed his real calling -- comedy. If there is ever an opening at FOX's "The 1/2 Hour News Hour" -- I say Shrader jumps the WRAL ship.

Now if we only had KRAP-4.com again. Ahhhh ... those were the days!

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

Action News 5 Still Lives.

When people find out I'm a former News Anchor and Reporter, there are usually two questions that come up: (1) Why did you get out of the business? and (2) Why did you go into it?

Well -- the short answer to the first question is this: Money & Family. Being a News Anchor and/or reporter is always taxing on family life. In addition, unless you're really, really, really good -- and willing to start out in places like Florence, SC and stations in Montana -- then you're not going to get paid very much.

The answer to the second question? That usually takes a little longer to explain. Check out this clip from WRAL-TV 5 News on November 28, 1988. I've always considered some of my best work Breaking News. This clip I recorded on that day in 1988 (one of my friends now has the tapes -- which I wished he'd return). I still get goose bumps when I watch the beginning of this newscast.

It starts with a young 27-year-old Donna Gregory (now at MSNBC) and transitions to a stellar field anchoring job by the WRAL icon, Charlie Gaddy.

This tragedy -- and broadcasting's impact on bringing a community together is why I got in the business. And ... it's videos like this one that make me cherish the opportunity I had to live my dream.

Enjoy!

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Editor's Note: I've been preoccupied with some things recently. I'll be getting back to daily blogs very soon!
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