It's Skyline Time!

I've mentioned before that the food here is starting to get me down. It's not bad food, it's just the same food every day. Apparently, a number of you have heard my sob story and decided to spark my moral.

I'd like to thank my wife, my mother-in-law, my friends Scott & Michelle and the good people from LaRosa's, Skyline Chili and Montgomery Inn for sending me some true home cookin'. I grew up in Cincy and to have Skyline and LaRosa's once or twice a week for the rest of my tour does wonders for my heart... not to mention my tummy.

I think everyone know I like to eat so these care packages are better than gold! Thank you one and all!

Professor Hecht in Afghanistan

I had the chance last week to go to an Afghan TV station and give a lecture to the newsroom staff on how the Western media put stories together. We went over shooting, writing, editing, pacing, creative stand-ups and the importance of natural sound. I think they were really interested in the way we do things. I'm hoping to go back again in a few weeks to sit in the control room and watch their newscast.

It's very exciting to think I've had a tiny, tiny impact on the way these people see and report a story. While I don't think they're up to the standard of doing a hard hitting piece like Wildwood Willy celebrates Groundhogs Day or Bubble wrap Appreciation Day, we have to give them time. Someday, someday!

Super Bowl XLIII

I'm sure for all of you, Super Bowl Sunday began around noon with burgers, beer and wings at a friends house. But for those of us diehard football fans in Afghanistan, Super Bowl "Monday" began with the alarm clock going off at 0300.

The game was broadcasted for us in Afghanistan live in the base theater. About 30 Americans braved the early morning chill to walk from our dorms to the theater to watch the game. To our surprise they had pizza, wings and softdrinks waiting for us. A pizza company from Chicago actually shipped our base 250 pizzas so we could eat the real deal during the game, not the nasty Euro pizza they serve in the chow hall.

What a game! While I HATE the Steelers and was sad to see the Cardinals lose, the game was well worth the early wake-up call. Now every year when I watch the big game, I'll always remember the Super Bowl I spent with the troops in Afghanistan.

Just like the "old days"

I spent last week in Southern Afghanistan at the request of the Public Affairs Officer down there. They wanted a few stories covered and I happily volunteered. I really needed a break from the headquarters.

Shooting, writing and editing these "war stories" really made me miss my days as a TV reporter. I don't miss all the newsroom drama, but I do miss the creative aspect of television news. I can only think how much better they would have turned out if I had Eric Anderson (NBC 24) or Geoff Levine (KGUN) with me.

Please feel free to click the links and watch my stories.

Danish patrol:
http://www.dvidshub.net/r/bt4tls

ISAF Doctors team up with Afghan Docs:
http://www.dvidshub.net/r/6rdlzk

British EOD teach ANA Mine Awareness:
http://www.dvidshub.net/r/ttcavq

*Stories have been approved for release: