Today is a happy day here at WCBS 880. Our good friend and colleague, producer/writer Martin Untrojb, was sworn in today as a United States citizen! 

Martin was born in Argentina, but he knows more about the United States than most native-born Americans - or 2 Americans combined! Whenever we have questions in the newsroom about U.S. history or current events in Washington, Martin is the guy we turn to. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of U.S. history and government.

But, he’s more than just a great co-worker. He’s a wonderful guy.

His story really is inspiring - from a young boy in Argentina, to a successful journalist and loving husband and father in New York City. It may sound trite, but Martin Untrojb is the American Dream.

I’m honored to call Martin my co-worker, my friend…and, now, my fellow citizen of the United States of America.

Congratulations Martin!

Congratulations to my WCBS 880 colleague Irene Cornell, who was honored with the New York Press Club’s President’s Award over the weekend. 

No one can tell a radio news story like Irene Cornell. Next year, she will celebrate 40 years covering courts and cops for WCBS. It is a pleasure to know her and an honor to work with her.

Congrats Irene!

I’ll be at the New York Press Club Foundation’s 2009 Journalism Conference tomorrow at NYU’s Kimmel Center. There will be some excellent panel discussions, guaranteed to generate a healthy exchange of ideas.

One of the highlights: My WCBS 880 colleague Irene Cornell will receive the NY Press Club’s President’s Award, recognizing her storied career covering courts and cops.

Every one is welcome! Click here for more details and registration info.

(picture from 2005. I have lost weight, lost hair and gained a beard since then…)

Today, on this gloriously sunny and mild day, I decided to try something at which I’m admittedly not very good.

I decided to read a book.

Yes, yes…I know how to read. The whole doing news on the radio thing kind of proves that.

But, I have never been very good at just picking up a book and reading it. I’m not sure why this is. Well, maybe I am sure. I know I have an admittedly short attention span that desires quick and immediate gratification. In other words, I can be focusing on something important, something really fascinat - Hey, look…something shiny!

Yup. It sometimes doesn’t take much to distract me from my task at hand.

But, today…I was determined. We have two big bookshelves full of books. With many of these books, I’ve only made it through a few chapters before the whole something shiny distraction landed it right back on the shelf.

I went to the biography section of the bookshelves and pulled out Walter Cronkite’s “A Reporter’s Life.” I had forgotten that I had a copy signed by Walter Cronkite himself! 

I poured myself some ice water, pulled up a chair in the sun on the balcony, and started reading. It’s a fascinating book…but not a real quick read. My problem is I don’t want to read too fast and miss a single detail of what Mr. Cronkite is talking about. He has so many great stories! (Who knew he was deathly afraid of being trapped in a fire, and would count the number of doors between his hotel room and the stairwell?)

But, I’m off to a good start. I’m into the third chapter. Page 61, I think. Okay, only around 323 pages to go, but it’s a start. I’m enjoying it. I’ll try to read some more later tonight. And, maybe again tomorrow.

I have friends who are voracious readers. They can finish a book in two days. And, they can remember every line from every book they’ve ever read. I don’t know how they do it…or, why I can’t. It’s not that I’m really any busier than most of these folks. I mean, the President of the United States can probably tell you the last good book he’s read.

Me…well, I’m working on it. 61 pages down, 323 to go. I’ll keep you posted.

Unless I spot something shiny!

I do not like being hoaxed. Or punk’d. Or whatever the kids call it today.

For two days, I reported on that supposed “gang rape” at Hofstra University on Long Island. I agonized for the “victim” of what sounded like a horrific crime - an 18 year old woman, bound and repeatedly raped in a dormitory bathroom stall by five young men, after one had supposedly stolen her cell phone.

Four suspects were arrested. Their names and mug shots were plastered on TV screens, newspapers and web sites. The story made headlines across the country. 

Police were looking for a fifth suspect.

They can stop looking.

She made the whole thing up.

The four “suspects” have been released from jail. Sorry, it’s too late. They will forever be “one of those guys” - even though they have been criminally cleared.

I’m sure more will eventually come out in this story. I’m sure we’ll eventually hear WHY this young woman made up the rape allegation…ruining the lives of five young men, and quite frankly, hurting every legitimate victim of sexual assault who reports an attack (”Did SHE make it up, too?” some will wonder.).

Prosecutors in Nassau County are still investigating this case. I can only hope that if they decide to charge this phony “victim” with a crime, HER name and picture will be plastered on TV screens, newspapers and web sites.

I really don’t like being hoaxed.

It’s 9-11. Eight years later. 

We all have our stories from that day. I won’t bore with you mine. If you know me, you’ve probably already heard them any way.

But, I want to hear YOUR stories from 9-11-01. Every one has a story from that day. I’d like to hear yours. Brief or long, intensely personal or ambiguous - please share your memories.

We say “Always Remember - Never Forget.” Please help us remember by sharing your memories. Thank you and God Bless.

Note: I’ve included this photo (courtesy Getty Images) of UA175 hitting the WTC south tower, not for shock value…but, rather, so that we will never forget the brutal, violent nature of the attack that killed thousands on 9-11-01. ss