Birthdays!

In San Jose yesterday we finally were all well enough and able to gather to celebrate the recent birthdays of James (11) and Daisy (4). These are the oldest and youngest of my grandchildren.

Sarah and Laila had saved the presents I ordered for the kids for this event so I actually got to see the kids open the presents I gave them. (I missed the family Christmas party because I was sick.) They were charming in thanking me and all the other kids were great as well.

Peter and Claire came by and we went to the Atlas Cafe for coffee  before heading down 280 to San Jose. On the way we stopped at a giant Target (first time I've been there in years) so they could buy presents and some supplies.

Laila, Loic and kids drove me back.

I would not drive myself because I have been having vision problems lately -- things a half block ahead are fuzzy. I'm going to the eye doctor this week to see what is wrong.

Anyway it was a great day and the first time I had seen any of them since before the holidays.

-30-

Small Wins

After not starting initially, my car decided to cooperate this morning and I drove over to Bernal, where Aidan completed his FAFSA forms. He is in CIIS and seems to be enjoying it. He also has a new girlfriend.

Dylan is settling into UC, Santa Cruz and enjoying that. He completed his FAFSA several weeks ago.

Julia and Connie plan to visit me at work one day this week so we can complete her FAFSA.

-30-

'Shithole' Countries

President Trump dragged the immigration debate to a new low this week by calling a number of countries, including all of Africa, 'shitholes'. We broke our long tradition of not using profane language on KQED Newsroom as a result.

One of the benefits of being a veteran journalist is knowing when such rules should be broken. This was the President speaking -- he broke the barrier, not us. At first, NPR and PBS tried to uphold the traditional standards, so KQED Radio did not air the term.

I disagreed so my online team immediately published a story with the term in the headline. Our job is to serve our audience by reporting the news, not condescending to them.

By Friday morning the execs at public media had come to their senses and started broadcasting the word. KQED did too, on Forum, again online and ultimately on Newsroom.

-30-

Hoyt Axton

I'd have to consult my journals to recover the date, but I went to a concert in the early 70s to see Hoyt Axton perform this and other numbers.

-30-

Happy Holidays!

Time spent with my three youngest kids On Christmas. That was great. Have spent the rest of the week ill, unfortunately, but that was the highlight of this holiday week for me.

-30-

Holiday Parties

Last Friday night I went out with colleagues for an after-work party. Yesterday I went out to lunch on the the waterfront in SF at a great Chinese restaurant. Great times!

-30-

Pre-holiday Cheer

Peter and Claire came by last night to exchange presents. They are headed to Seattle for Christmas this year.

Aidan and Julia came by KQED today and we had lunch in a nearby cafe. Wonderful to see my youngest after four months -- our longest time apart ever.

Meanwhile, last Friday on Newsroom we aired an interview with Rep. Jackie Speier, in which she said there was a "rumor on the Hill" that Trump intends to fire Special Counsel Mueller. That story has since gone viral, most recently airing two nights in a row on CNN.

=30-