I’m flabbergasted, honored, and a bit humbled to have been invited to appear on Florida This Week — the weekly news television program, hosted by Rob Lorei. It’s a “Meet the Press” kind of format — but for West Central Florida issues, of course.
The program appears on West Central Florida’s PBS Station (Channel 3 for folks here in Sarasota). I’m taping the program this Friday afternoon in Tampa and it airs that same night (Friday the 13th — egads!) at 8:30 p.m., and then again on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
I say I’m a bit humbled because, well, the show is a longtime favorite of mine that has kept me company during all the long Friday nights at home alone, and I was always mightily impressed with the lineup of panelists — smart, so informed, and usually with bona fides that far, far outweigh yours truly. On the other hand, I’m happy to see that mainstream media is interested in a more or less alternative media opinion person (aka a blogger!), and do see their kind invitation as indicative of a growing willingness for big media to partner with the blogosphere in constructive ways that might expand the discourse for news readers/watchers.
I’m hoping, of course, that I don’t bungle my thoughts and jumble my words. Good grief — it’s great exposure and I can’t afford to have a brain freeze on camera! I’m also hoping vainly — and yes, I mean that both ways — that I won’t look like some mini version of a Michelin Tire woman up there on screen. (They say the camera adds 10 pounds, but I think that’s a crock — if the extra 10 pounds are there, they’ll show. Um, so, how can I lose 10 pounds by tomorrow!?) 
Ah, vanity, thy name is MC.
Anyway, as usual, I’m mixing up my serious stuff with the silly and gee wilikers, why not. Life’s too short for anything else. Just hope they don’t mind the fart cushion and silly string I’m bringing on set.
Anyway, I believe they usually post the programs (after airing) on their website for viewing as well … for anyone who misses it or any out of area viewers, you may be able to catch it at http://www.wedu.org/ftw/. I’m just not sure when they actually post — could be that same day or a few days later.
P.S. wish me luck, but don’t tell me to break a leg … I might take you seriously!