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Great, Scott: It’s Just About… Life

July 11, 2014 By markbrodinsky 1 Comment

marty-n-don_0089-orig.11

I only wish you got to live the dream I did. 

It was so good, so much fun there are times now I look back and think it might have been just that, a dream. But it was real.

I got to live that dream.

I still remember during my college years, sitting there in the early morning, eating cereal and watching Don and Marty talk about the news, joke about the school lunch menus, announce the school snow closings and have a great time. Before I knew it I was having a great time too – as Producer of the #1 morning show in all of Maryland and for a long time one of the top-rated local news shows in the entire country.

See I got to live that dream. Today a man who was part of that magic team, my dream team, will sign-off for the very last time.

don black and white

I was still a freshman in college when Don Scott and Marty Bass were partnered in the AM, but I got a college internship at ‘WJZ during my senior year (’86-’87) and by 1988 I was full-time producer of one of the hottest local newscasts in all of television.

Don & Marty.  I only had to say their names and tell someone I produced that show for instant recognition and respect. I got to live that dream. 

Don, the consummate news professional, smooth, calm, smart and with a tremendous ability to read news copy sight unseen, or confidently and calmly handle a breaking story. Don had a comforting, steady demeanor which kept all of us at least focused on the news, because believe me it wasn’t always easy.

Too often we were simply busy having too much fun.

don and elmo
Don & Elmo

Marty, the weatherman, the great communicator, interviewer, the irreverent energy of the duo, the ying to Don’s yang. The perfect team.

marty and don

I got to live that dream.

Don, Marty, the Morning-Edition and Rise & Shine. It was so worth it. I got to spend 15 years, nearly a third of my life, associated with those morning shows. For seven of those years I served as Producer, (The Blade), working all night long to make the show happen. In at 10pm out at 7am, and for most of those hours, it was just me, alone, to create the foundation of what would happen when the red light came on and Don and Marty said good morning to hundreds of thousands of Marylanders.  I spent seven years on the overnight shift just for the chance to lead the charge and for a front seat to morning show history. It was so worth it.

don and marty on set

I got to live that dream.

I still remember the early days, Don and I sitting down shortly after he walked in to the newsroom, to review the rundown, read the first section of scripts and prepare for the show. But as time went on and we got more comfortable, I gained Don’s trust and the meetings became less frequent. We developed a synergy and the man I had watched since I was a boy , this professional reporter and anchor, eventually put his trust in me to handle it all. Write the show, time the show, and get it right, nearly every time.

And we had the time of our lives. Don, Marty the entire crew. The mantra was: There are no mistakes, simply opportunities for ad-libs. We did morning news like no one had ever seen, talk-about TV that people still talk about today.
Don kept us in line and on time, Marty pushed the envelope. As producer I got to choreograph the entire dance from scratch each night and watch it come to life every morning. When I got an on-air role I got to interact and banter back and forth with these two pros every day. They taught me so much.

photo(3)
With Billiards Pro Ewa Mataya

Don and Marty interviewed more big names live on our set then you can imagine. TV stars, movie stars, sports stars, authors, politicians, from Elmo to Joan Rivers to Tom Clancy to Jesse Jackson. And some of the most unique local individuals you would ever want to meet, from Earl the Singing Cowboy to a young magician named Spencer Horseman, to a secret gossip reporter named Harry Horni, to people who collected refrigerator magnets and wild memorabilia.

If it was off-the-wall, or talk-about we brought them in for interviews. Marty would push it to the edge, Don would pull us back in the nick of time. Ying and Yang.

photo(4)
Jesse Jackson pays a visit

But after 30 years together, the dream team will be no more. Don Scott is saying farewell.

When I popped by the studio yesterday to offer my congratulations it was Don and Marty who got up from the set to come greet me, with a firm handshake and a warm “hello”. Marty has always been like a big brother to me, Don the cool uncle. 

You see I got to live that dream.

And it all came full circle yesterday, with some words from Don Scott I won’t soon forget. While we hung out chatting and talking about the old days Don said to me, “I have to say when you produced the show Blade, it was the most fun we had.”

It was one of those moments you get to pause and let sink in.

See Don Scott, a local TV legend said those words to me a Baltimore boy who watched this local TV legend from the time I was just ten-years-old. I got to work with him, I got to laugh with him, I got to produce his show, I got to bring him scripts, I got to help write his news copy, I got to make morning show history with him and Marty. And yesterday I got to stop by to offer him words of congratulations, have him shake my hand and offer me a compliment so meaningful it literally made my heart skip a beat. 

I get to call Don Scott my friend.

Yes, I got to live that dream.

photo(5)

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

Mark Brodinsky, (Emmy Award Winner with WJZ) ;), Author, Huffington Post Blogger

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-brodinsky/

The #1 Amazon Best-Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Journey

http://www.spouses-story.com/

Connect with Mark: markbrodinsky@gmail.com.

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Comments

  1. susan says

    July 11, 2014 at 7:15 pm

    Wonderful story and I remember watching them and the “Blade” :Rise and Shine”, wonderful, entertaining, very informative and just an all around great informative news broadcast. I cherish the memories of all. Hope all is well in your life and career and Don will certainly be missed by me too. 🙁

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Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

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I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

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Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

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This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

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From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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