Monday, December 10, 2007

Goodbye KMIR


This past weekend, I anchored my final show at KMIR in Palm Springs. It was hard to leave the friends I've made at NBC 6, but I know that I'll be keeping in contact with many of them. A bunch of co-workers turned out at the Yard House after my final newscast to say goodbye...over a couple of beers and then some. Debbie and I packed up our belongings yesterday and U-Hauled it to Pasadena. It was great to finally wake up this morning at our apartment...and actually be living in the same city. I'm extremely excited about my first day at KTLA...which is tomorrow. Being with my wife and finally working in the city I love...things couldn't be better!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Dwarfism in America - The Bigger Picture

Last year, I met the Campbell family while doing research on Dwarfism, a genetic condition that results in short stature. Jim and Joanna Campbell, who are both average height, had two children...one of which is a little person. Their daughter Elizabeth talks to me about the challenges she has faced throughout her life as a little person, including being called a midget. Many little people refer to this word as the "M" word. My story, The Bigger Picture, has had a positive impact on many around the world. I've received great feedback from people here in California...and as far away as Sweden. I'm happy to say that this month, my youtube link hit the 4000 mark. The story has also received the attention of NBC's The Today Show. If you haven't had a chance to view The Bigger Picture, you can find the link on the right side of this page.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Moving to Los Angeles


Hi Everyone - Happy Thanksgiving to you all! This year we all have many things to be thankful for. It's been 7 months since I got married...and I'm beyond thankful that I'll now be able to permanently move to the LA area to live with my wife, Debbie. I'll be working as a freelance reporter for KTLA beginning next month. I'm extremely excited about the new opportunity, however I'll miss the friends I've made while working at KMIR 6 in Palm Springs. But it will be incredible to finally be reporting on what's happening in my hometown. Hope you'll tune in!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Augie's Quest


In the 9 years I've been in this business, very few times has an interview brought me to tears. That all changed this morning when I caught NBC's Natalie Morales interviewing Augie Nieto on The Today Show. Augie Nieto was the co-founder and former president of Life Fitness...popularizing the Lifecycle. He has always been known for being the picture of health and fitness. But in the spring of 2005 at the age of 47, he was diagnosed with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Since his diagnosis, he has raised close to 12 million dollars towards a cure, and his goal is 18 million. Right now Augie is co-chair, with his wife, Lynne, of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s ALS Division. Watching his interview was beyond inspiring because despite his detereorating condition, he still fights on for a cure with a positive attitude. His cause is known as Augie's Quest and you can read more about it at augiesquest.org. Please take a moment to check out the site. Augie's story is truly inspirational.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Dia De Los Muertos

For those of us who have lost someone, today is a special day to remember them. Dia De Los Muertos began more than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico. They encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death. That ritual is now known today as Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. It's celebrated in Mexico and certain parts of the United States, including right here in the Coachella Valley. The historical and cultural belief is that life was seen as a dream and it was only in dying that a human being was truly awake. That's when the soul is believed to be set free. Think about your loved ones who have passed on...and smile. Their spirit is with you today.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

American Diabetes Month


Hi everyone - It's hard to believe that November has already arrived. Wanted to bring something to your attention. The month of November is American Diabetes Month. Nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes, and another 54 million people are at-risk. This disease is especially close to my heart because back in July 2005, my dad passed away due to complications of diabetes. It was a horribly dark time in my life, but now two years later, I'm hoping to spread awareness on how you can stay safe and healthy. There are many ways to be pro-active in the fight against diabetes. Please take a moment to view the link that I've put below.

http://www.diabetes.org/communityprograms-and-localevents/americandiabetesmonth.jsp

Take care.
Marco

Monday, October 29, 2007

Entertainment Tonight Set Visit




Entertainment Tonight is extremely popular here in Palm Springs...and all over the world. In fact, the show runs directly after our 6pm newscast. I was able to visit the ET set on the Paramount Studios lot in Hollywood...to get all the behind-the-scenes action for our KMIR 6 viewers. After a tour of the set, Mary Hart and I sat down for an interview on Stage 28. She's been with the show since 1982, so we were lucky to hear about her years of experience in the entertainment biz. Her most uncomfortable moment? She said it was talking about Johnny Carson's divorce details, on the air, back in the 80's...because she happened to be friends with Johnny and his wife, Joanna. As for who's a bigger diva....Mariah, J-Lo or Mark Steines? She says "those women are just horrible." After letting out a big laugh, she admits Mark is "terrific."

Mary Hart not only looks incredible, but she is a class act...and the ET crew couldn't have been nicer. Photojournalist Josh Jenkins and I are looking forward to showing viewers why Entertainment Tonight is the most watched entertainment news program in the world.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Southern California Wildfires


I've been up in Running Springs covering the wildfires. Driving up the mountain, it's amazing to see how one neighborhood is fully intact, and then just up the road...total devastation. Your heart aches for those homeowners who have lost everything. I've covered several fires, including the Esperanza and Sawtooth Wildfires, but these recent fires are much more intense. I have several friends who live in San Diego, and they too, were forced to evacuate. It really hit close to home. Hopefully firefighters will continue doing a great job getting everything under control.