These past few days, I’ve been fiercely attempting to expand my online “network” of contacts. I’m particularly trying to reach out to many members of the journalism industry. Unfortunately, many of the more famous journalists do not have personal Facebook friend pages; only a fan page. This makes the possibility of personal contact with them much more challenging, but not impossible!

I'm putting professionalism aside for two seconds and addressing the obvious question-- how did CNN manage to employ Chevy Chase's doppelganger?

One of my favorite people on CNN is Gary Tuchman. He is a national correspondent who has been with the network since 1990. Tuchman covers many of his stories from an objective, yet tough investigative angle.

Tuchman has also received official accolades for his exceptional work, and was “part of the CNN team that won a national Emmy Award and a CableACE Award for its coverage of the Oklahoma City bombings,” according to his bio on CNN’s Web site.

More recently, Tuchman has reported on major events from 9/11 to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. He was also “embedded” into the U.S. Air Force in 2003 when the war in Iraq began.

Whether its the capture of the Unabomber, or the arrival of His Holiness the Pope in the U.S., Tuchman is there, getting all the juicy details, but with professionalism and personal integrity.

I can’t wait to write him a letter. As I’ve found out in the past, there are no personal P.O. Boxes listed for the journalists I’ve written to, but what I’ll do is address all such letters “care of CNN.” Mr. Tuchman is based in Atlanta.

Meanwhile, I hope to continue to spread awareness of “Holdin’ Out for a Hero” and our spina bifida initiative with those journalists who do have Facebook. All it takes if for one of them to listen.

Love,

Laurita ♥

© 2010, Laura. All rights reserved.