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[Al Degutis]

Well, I solved the mystery as to why they chose to use an artic picture from July instead of my Aurora picture. When I checked mail this morning I had an email from Hotmail (Rick's email host):

This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification.
THIS IS A WARNING MESSAGE ONLY.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO RESEND YOUR MESSAGE.
Delivery to the following recipients has been delayed.

That time stamp was 2:31am. No wonder he never used it. He never got my response. I sent him another message (even though Hotmail's message said it wasn't necessary). I'll let you know if I hear back.

Lesson learned: wait until you hear back from the meteoroligist before announcing it.

I can't complain, though. I've had over 1,000 hits on the aurora pictures since Sunday.

Joe, I do have ABC's 4pm newcast recorded. I'll try to put something together this weekend.

Thanks for the homage.

[Al Degutis]

No word from FoxNews yet, BUT:

This is confirmed, as I just spoke to someone with the newspaper, so I can confidently announce that one of my photos of the northern lights will be the featured color photo on the front page of the Community section of Saturday's Northwest Herald.

I'll post a snapshot of the page after I get the paper on Saturday.

[Al Degutis]

I got an e-mail response from Rick Di Maio, of FoxNews Chicago. He did finally get my e-mail approval from yesterday this morning and will use a photo for the noon newscast. I replied asking (begging) for the 9pm slot tonight. I doubt it'll be changed. I've coordinating getting it recorded so I'll post something the first chance I get this weekend.

[Al Degutis]

I'm sure you're all tired of reading about my attempts to stretch out my 11 seconds of fame to 15 seconds... too bad.

I'm not expecting or asking any of you to watch the FoxNews tonight. This is just an FYI.

Rick DiMaio, meteorologist at FoxNews, sent me an e-mail at 11am today saying he'd use my northern lights photo on the noon broadcast. I replied (email was the only way I could) begging that he use it at 9pm instead, or if he got my request too late then in addition to the noon newscast. He just responded that he'll use it again at 9pm and post it under the Today's Weather Question later today at www.foxchicago.com

I had the noon newscast recorded at home today and will do the same at 9pm. Over the weekend I'll snatch the video off the Tivo from both the FoxNews and ANC newscasts and see what I can post online.

My 11-20 seconds of fame is fading fast... but I'm clingy ;D

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Al,

Hee hee...

Work it Al, work it!....Hee hee.

But really, I am glad you are pursuing this, as they are great aurora shots and recognition of them is not only good for the ego, but acknowledges your skill as an astrophotographer. Do you know how many astronomers over the decades never have been approached to share their work with the masses? Unfortunately too many.

I have met individuals who state that "why is it important to be quoted or mentioned in the public media?"... and their disapproval of it. They often say that they pursue their interest in amateur astronomy just for the sheer love of it, and it isn't important for them to be a resource. To those who are jealous or offended at your/our efforts, well...see my post under the "Astronomer Attitudes" in the Soapbox board. There's no room for that type of attitude here, and accolades of our membership only makes us better and stronger.

These people either do not understand the importance of it, or probably will never be recognized for their efforts in the public eye. But in order to BETTER share your passion, one has to stand out from the rest, and offer something that others do not. Hell, this forum is only six months old, and already has become a media resource, ranked high in search engines and going to pass our 6000th hit soon. And my membership is increasing constantly...Not bad for a simple astronomical forum.

With this tv recognition Al, you can feel assured that you are now part of the few. Welcome aboard! (I'll share with you the secret handshake later... )

I will set my vcr to record the 9:00 pm news and I will greatly enjoy this along with you... and here's to stretching it out to fifteen seconds.

[NatureDevil]

You know.....since we are talking about astrophotography and small strives at fame, I am trying to figure what kind of photo I should use in the artwork of my record. I want something that I can use in the jacket of the album where lyrics or titles or legalities would go. Maybe even on the back of the case where the track list is. Not sure yet.

If anyone wants to offer something I am open to all suggestions, and I have well into January or February to find something.

NatureDevil

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Yay Al!!!!!

I saw the Ch.32 mention on the 9:00 news. You are Al De "guy" tis! ;D

Excellent shot of your aurora and mention. Although he should have mentioned that you were an astronomer...and would have been ecstatic if he mentioned you were a "Chicago Astronomer".

After you assemble the images, I would like to view them.

Good job on the all around recognitions! ;D

[Al Degutis]

Thanks Joe.

The noon segment showed the photo a little longer. I've got the segments on the computer and I'm trying to get permission from ABC and Fox to post them on the website. In the meantime...

Hey, I just noticed they used two different photos. I should see if Fox used the same one at noon and 9PM.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Those are quite cool images!

Excellent!

[stargazer]

Al,

This is so cool. Nice pics by the way. Congrats on being on the TV twice. Keep up the good work. Mine didnt turn out so good but Im not woried about it. They willcome around again and I will get them again.

Becky

[Al Degutis]

This just in...

The makers of Starry Night software will be using some of my aurora pictures from this month in their soon to be released Danger! Solar Storm DVD.

Here's the link for the DVDs in case you want to preorder them:
www.starrynight.com/skyvoyager.html

and no I don't make any money off each copy sold.

At $15 a piece I may order the Comet Hunters / Asteriod Seekers and Searching for SuperStars titles. While Wheels on Mars is probably a good one, I'd rather see one on the Cassini mission to Jupiter. I don't know why, but Mars just doesn't excite me.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Danger! Solar Storm

Danger Will Robinson...er, Al!

A hearty congrats for Al who's photographic work was recognized by many, featured on media outlets and deemed worthy of inclusion on the next Starry Nights Issue. Al will be selling signed DVD's at the Metra train station the day after Thanksgiving and during cloudy evenings...

On Mars...it never was a highlight for me either, even during the Mars Maddness of a couple of summers ago. A nice target, but not one of me favorites. Of the planets, it will be Saturn who gains my attention the most.