VIDEO: Classic Marvin Zindler promo

Now this is a classic 1980s Marvin Zindler Eyewitness News promo. 

VIDEO: Marvin Zindler's legacy lives

Marvin's producer, Lori Reingold, filed a "Marvin's Angel" story Friday on our 11 am news.  We are calling the stories "Action 13 Angels." Lori did a great job! Marvin's legacy lives on. Here are the links Lori talked about in the story:
http://www.opt.uh.edu/uei/
http://www.eyecareforkids.org/

Let us know what you think.

If you need help, email Lori here.

ThankYouMarvin.com

Houston icon and KTRK personality Marvin Zindler did so much for Houston and the world that we thought we could honor him with his own web site at ThankYouMarvin.com.

Go see our tribute to Marvin Zindler.

A Marvin Zindler watch

Andrea, our 6pm producer, found an interesting item on eBay.  It is a Marvin Zindler watch.  Yes, he actually had his own watch at one point.

SEE IT HERE

It turns out the station gave these away as staff gifts in the mid 1980s.  There were obviously not many made. 

I'm sure there will be a lot of interesting Marvin stuff turning up on auction sites in the next few years.

VIDEO: Classic Marvin Zindler stories

You've seen clips of Marvin's 1970s era stories for the past few days, now we're giving you the opportunity to see some of the entire stories. Marvin was tough as nails and over the top as ever in these classic stories: Click on the link to watch the story

- Marvin Zindler and Dom DeLuise meet for the first time
- Marvin Zindler reports the Chicken Ranch has closed
- Marvin Zindler shows the life of the forgotten
- Marvin Zindler hits the school lunchrooms
- Marvin Zindler talks about the reopening of the Rice Hotel
- Marvin Zindler tells some bees to buzz off
- Marvin takes out the garbage as a trash collector
- Marvin Zindler helps a magical rabbit fly
- One of Marvin's first restaurant reports
- Marvin Zindler tackles the welfare myth
- The Celebrity Circle Theater was in trouble
- Marvin Zindler gets a surprise at the infamous Chicken Ranch
- Marvin finds a missing game show host
- Zindler tangos with the cost of some dance lessons
- Marvin Zindler and the case of the helicopter landing

What it was like for Marvin Zindler in public

Michael Penix, who works at KTRK, wrote a funny story about an experience with Marvin the other day on my personal blog:

Just a side note, I did not grow up in the Houston area, so my first encounter with Marvin in public was truly memorable.

I went to work at KTRK in late 2004. I came from KFOR in Oklahoma City and when I announced I was leaving to go work for Eyewitness News, several co-workers that grew up in Houston went on and on about his Marvin Zindler guy. Of course, I just assumed he was a long-time anchor.

My first day at the station and I'm making my rounds, meeting everyone in the building. We stroll into Marvin's office and there is this guy in a white suite, white wig and blue glasses. He was very soft-spoken and told me welcome to the station, it was very nice to meet you. I just stared and thought to myself, "Is this the same guy people in Oklahoma City were going on and on about?"

I'm at the station about a month and he invites me to go to lunch. Mind you, I still had no idea of Marvin Zindler's true star power. Marvin's driving down Westheimer and we're stopped at the light on Post Oak near the Galleria. A man looks over and his eyes almost pop out of his head...the guy throws his car in park and runs over to the window and starts knocking. By this time, I'm speechless and scared to death. He's screaming, "Marvin Zindler! Marvin Zindler!"

Marvin calmly rolls down the window, shakes the man's hand (we're holding up traffic) and talks to him for a moment. I'd never seen anything like that before. Someone the other day said that we lost Houston's Elvis. Marvin Zindler...the man with the biggest heart ever. He'll be deeply missed and Channel 13 will never be the same.

Michael Penix

READ IT

VIDEO: Marvin Zindler and Dom DeLuise meet for the first time

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This is some must see video.  It's the first time Marvin Zindler met Dom Deluise and it was live on Eyewitness News!  For those of you who don't know, Dom played the Melvin P. Thorpe character which was based on Marvin, in the movie adaptation of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

As you can see in this picture, Dom can't keep his hands of Marvin's glasses.  But that's not all that takes place...

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

That's not the only video you will see by clicking on the link.  I've put a bunch of classic Marvin stories from the 1970s there too.

Rebroadcast schedule of Marvin's funeral and special

Listed below are the scheduled rebroadcasts of Marvin Zindler: A Final Farewell:

 

Saturday, August 4 (13.2 Digital ONLY)

8:00 PM Marvin Zindler: A Final Farewell (Funeral Service)

9:30 PM Marvin Zindler: A Final Farewell (one hour prime time special)

 

Sunday, August 5

10:35 PM Marvin Zindler: A Final Farewell (one hour prime time special)

VIDEO: Watch the speeches at Marvin Zindler's funeral

Marvin Zindler's funeral was a very touching service.  If you missed it, you can watch the many wonderful speeches given in his memory by the likes of Dave Ward, Melanie Lawson, Lori Reingold, Shara Fryer,   Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza, Baptist minister Reverend Bill Lawson, Reverend Kirbyjon Caldwell with the Windsor Village United Methodist Church, Lakewood Church's Pastor Joel Osteen, Rabbi David Lyon and Mark Zindler.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

The Zindler family requests that instead of flowers, send donations to:

Pancreatic Cancer Research
MD Anderson Cancer Center
c/o Dr. Robert Wolff
PO Box 4486
Houston, TX 77210-4486

VIDEO: More 1970s classic Marvin Zindler stories

There was such a great response to the Classic 1970s Marvin Zindler stories I put on abc13.com that I added some more! These are some great stories including one where Marvin poses as a trash collector, talks about the Rice Hotel reopening, takes on some bees, helps a magical rabbit fly and we even get to see one of the first rat and roach reports!

More items at Marvin Zindler's memorial at the gates of KTRK

I stopped by the gates of the KTRK studios on Bissonnet and found more items had been added to Marvin Zindler's memorial area along the fence.  The first picture is from inside the station's lobby:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pictures from Marvin Zindler's visitation

Here are pictures I took at Marvin Zindler's visitation on Tuesday July 31st:

 

 

 

 

 

VIDEO: Marvin Zindler's stories from the 1970s

You've seen clips of Marvin's 1970s era stories for the past few days, now we're giving you the opportunity to see some of the entire stories.

Marvin was tough as nails and over the top as ever in these classic stories.

VIDEO: Shara Fryer remembers Marvin Zindler

Former Eyewitness News anchor Shara Fryer discusses her Marvin Zindler memories with Melanie Lawson. Melanie also talked with Ed Brandon, Deborah Duncan, Jan Glenn and Alan Hemberger. Click here to see those videos.

The Marvin Zindler memorial in front of KTRK

Monday morning, Channel 13 viewers starting putting together a makeshift memorial with various gifts for Marvin Zindler.  Local media came out and took pictures.

President Bush's statement about Marvin Zindler

Many national and community leaders have released statements concerning Marvin Zindler's death.  Here is one from President George W. Bush:

Laura and I are saddened by the death of Marvin Zindler. Marvin was a Texas legend with a bigger than life personality who dominated Houston TV for decades. He was also a kind and compassionate man who made it his life's work to help others in need. A particularly moving example of his generosity was his effort to help victims of Saddam Hussein's tyranny receive prosthetic hands. He was a good friend who will be missed by his many fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marvin's family, friends, coworkers, and all who mourn the passing of a Texas original.

We have a full page of other comments here.

Marvin Zindler's donation information

The Zindler family requests that instead of flowers, send donations to:

Pancreatic Cancer Research
MD Anderson Cancer Center
c/o Dr. Robert Wolff
PO Box 4486
Houston, TX 77210-4486

You can also visit our Marvin Zindler tribute page.

Where to find clips of the Marvin Zindler TV tribute

See stories from our expanded televised Marvin Zindler coverage on his abc13.com tribute page.  We will be adding more stories, video and pictures of this Houston icon. 

Thank you for all of the support on the message board and blogs.

Legendary broadcaster Marvin Zindler dies at age 85

(HOUSTON) Legendary television broadcaster Marvin Zindler died this evening at M.D. Anderson Hospital from complications of pancreatic cancer.  He was 85.

Marvin is survived by his wife Niki, his five grown children, nine grand children and one great-grand child.

Known for his trademark white hairpieces, blue lenses and signature sign-off, Marvin was a fearless, flamboyant and trail-blazing broadcaster.  His nightly reports helped create a new genre of broadcast journalism that became a staple in television newsrooms across the country.

Marvin Zindler made his mark as a consumer advocacy reporter and was one of the first in Houston to investigate controversial issues and institutions.  He became a household name for exposing a brothel in La Grange known as The Chicken Ranch.  The nationwide notoriety over the brothel's closing inspired the Broadway musical and movie, "Best Little Whorehouse In Texas."

Marvin went on to use his nightly Eyewitness News segments to expose substandard care at nursing homes, obtain special medical care for those who couldn't afford it, help thousands cut through bureaucratic red tape and help many more successfully resolve their consumer problems.  Ranking high among Marvin's accomplishments was his investigation into restaurant health violations that resulted in a nationwide requirement for salad "sneeze bars."  His weekly "Rat and Roach Reports" improved cleanliness and food safety in restaurant kitchens.  Marvin traveled extensively documenting how Houston doctors helped alleviate pain and suffering in poor countries around the world.  One of his recent noteworthy accomplishments was assisting seven Iraqi men with getting replacements "hands" for the ones cut-off during Saddam Hussein's regime.

Henry Florsheim, KTRK-TV President and General Manager, said, "Marvin was one of the most valued and beloved people in Houston.  For nearly 35 years he was welcomed into the hearts and homes of millions of local viewers.  This is a deep loss for me both, personally and professionally, my prayers are with his family, friends and co-workers."

David Strickland, Vice President of News, said," Marvin never hesitated to question the status quo or to take on the toughest problems for folks who had no one else to help them.  He was an inspiration in our newsroom and will be missed by everyone at Eyewitness News."

Dave Ward, Eyewitness News Anchor said, "Marvin was one of kind.  He was one of the most compassionate people I have ever met and deep in his heart he believed in helping folks who needed someone on their side."

Marvin Zindler joined KTRK-TV on January 1, 1973 after a colorful career with the Harris County Sheriff's Department.  He brought a unique on-air presence and reporting style to his Action 13 segments on Eyewitness News.  Many credit his nightly reports as one of the major contributors to KTRK-TV's long time reign as Houston's most-watched television station. His Action 13 office says for many years they received nearly 100,000 requests for assistance on a variety of consumer issues. As recently as June of this year, Marvin, at age 85, was still reporting five days a week.

Marvin has been recognized with awards from every news organization, many charity groups and from several in the medical fields. A medical award of special note was presented by the Plastic Surgeons of America.  They honored Marvin for his openness and honesty in talking about his cosmetic surgeries and for the help he obtained for charity patients who desperately needed reconstructive surgery.  Marvin had the Scottish Rite Masonry 33rd Degree conferred upon him, the highest honor one can receive in the Masonry. In 2003, Marvin was inducted into the "Silver Circle" of the Lone Star Emmy Association for his historic contributions to broadcast journalism in Texas.

Marvin began his broadcasting career in 1943 as a part-time radio disc jockey while working in his family's clothing store business.  In 1950, he became a reporter and cameraperson for Southwest Film Production Company, which produced the 6:00 PM news for KPRC-TV. Two years later, Marvin joined the Scripts Howard Houston Press to work part-time as a crime reporter and photographer. He joined the Harris County Sheriff's Department in 1962 and handled Civil Process for two years before moving over to the Fugitive Squad where his work took him all over the world to extradite fugitives.  While working for the Sheriff's Department, Marvin was responsible for establishing the Consumer Fraud Division within the Harris County District Attorney's Office. The Fraud Division is still in operation today.

Marvin Zindler was born on August 10, 1921 in Houston. He attended public schools and went to John Tarleton Agricultural College in Stephenville, Texas. He joined the Marines in 1941 and received an Honorable Discharge. In that same year, Marvin married Gertrude, his wife of 56 years. They raised five children before she passed away in 1997.

We have built a Marvin Zindler tribute page on abc13.com where you can leave your condolences to his family.

Marvin Zindler passes away

It is with great regret that I must tell you Action 13's Marvin Zindler has passed away. He lost his battle with pancreatic cancer Sunday shortly after 6pm.

We have built a Marvin Zindler tribute page on abc13.com where you can leave your condolences to his family.

This is a truly sad day for Houston and the KTRK family.

My personal thoughts on Marvin are on my other blog.

Marvin helps man get Social Security number

   

By Marvin Zindler

(7/28/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - One man couldn't get a job. He was certainly qualified. The problem was, he didn't have a Social Security number. So he wrote to us for some help and he got to the bottom of the problem.

If you're a U.S. citizen and don't have a Social Security number you're in big trouble.

"He'd be a good worker," said Heartland Payment Services manager Rod Barnes of Mark Boguslavsky. "He had a good track record. His resume was impressive. He'd been working consistently for a number of years."

Barnes and four other companies want to hire Boguslavsky, but they can't. Why? Because the 45-year-old U.S. citizen with a U.S. passport doesn't have a Social Security number.

He was born in Los Angeles, but grew up in Mexico City, where he's with his family recovering from an illness. He said over the phone he's tried over and over again to get his Social Security number.

"Ten times," Boguslavsky told us. "One month. One month, they told me I had to wait three months. I went to the office and they told me I just had to wait a long time."

I called on Marvin's longtime angel at Social Security, Leonard Kanick. If anyone can cut through bureaucratic red tape and get that number, Kanick can.

"This is a most unusual situation," said Kanick. "Normally when someone was born in the United States, they get the number in the hospital or before the age of five," said Kanick. "When anyone over 12 born in the U.S. applies for a Social Security number, new rules kick in."

Boguslavsky had to document his life -- where he was born, his education, work history, what he was doing in his 20s, 30s and 40s.

Most of us can't prove what we did 10 years ago! The rule is to prevent terrorists, but make it difficult for folks like Boguslavsky.

In any event, Kanick called Boguslavsky in Mexico, telling him he got his number. And now, he can get a job like everybody else.
Marvin Zindler, Eyewitness News!
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

 

VIDEO: 'Tiny' the dog helped change boy's life, thanks to Marvin

By Marvin Zindler

(7/24/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - Can a Chihuahua have healing powers? We go back in time to check on an Action 13 report from 17 years ago. Turn the clock back 17 years to the time we first met "Tiny" the Chihuahua. Jimmy Sue Balko believed an old wives' tale that Chihuahua puppies had special healing powers for kids with asthma. Her 8-year-old son, Paul, suffered severely from asthma.

She said, "My son had really, really bad asthma when he was little. I almost lost him to an asthma attack. So I went through every means, anything I heard that might be good for asthma, I tried it."

Jimmy Sue bought a Chihuahua pup from a newspaper ad, but he died within a few days at a veterinary clinic. The seller refused a refund or another pup so, she wrote me. I found three-month-old Tiny at PAWS Animal Shelter for Paul. The two have been friends ever since. Paul is now 34 and Tiny is 17.

"He's been around forever," Paul Sanford said. "I played with him forever when I was little. I never went anywhere without him. I used to put him in a backpack and ride on a bike wherever I went."

"Every picture you see, Paul's got Tiny," Jimmy Sue recalled. "He's been a blessing, he really has."

Paul says Tiny helped him overcome his asthma.

"I used to not go out at night because my asthma was so bad just the damp air would basically kill me," Paul said. "I couldn't do anything. Then when I got him I was able to run more, be more energetic."

"He probably saved my son's life," Jimmy Sue said. "Tiny is a part of our family like another one of our children. It helped a lot. I mean, I don't know what I would have done without him. He's very special."

A special thanks to PAWS for helping us find this special friend who's changed Paul's life. Marvin Zindler, Eyewitness News! (Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

Marvin Zindler getting support from all over the web

After Marvin Zindler announced his battle with pancreatic cancer, he has received a lot of support from ABC13 viewers.  That support has been in the form of message board posts, emails and blog comments.  However we're also seeing folks express their well wishes from social networks like Facebook.  We talk with David Godberg, a Facebook user who started a group called 'I Believe Marvin Zindler Can Beat Cancer.'

Mike McGuff:  Why did you start the Facebook group about Marvin's fight?

David Goldberg:  When I saw the Marvin's announcement on abc13.com I felt like a close member of my family had said the same thing to my face.  I was just overwhelmed.  So without really thinking about it, I made the Facebook group.  I guess I just had to write it all down.

Mike McGuff:  Are you surprised by the reaction the group has received?

David Goldberg:  At first I was surprised.  There are millions of Facebook groups out there and I really just thought I was dumping a thimble into the ocean.  But now that I think about it, it's not a surprise at all.  Marvin Zindler continues to make an impression on all Houstonians and I think most of us cannot even picture the nightly news without him.

Mike McGuff:  What does Marvin mean to you?

David Goldberg:  Even though I never met Marvin beyond a quick hand shake in a local eatery, I really feel a close connection to him.  When I was little boy, my father would go out with friends every Wednesday night.  That left my mother and I to have our own ritual.  I got to stay up to 11PM and watch TV with my mom.  Every week, instead of watching cartoons, I watched the news.  I was glued to the television the whole time waiting for Marvin to do his report.  It was our special night and I Marvin was a big part of it.  My mother died of breast cancer when I was eight so I really don't many memories of her, but this one will be with me forever.  Also, I see a lot that is similar between Marvin and I.  We both believe in making the world a better place through small acts of compassion.  With Marvin it's never been about some larger agenda, but rather helping one needy person at a time.  He just does the right thing, time and time again.  His life is consumed with public service and I hope to do the same.

Mike McGuff:  What do you think Marvin means to Houston?

David Goldberg:  As seen in the Facebook group, I'm not the only one who cares about this man.  I think Marvin reflects the basic ideals of Houston, strength, compassion, and most of all, neighborly love.  Time and again, Houstonians are able to work together in time of need.  Marvin does it every day.  He's not like any other TV personality.  Marvin doesn't talk to the masses, he speaks to the individual.  Every report feels like I'm just talking to my neighbor.  I think that's why people feel so close to him.  While TV, like the rest of the world, is constantly changing Marvin has always been there.

Mike McGuff:  Anything else you want to add?

David Goldberg:  I don't really think of Marvin as a celebrity.  Celebrities are distant faces with no real connection to our lives.  Marvin is different.  Many times I see him at a restaurant or the movies, and of course he's always good for a handshake and a kind word.  When was the last time Jennifer Anniston did that?  Most of the news, even local news, always seems distant and removed but Marvin's reports are always

I was actually supposed to be interviewed by Mr. Zindler for my recent city council run.  Apparently he ran for Mayor of Bellaire at the age of 22.  I don't get excited very easily, but ask anyone at Bellaire High that week and they will tell you that I was practically skipping through the halls.  When my principal delivered a message that Marvin wasn't coming I kept my bearing, but I was truly distraught.

---------------------

If you have a Facebook account, you can see the group here. You can leave a message for Marvin here.

You might remember David Goldberg who we covered when he was a Bellaire High School student running for Houston city council.

VIDEO: Marvin's back and Houston eateries better watch their step

By Marvin Zindler

(7/20/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - Tonight, we have the big three on the restaurant report. Some Houston eateries had roaches, rodents or slime in the ice machine.

EMAIL MARVIN

Send your well wishes to Action 13's Marvin Zindler as he fights pancreatic cancer.

Juanita's in the 2700 block of TC Jester temporarily stopped food service operations to correct health problems. Inspectors spotted a roach crawling across the steam table and on the back wall of cooking equipment, the cook line and food preparation area.

During inspection of Morningside Thai in the 6700 block of Morningside, inspectors spotted a mouse in the place and mouse droppings in the storage area and kitchen.

Jerusalem in the 3300 block of Hillcroft was charged in municipal court for not taking effective measures to minimize the presence of roaches.

Roaches were reported at:

• Mi La Cay in the 11200 block of Bellaire
• King Garden in the 7800 block of Longpoint

At El Charro in the 6800 block of North Shepherd, health inspectors uncovered uncovered food in the freezer and flies at the cook line.

China King in the 12600 block of Bissonnet was charged in municipal court because the place didn't prevent contamination of ice. That means slime in the ice machine.

And now, for the 'Big, Big, Big S":

• It was pink at Houston Chinese Cafe in the 5000  block of Richmond
• Pink at McDonald's in the 2000 block of Yale
• It was at McDonald's in the 9800 block of S. Main

What did they have?  All together gang -- Slime in the ice machine!

And most of these places have since shaped up. To all of you, have a good weekend, good golf, good tennis or whatever makes you happy.
Marvin Zindler, Eyewitness News!
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

VIDEO: A message from Action 13's Marvin Zindler

A message from Action 13's Marvin Zindler. Make sure to stop by our message board and leave your support for Marvin.  We print these out and take them to him in the hospital and he reads everyone of them. 

Woman finds herself locked inside fitness center alone

By Marvin Zindler

(7/17/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - A Houston woman got locked in a 24 Hour Fitness center.   How could this happen?

Can you imagine a woman being stuck in a 24 Hour Fitness center at 10:00 at night?  Just think about it.

Serena Yen knew she was locked into an exercise routine. But, she never imagined she would become a prisoner in the gym ! It all started on the Sunday before Memorial Day when she worked out at a 24 Hour Fitness studio around 10 at night.

"I went upstairs to do cardio," she recalled. "About 30 minutes into my cardio, I'm looking around and there was nobody on the top floor."

The place was deserted. Serena noticed the lights out and the doors locked. Somehow 24 Hour Fitness closed while she was still in it. She called her brother.

"I had my brother call the 800 number and they were not open," Serena explained. "There was no one there, no one working on the weekend. They only work from Monday through Friday."

So she called the police. But they had no key.

"So, at that moment I was like, 'Oh my gosh. What am I going to do?' Because I can't reach anyone and the police can't get me out. I'm pretty much doomed there," Serena said.

The police reminded her about the emergency door and she started hunting for it in the dark.

She said, "I kind of went through the dark to try to find the emergency door and come out of that."

Serena has been a member of 24 Hour Fitness for three years. She was miffed when no one there apologized or seemed to take her situation seriously.

We got in touch with 24 Hour Fitness headquarters in San Francisco. They apologized for what happened and as a good will gesture extended her membership for an additional year at no cost. They also said they'll make sure the staff at each of their 400 centers will thoroughly check the building before they lock up. They will also post a 1-800 number at the front desk for "24 hour" emergencies.

They're going to leave an 800 number for people who might get stuck in 24 Hour Fitness center. Well, 24 hours should mean you're going to be open 24 hours, but unfortunately this is not the case.

Anyway, I want to thank the folks in San Francisco for taking action on this problem.
Marvin Zindler, Eyewitness News!
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

Marvin Zindler manages the case of the missing money

By Marvin Zindler

(7/16/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - When money was missing from her bank account, a Texas City woman counted on Action 13 for help. So we took on the case from a hospital room in M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Helene La La is a comptroller for a Texas City business. And who better than a comptroller to audit her own personal finances?

When Helene checked her online bank account at Amergy Bank to see if her car payment was automatically withdrawn, she found more than just her car payment was deducted.

She said, "My car payment had been deducted, but there were three significant deductions to my checking account on a weekly basis that were fraudulent."

Helene immediately went to the bank.

"I panicked," she admitted. "I immediately went to the bank and told them that there was a problem, that someone has accessed my account. I did not give my password to anybody. I did not authorize those charges."

Helene closed the account and opened another one that was not online. But, later a bank official called, saying the second account had been hacked into as well! So, Helene closed that account, too and changed banks. Helene calculates about $6,900.45 was fraudulently withdrawn.

"They have transferred all of the money back into my account except for $1,000," Helene said. "They sent me a check for $547, but the still owe me the first $1,000."

After hearing from Helene, I contacted bank officials. They contacted her lawyer, Audrie Lawton, and gave her a check for the thousand dollars.

Amergy Bank says they're investigating to find out what happened so it won't happen again. They also say they'll cooperate with any law enforcement investigation. I want to thank the bank for their openness and honesty in checking into this unusual case.
Marvin Zindler, Eyewitness News!
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

 

Cancer can't stop Marvin from his rat and roach report

As you know, Marvin Zindler is fighting pancreatic cancer, but he's in great spirits, and recovering from a mix-up of drugs over the past weekend.

Dave Ward went to see Marvin today, in his room at MD Anderson Hospital, and he's getting stronger by the day. Marvin asked Dave to thank all of you for your cards, letters and emails. There have been thousands of them and he can't wait to get back to work. To that end, here is his original Friday night restaurant report. (READ FULL STORY)

Marvin Zindler battles pancreatic cancer

As announced on Eyewitness News at 6, Marvin Zindler has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  He is currently battling it at Methodist Hospital in Houston.

He wanted to send a message to everyone from the hospital to let us know he is alright.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH HIS MESSAGE

You can also leave him your thoughts below.

Marvin Zindler's on slime patrol

Marvin Zindler's Friday night Rat and Roach Report.

VIDEO: Marvin's Friday night Rat and Roach Report

Marvin Zindler's Friday night Rat and Roach Report.

Backyard gas leak looked like crime scene

   

By Marvin Zindler

(5/23/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - Something didn't pass the smell test at a Houston woman's home. So she called on Action 13. Big black flies were the tipoff that something didn't smell right.

Dixie Freeman didn't strike it rich in her back yard. It's not bubbling crude.  This is a bubbling gas leak!

With yellow tape strewn about it looks like a crime scene.  And it is a crime because CenterPoint hasn't done anything about it.

Mrs. Freeman says she first found out about the gas leak because her house was full of big black flies. Her exterminator said the flies were drawn to sweet smells and he smelled gas. So, she immediately called CenterPoint energy.  A crew came out, dug up her yard, and left.

Dixie recalled, "They said they would be back 'whenever possible.'  Whenever possible?  This is a gas leak!  It's scary."

That was a month ago.  Dixie says she's called at least 10 times, and nothing has happened.

"Nothing," she said.  "They have sent no one.  No one has called me, no one has come.  I can smell it."

I called "Marvin's angel" at CenterPoint, Alicia Dixon. And she made sure the leak was repaired by the day's end. But, why wasn't the gas leak wasn't fixed earlier?

"When the leaks are outside, since natural gas is lighter than air it quickly dissipates into the atmosphere," Dixon explained. "Clearly, Marvin it should not have taken this long we did not meet this customer's expectations or our own expectations. So we apologize for that."

Those outside gas leaks might not be a big deal to CenterPoint, but why would they put yellow tape around it saying 'don't smoke.' That escaping gas darn sure gave me a headache, and I learned something new -- flies are attracted to gas leaks. Thanks to Marvin's angel, Alicia Dixon, she got it fixed immediately.
Marvin Zindler, Eyewitness News!
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

Beware kitchens! Marvin's on rat and roach patrol!

Beware kitchens! Marvin Zindler is on rat and roach patrol:

VIDEO: Man with unusual cable problem turns to Marvin Zindler

Man with unusual cable problem turns to Marvin Zindler:

PICS: Marvin Zindler in a 1970s Wharton parade

Caleen from Wharton, TX sent us these wonderful pictures of Marvin Zindler from the 70s.  Here is more in her words:

Marvin Zinder rode in the Wharton Parade in 1972 or 1973.  I have two pictures of him riding my dad's white horse. He's dressed up in a white suit, hat and cowboy boots.

Caleen, thank you so much!  Everyone at Eyewitness News loves them!