The Other Side of the Lens

So by the way

2007-05-05T21:11:00.001-05:00

Well, I haven't written in FOREVER. and that's a large part due to setting up a new business...Aero Productions.

That means that I'm no longer a video journalist and can no longer write about being one...

What I will do is like to hear from anyone interested in Wedding videos, other personal occation and event videos, business and corporate videos, training and teaching videos, plays, recitals and whatever other type of video or videography work that you need done (especially in the Huntsville area) I would love to do it!

Let it Snow

2007-02-16T16:16:00.000-06:00

Well I missed updating about the big snow that we had (what like 2 inches) and yesterday again we had some flurries...I'll try to remember to post a pic that shows my mini-snow drift I had out my front porch on my door mat.

Once again I only continue to get excited about what the new ownership has in store for us...only small changes right now but that's ok...can't gold plate everything right when they get here :)
Got to chat with our new GM...GREAT guy...reminds me of Roy (who came to WVUA before I left there to move here). He knows his stuff, that's for sure.

I'll be going to the Havoc game tonight...go hockey!

Just a quick update

2007-02-06T11:47:00.000-06:00

Since I posted last we are now owned by a new company, have a new GM. That's only been since Thursday and we haven't seen much change but it looks like good things are ahead. I at least am excited about what Calkin Media and Ray Depa will be bringing to the plate...they are proven and are set on our commitment to the viewing public.

I also had a b-day yesterday...so there's that....

and keeping busy....

Fa ra ra ra ra, ra ra, ra, ra

2006-12-25T21:53:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been an interesting holiday...this Christmas...had pre-Christmas celebrations and spent the actual holiday well not with them...I spent it with friends and coworkers... intersting.. different for me. I did talk with both mom and dad...my first time not participating in family celebrations.
The funniest thing that for dinner a friend and I decided to take dinner together and decided that we didn't feel like making anything...so we went to get Chinese :) just like in A Christmas Story!! We got them to sing Deck the Hall and everything (not really, but it would have been funny)

Anyway so I hope all have had a wonderful time celebrating the birthday of Jesus.

Christmas-Time Crazies

2006-12-20T20:37:00.001-06:00

...in New Market this guy shot 3 family members/reletives....people gotta learn how to chill during Christmas...it's fun time FUN TIME, HEAR ME!?!?! HAHAHAHAHA laugh...LAUGH HAHAHA
Now eat your spinach

Ok seriously...taking tomorrow off and will have an extended weekend/early Christmas celebration with fam...so Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night...well, until I get back and work Eve and Day :(
that's the news bus though..and the news never stops :)

Christmas-Time Crazies

2006-12-20T20:37:00.000-06:00

Heaven La'Shae Ross (AKA Shae Shae)

2006-12-19T21:13:00.000-06:00

Well it finally happened...a story that I worked on countless times, first the girl missing, then searches, then her room catches fire, someone spots her in Florida....there was year anneversery, birthday celebrations without her...I kept my hope up for the first year...after that 2nd time I talked to her mother...and then the 3rd...I felt sorry for her..I couldn't imagine a happy ending for this, the first open ended story in my career that I worked on.

And today we learned that her remains were found
pick your choice:

CBS42
ABC 33/40
al.com

This heart ache of a story is finally nearing a close...

New Alabama Head Coach?

2006-12-07T18:02:00.000-06:00

Ok so I'm a couple hours late with this...but I don't promise to be late breaking...BUT it looks as if UA has extended a coaching offer to Rich Rodriguez.

Barry Krauss was in town here in Huntsville for a book signing tomorrow and so we pulled some strings and talked to him today about what he thinks...I'm a bama fan, not a CRAZY one, but I do like my crimson tide...it was great to chat with a guy that people would (in my news director's words) give thier eye teeth to just shake hands with.

This is interesting...wikipedia says that "Rich Rodriguez is the current head football coach at University of Alabama." and later goes on to say that he hasn't accepted yet...ok, come on rumors keep flying...I'll wait my happy self for another day or two to see if he accepts...he's not even going to acknowledge it unless he accepts, and he won't say ANYthing until he decides...we all know that's how it's going down.

Ok let's hope this shuttle launch goes all well so that Justin and I have a story for tonight...if they decide to post-pone we're making preps for bad checks devision of Madison County...some of these people that they are after have dozens of bad check warrents out with thousands of dollars of bad checks written...that's rediculous...maybe we should do away with checks altogether? here with the check/debit cards and credit cards, you almost don't need them...ALMOST I said...some of these poeple are just rediculous...
Madison County Worthless Check Division no pictures that I could find..but there's the link anyway

Amber Alert Hoax

2006-12-06T00:17:00.000-06:00

ok so the media, police and everyone else got PLAYED by this most recent amber alert here in North Alabama.
So aparently a child was left in the car at a gas station in Albertville while the mother and her other daughter paid for gas and went to the bathroom...aparently someone for a truck hopped into that running car and drove it off...we all thought/hoped that he didn't realize the kid was in there, that he just wanted a car and was now starting to have a VERY bad day.

Justin and I go to Albertville find out that the mother was visiting her boyfriend there from Rainbow City (Gadsden basically) and was on her way back. The family was all gathered together waiting for good news. When we got there the mother's boyfriend showed up and took her back to his place and the rest of the the family was upset that she would go rest at a time like this...we also got wind that the family didn't really like the boyfriend, but didn't think much of it.

So today I find out that they found the boy...dead...in the trunck of the car...in the boyfriends 2nd residence near Gadsden. He is charged with murder, she is charged with hindering an investigation. The rumor now is that "G" was beat to death by the boyfriend for having bad grades...HOW COULD YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS??? and then the mother..what are you thinking??? ..if this is indeed the case (which a judge and jury will have to decide, I suppose)....

Then today we go to Gadsdsen and find our way around found kids that knew him and played with him in his neighborhood. Found the Courthouse to get some updated info...and also one of the Atlanta stations and most of the Brimingham stations, we talked to the bereau guys from NBC 13, very cool..the photog has won 3 emeys!! wow!

a wild wekk so far with a very sad story

Let's Fire Mal Moore

2006-11-27T15:20:00.000-06:00

Upon waking up to a text message from a friend, I learned that Shula was fired. Ok only half surprised, really...but come ON...do we REALLY think that Shula is the problem...ok maybe part of the problem but he is not THE problem. If I'm Dr. Whitt and the board of trustees I'm asking "Why did we just give this guy a raise last season and a contract extention so that we are forced to give him 4+ million to tell him to NOT work?" "Why did we not bring in Croom?" "Why have we had so many coaches in the past 5-6 years, or even why so many since the 80's after Coach Brant left?"

I say let's fire Mal Moore and get a director in here who can actually find a "good coach" Whether or not Shula was I'm not going to begin to argue..there were definatly things that he did on the field that I didn't like, but I have been coming to like him more and believe that with a little more experienced players (next year) he could have a really good team. Ok so we lost Auburn 5 straight, we lost to Miss State which should have been a run-over...but COME ON, GIVE A GUY A FREAKIN CHANCE. My opinion, he needed another year, at least, to show us what he's made of.
Not that I have any sympathy for Shula...he gets 4.something mil to NOT WORK...invest that and you never have to work again for the rest of your life, or get a house on the beach and live the good life, one.

I digress...so Mal's going to find someone ELSE who wants the pressure of having to create a winning team in thier first 4 years NEVER lose to Auburn or State and well...maybe still get fired if the fans get pissed off enough because they apparently are holding Mal's balls in their hands....

So now the University of Alabama is begging me, a graduate, for money and they are just going to blow that on paying someone to peace out...WHAT?!?! you'll be lucky if I ever give you another DIME...this is rediculous

that is all

Huntsville Bus Accident, our 9/11

2006-11-21T23:43:00.000-06:00

WOW the past two days now that I have a moment to think...I've seen 33/40 and Fox 6 from B-ham I've seen Fox News, HDNet, AP, ABC, and CBS Network folks...all over this bus accident.
CNN and ABC Network has taken more than a few of Justin/My stuff, both raw and edited...I know that CNN was taking our live feed for a while Monday morning/afternon...it's been CRAZY

So, Justin called me "early" pre 11am on Monday, before I could get my workout in, and said turn on the TV. My jaw dropped - a bus fell (or was pushed or whatever) off the ramp from I565 to the Parkway (US 231/431)..it's elevated (much like the interstate in downtown B-ham) about 30 feet above the groud level...so the bus was a MESS, 4 kids is the current total deaths with 20+ hospitalized still.

We had a crew at the accident already so we went to the hospital..and the emotion that was there, MY. The organized chaos...the officials and the hospital did an amazing job in handling this disaster

You alway see the 9/11-esque incidents on tv and the wall-to-wall coverage but this was the first time I've been a PART of that coverage of a non-weather realated incident...it was, interesting to say the least..and today follow-up.

It wasn't until I got off yesterday (after 12 hours of coverage) that I realized...that was me only 5 years ago riding that bus...that's my brother on that bus going to tech school...it finally fully hit me.

There are still many questions that the NTSB are looking into, not quite sure when we will get them all...one this is for sure...Monday November 20th 2006 was a dark day in Huntsville.

"It's Better Than HD"

2006-11-19T22:15:00.000-06:00

Lots to update: Iron Bowl, 2 murders this Sunday and well one happened...well

IRON BOWL
So I got to go to Tuscaloosa for work!! I left LATE Fri (after I got back from Decatur from Friday Night Football) Then Sat...to the game. I was walking onto the field with Ben, news director, and Stacy, Decatur photog, and they were talking about the atmosphere, the smell, the sounds, how the field looked "Better than HD!!"

I was stuck babysitting Auburn but b/c of it I got a GREAT shot of an Auburn reciever diving to catch the ball in the endzone...needless to say I was cursing that they scored while I continued to follow him to the ground..but hey that's part of the job. I apparently made network on that shot...rather (dan?), CBS was showing it from an angle where you can see me shooting it :)
Then in post, Tommy gave a very good winner's speech..he did get tounge tied trying to say grab the bull by the horns and said something to the effect of "he took the bull under his horns...or he took the horns *pause* he took the ball under his arm!! Heck I'm allowed to say anything I want to, I just won 5 straight!!" That was pretty funny..even if I'm a Bama fan.

Then hung out with some friends..Brock and Nix...both of whom I have links to thier blogs...shop talk mostly but catching up a little and just all around good fun after a hard day.

WORK SUNDAY
Went to Florence today for a murder...this guy was robbing a boat house and owner came out and started shooting and got shot himself and died...police were withing seconds from the scene when the shots were fired so able to get the suspect.

aparently while we were there, there was a murder in Huntsville...like the 3-4th since I moved here in May...less than one a month. Well anyway I was watching a competing station now since I've gone home (they both went on late) and saw one talking about my apartment complpex...saw VIDEO of my apartment complex and a van that has a dog painted on it (for invisible fences) that sits right out back of me...so apparently this wife shot her man who later died at the hospital...wow so close to home...I feel stupid for not having the story espcially happening out by back balcony, but that the price we paid for having our only crew in Florence when that happened at 1:30-ish.

FCC License Correction

2006-11-18T10:43:00.000-06:00

So I've since found out that the info I had for WAAY 31's FCC license approval for Calkin Media to buy from our current owners was not entirly correct...Jan 5th was the tentitive date that they were hoping to have things done by closing and all....the FCC came through about 10 days early...I've still yet to read or find the part in the contract but apparently there is a 30 day cool down period where both parties (Piedmont and Huntsville Broadcasting a subsidiary of Calkin Media) make sure that this is what they want then a week and 1/2 span of when they must close and control is taken.

I you want to see for yourself all the details here is the FCC weblink

The Week Happenings

2006-11-17T17:03:00.000-06:00

first YEAH!!!! We the FCC license went through and Calkin will take us over. Apparently in the contract it states that Huntsville Broadcasting will take control the 5th of the next month after the FCC approval...so that would mean Dec 5th?!!? We'll see what happens

There is High School Football tonight, once again with Nick and Wayne

Then Iron Bowl the Sat!!! I will be there working!! :) SOO excited about that..and dinner is on so I better go check on that.

Weekend Review

2006-11-12T23:17:00.000-06:00

Friday - Football 1st week of playoffs. Most of the teams in playoffs in North Alabama are over Florence way...so, I got Colbert County and Florence High. I'd already talked Wayne into coming along so that I could edit in the car between games....Friday I found out that Nick Banazack (our newest reporter) was coming along to...it turned out great we met up with Stacy and LB at the bureau...on the way out I scared the mess out of LH :) she said that now she ows me one!

All the way home it was us guys just goofing off :) fun time!

Satureday - not a whole lot...Bama game....offence showed up 1st half...but as I expected LSU got the better of us....hmmm...well it looks like I may be going to the Iron Bowl..to work it...we'll see what comes about but that would be very cool!

Post-Electioin Fall-Out

2006-11-08T21:37:00.000-06:00

so found this on the drudge report

Latest Numbers: Primetime election night...
ABC 9,670,000
NBC 7,000,000
CBS 6,310,000
FOXNEWS 3,050,000
CNN 2,963,000
MSNBC 1,926,000

Go Charlie Gibson...er "Charles" now that he's in Prime Time :)
that's awesome! The first election coverage since the anchor shake-up and ABC takes it, by a nice margin too. This could mean that ABC starts to overtake NBC in the evening/world news.

Election OVER!!! Other overdue updates

2006-11-08T14:43:00.000-06:00

Well, it was actually smooth and fairly problem free...we had my tire curse....a pre coverage conspiracy...I had two flats..in news cars (my news car flats come in 2's, I've discovered as that's what happened that last time I had a flat in a news car...in Tuscaloosa). So I left my apartment finding a nail in my tire...Justin came down to help me out in unit 10....I didn't have a tire iron in my car. So on the way HIS tire found a nail...so I claim credit for that one too.

Anyway we got the tires fixed and did our coverage of the Madison County Sheriff race...or as I called it the "Mad. Sheriff" :)
_______
Halloween
I've been being bad about updating...Had fun Halloween night after Friday Night Football (which was special spooky!) Anyway I was Fudge-ums :) It was great, everyone loved it. There was a weather people party from UAH that I checked out with Wanye and then headed over to a news party...a couple of us from 31, some 19ers and several 48ers...it was great, I think we all had fun!
________
New Reporter
So Nick is here and helping out greatly. I was sceptical the first..coming from Mississippi..two years of exp. but not live...well he hit the ground running, doing some spot news on a derailed train the frist day of work...his first live shot left me a little to be desired but after watching his election coverage last night, I think a lot of that was probably just first time jitters...he was solid and knowlegdable election night..as a viewer I'd never have known that he just moved to town

good stuff...everyone says he looks like me...eh...maybe a little..ok well on to work: post election coverage

Sports

2006-10-27T01:03:00.000-05:00

So last Saturday I went to my first hockey game...it was neat. I had to learn some things...very soccerish only maybe even faster paced! A little nippy wearing shorts, my own fault.

they played a song between periods while the Zamboni driver did his thing...augh...can't find it to post...a great song though

Can the News be Slower

2006-10-27T00:51:00.000-05:00

don't get me wrong, was just talking to mom about how I LOVE living in the drama free city of Huntsville...but oh how I hate being in news here...just glad that I'm not the one that has to think up story ideas ;)

so we went to decatur and played with our friends LB star reporter and Stacey THE photog :)
we played nice...they went live Justin and I did taped...look lived it, on another rousing news day in Huntsv...no wait there wasn't enough news IN Huntsville so we has to go to the Bureau!!

In fact Wed Justin and I were laughing about them finding John Mark Carr at a Wal-Mart and updating Lucky the dog...we said we sould start a franchise on both....and this weeks "Where in Alabama in John Mark Carr, all around pshyco and liar?" (we decided that unless he has a little girl following him or unless he's crashing a girl scout meeting I DONT CARE!!!)
or in the week's "How will Lucky Cope?" we will be exploring how this canine eats with only 3 legs!!!
gah...

Anyway Decatur is a nice city too...we passed by the old train staiton (I think home to a few homeless folk?):

Slow News Week In Huntsville

2006-10-25T20:11:00.000-05:00

ANOTHER slow news day (Wed) ...surprise, surprise! This week has been a rough one for having to come up with things.

Justin and I went to Meridianville to watch the WWII bombers land..I took the liberty of a few pictures:

Then it was a robot conference at the VBC...which was interesting...robot technology is BOOMING

33/40 Contamination, Illness, and Fall

2006-10-23T00:35:00.000-05:00

I'll go in reverse order, HA!

So first off I'm late with this...all my other friends who blog have already written something similar..I've meant to by now...ow well here it is...Fall, my favorite time of year. My friend Orion starts to rear his head before midnight, signaling the peace of winter to come. Cool and better yet COLD nights, oh how peaceful!
Who am I kidding? I haven't seen a proper fall since I've moved to Alabama...it's like lalala summer lalala...BAM!! Winter HAHAHAHA.
I must admit that I AM enjoying the more colorful "fall" of 100 miles more north...it was strange becasue all of a sudden I woke up one morning (after floweres were still blooming the day before) and half of the trees had changed clothes...WOW...it makes for a pretty view of Monte Sano from a couple miles out and an even prettier drive up the mountain to work!

Now our Chief Meteorologist is fully healthy and our weekend guy is out with...the flu? And a production guy went home after the 5, Sunday sick..uh oh...here it comes. Glad I have a strong immune system...of course I say that and watch me come down....at least I woudn't waste these few sick days I got this half year of working...not used to that...sick days?!?! wow I get PAID to stay in bed and get better?!?! that's a new one on this former only ever part-timer!

Stories of the day, I have to put these, right?
So we went to a walk for diabetes that raised 5K plus...come ON rich H'ville, you can do better than THAT...met a sweet diabetic girl

We stopped by Wal-Mart...there is this company that is recalling it's egg salad (as a precautionary measure b/c they think it might be contaminated with bacterium)...they sell to Wally World in 11? states including north alabama...and sure enough they were still on the shelf..so I got my still camera and
went undercover :) did some covert opperations!

SO, earlier in the day ABC 33/40 had asked if we had anything on it and so I sent them my pic when we got back. Not sure if they used it..I figure so, not sure what pathfire had on it...apparently nothing since we used a fullscreen of that same shot for 5 and 10. Not ideal...quick so I wouldn't get yelled at..or thought that I was stealing a camera (had it in my pocket)...production guys who created the ESS zoomed in on the egg salad..it worked.

Ok late, lots to do tomorrow...tired....and eyes hurt...night

Good ol fashon fun

2006-10-19T20:44:00.000-05:00

So Wednesday's story was fun! We borrowed the silver bullet 2...one of the production vans...our "undercover vehicle." :)
We did our story on road rage...during rush hour we went out and got some GREAT shots..it was a fun story and it turned out real well, I was proud!

Today had some GREAT help from Holcomb...one of the production guys (I continue to believe that I've never worked with a better group of people as a whole, top to bottom, who will help each other out and make working fun). Holcomb basically created the video for LB's package (if you can call it a package...it was really just a voice track, nat break, and 3 voice tracks strung together)..and it turned out pretty nice...about this anti-Riley add that we, and at least one other station in AL are pulling due to false information that is included.

Side note about that...the committee that paid for it is headed by a Luther Pate of Northport, AL...Makes me wonder if it's a relation to Stan Pate (big property owner in Tuscaloosa-Birmingham area) who by the way happens to hate "Billion Dollar Bob." I hardly think that he has pure motives on that one...Stan seems like the type that is out to save his huge pocketbook some drain. A good guy to have on your side (I've never had any problems with him, from a news perspective anyway) but he'll find a way to sue the socks offa you and your family if he's got something against you.

Anyway...
Tonight is soooo foggy I can only see the lowest level of the red FAA lights on our tower...standing basically right under it!! wow, fog you can LITERALLY cut with a knife. I've never seen fog so thick...up on Monte Sano during this time of year is apparently the norm.

And now finishing up here at work.

DC Pic Update 3: Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials

2006-10-16T18:38:00.000-05:00

I know, I'm stretching this out forEVER...

Lincoln Memorial, Corner View

Abe Himself

Lincoln, Column Detail

Jefferson Reflecting on Tidal Basin

Jefferson Memorial

Wayne Reading Jefferson Quotation

Now That's Fun TV

2006-10-13T22:59:00.000-05:00

Its not like working one of my weekend days is a highlight of the week...BUT we can have some FUN!!!

So my games of the day...I went to Buckhorn, they hosted Huntsville High...who were getting beat when I left, honestly don't know the final.

Then went to Hazel Green who hosted Austin. This was my second time getting to see the Trojan half-time..it's a hero theme and they do a nice job on the batman theme! Call me a band geek. It's funny to see the trickle down of high school taking elements and techniques from college (things that I did 2 years ago) which we inturn pulled from drum corp. Anyway...

So then I get back and edit my video. I'm going to help run studio camera. We have SO MUCH FUN!!! So it's Friday the 13th right? We have a second appearance by Alf (He debuted last week), and a debut by the scream character (who was chasing Alf around). It was loads of fun :)

Then at the very end of the show we turned Sharon into a ram's head (which is the studio mascot)...complete with her jacket, necklace, and mic! And she said goodnight with the still intact Wayne.

More news from the newsroom

2006-10-12T15:28:00.000-05:00

A new reporter on his waay :) A liitle late on updating this but he's from Mississippi, (org. from Ohio) will start on Nov 3rd...Mikelyn's replacement, now that she has gone to the world of PR.

Our Chief Meterologist is in the hospital...sounds like he will be ok, they just have to keep him there for a bad infection, make sure it clears up.

Interesting news that I just found out...apparently WIAT went for 37 mil? :) that's intersting...you mean we actualy sold for more than a B-ham station? We were at 41.6 if memory serves.

Anyway looking like new promos coming for the new morning show with TW Starr!! So will be looking foward to those...hmm

slow news day today...waiting on a candle light vigil that will be at 6...um, yeah

We DID get free Domino's pizza (an agreement) and free candy bars (from the news director) today though!! So happy Thursday everyone!

I still don't know

2006-10-10T01:24:00.000-05:00

First last post got messed up..I said something about today or tonight...the post date wrong b/c I had to repost it just now...

So today had fun...waiting for our liveshot at 6 on UAH campus right next to the park, I was done and chilling so I climbed into a tree and chilled in the tree! It made me feel like I was a kid again.

Then we did weather deck for the 10, and I really missed being in production...It makes me still not know which I'd rather do more...news or production. It makes me wonder wether I should've gone for one of my other job offers, a production offer...
I am glad to be here at this station. All places of employment haver thier own problems and the ones here are ones that I can live with...and those will actually change here in the next few months once Huntsville Broadcasting takes over...I'm looking foward to that!!

it's late Im tired..why am I still up again...running in the AM

Yes I'm a crazy news person

2006-10-09T23:05:00.000-05:00

Well I am in the ATL after a flat...stomach is blah but looking foward to the conference tomorrow...

Watching the replay of the 11PM ATL news...Channel 2 ABC...not impressed, honestly. Not sure what end of the ratings spectrum this station falls on but not impressed..seen it before at Dad's in Kathleen (south of Macon) and thought the same...First thier stories are all ones that are...not ones they have to make and enterprise...its scary guy offering candy to kids at the bus stop, update on murder yesterday, update on some other crazy. A guy caught and charged with Jane Doe's murder last whenever ago. A man hunt in a small town...etc Which is all interesting and I suppose effect someone...
honestly I like the way we do at 31...we get the info out that you need to know in the area, but there are enterprised stories...ones that give you economical, political, and oher aspects...not just a crime blotter...that makes me sad seeing a crime blotter at the end of a hard day. I have too much crap in my life, give me some news that actaully affects me (witch thier B-D blocks did...I just dont care for the blotter style news..especially in A-block) Maybe that's just me.

One thing I noticed was no double boxes to and from reporters..I guess to much to pack in...no need for chit chat...shave time off instead of pack a'thing and the kitchen sink in.

I know its sad...when you're sucked into the new world..when you have that disease ou watch it in whatever market you are in to see what they are doing.

Ok need my bed.

News from the Newsroom

2006-10-03T15:20:00.000-05:00

Just got back from Guntersville...and new news

So it looks like we have a new reporter and 10pm producer prospect..the sports director position has been narrowed to 3 candidates...The News Director's specting to be back up to staff in a month or so dendending on how those interviews go.

Friday Night Football

2006-09-30T15:03:00.000-05:00

my 3rd time working with FNF...after the first time I learned what TW was looking for and he much liked my work last Friday, yesterday I had trouble finding games...neither was at the school.
One was a private school and they are building a new school across town and that is where they play, I luckily found a parent still lingering...Bob Jones High apparently plays at the staduim at the City Board. After I got to the high school I remebered that there was a stadium over there and so went to check it out and sure enough

Another thing that I was almost appauld at BJ..um BJHS?? played "yea alabama"? Whats up with that?

Anyway going to the ATL next weekend so no FNF for me...TW said as much as that he'd miss me.
____________________

How bout a few more DC pics?

UPDATE 2 - Washington Monument

Washington:

New Owners - Stop the Rumors

2006-09-26T16:52:00.001-05:00

Ok so there were rumors this morning a press release at about 1:30pm and for enough time to call a meeting, our interim GM made the announcement to the station at about 4PM.
Well here is the release:

Piedmont Television Holdings Announces Sale of WAAY-TV to Huntsville Broadcast Corporation

Charlotte, NC - (September 26, 2006) Piedmont Television Holdings and Huntsville Broadcast Corporation, a subsidiary of Southern Broadcast Corporation of Sarasota, announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement under which Huntsville Broadcast Corporation will purchase the assets of ABC television station WAAY in Huntsville, Alabama. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2007.

Paul Brissette, Piedmont Television's CEO, said, "This is a great opportunity for WAAY to continue its success in Huntsville. We are fortunate that we were able to find such an ideal buyer in Huntsville Broadcast Corporation given its tradition of community involvement, stewardship and commitment to the highest quality broadcast standards."

"All of us at Huntsville Broadcast Corporation are looking forward to becoming contributing members of the Huntsville, Decatur and Florence communities," said, J. Manuel Calvo, President of Huntsville Broadcast Corporation. "This acquisition is an important strategic fit for us. Bringing on a third ABC affiliate gives us tremendous ability to maximize the strength our network affiliation brings. WAAY is an excellent television station with tremendous local presence, highly skilled employees and a high quality news product. We look forward to the opportunity to become the new owners of this station."

Aside from WAAY, Southern Broadcast Corporation of Sarasota owns WWSB, the ABC affiliate in Sarasota, Florida as well as WTXL, the ABC affiliate in Tallahassee, Florida.

Wachovia Securities acted as advisor to Piedmont Television Holdings in the transaction.
_____________________________

So it means that the past couple weeks/month? that they have been building "Huntsville Broadcast Corporation" and have a president and all aready in place...it also means that until the FCC approval goes through they will most likely be silently working...building a new building? (that's the rumor..we're getting a new place "if they buy us"...well the one part is taken care of...). Anyway I'll keep posted...looks like no change for at least 3 months while FCC approval goes through.

I don't remember if I've written that TW (Sports Director) will become our new morning anchor and Mikely (repoter/Sunday anchor/producer) will be leaving for a PR position at Hunstville Hospital.

More pics from DC soon too...just too much going on right now..FishFest06 was GREAT!!! WOW very smooth..not problem free but nothing devistating.

Ok so now back to work

I'm slow...DC part 1

2006-09-21T01:42:00.000-05:00

Sorry for taking so long on the DC picture posting...gah I'm slow
Today at work went amazingly well...Staten trial...hung jury = mistrial...we knocked coverage out of the park...it's always nice to do that when you're the understaffed station.

And so here is DC pic update one (these are ones of me!..which is funny I'm not usually into pictures getting taken of me, but someone would ask me to take one for them and then want to for me...and then the funny ones were ones I got Wayne to take...those are going to Facebook and myspace profile pics!)

Me towering the Washington

Wayne and I at Lincoln with Washington in background

Me holding Jefferson

Standing with Jefferson

Nice hat?

Me in Front of the US Capital

A Quick Update From out of Town

2006-09-14T22:09:00.000-05:00

Currently on the way back..stopped south of Roanoke in VaTech country :) It's funny when geography is in terms of DMAs and/or college football territories...geez.

GREAT trip got to see many things that I've never before...took many great pics that will be posted soon..and well more once I get back in H'ville...

Will work on Friday Night Football this week and probably 90% of the following weeks of football seasons, hello OT.

oh Oh OH OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH
so while out of town NYTimes announces selling all 9 of their TV stations...hmmmm Huntsville market even in more turmoil and saturated in terms of stations up for sale...hopefully that will hurry things with our current bidders...

Another week flew by me

2006-09-08T16:42:00.000-05:00

Well another week and I couldn't even tell you half of the stuff we covered..yesterday was a story about Huntsville High renaming the soccer field for a student that got killed...Stephanie Boyd...she was apparently an outstanding student and an even better soccer player. I know that the family will love that honor. One of the school board members did bring up that we can't name something after EVERYone that is special...so we have to pick and choose, I think that she is deserving

Also another note...so great working with every one here...TW for the second time in two weeks had video that absolutely MADE the story. He had some championship stuff from when Boyd was on the team...wonderful...made it sooo much better!

Only a couple more days until I leave for DC...Road trip!!! I found out yesterday that I had miscommunicated my time off needs so I got that straightened out with little problem...once again making me only be able to love the people I work with.

I will edit on Sat (there is only a 10pm for football) and then shoot on Sunday and then leaving at the butt crack of Monday...for the LONG drive...it'll be great though..always wanted to see DC!

Catch-up

2006-09-06T12:14:00.000-05:00

This week has gone by so fast here's a recap of what it was like

ROLL TIDE!! So I went to Tuscaloosa breifly this weekend, unfortunately could not stay for the game.

Sunday went well Justin and I did a stroy about the fair...I was extremely pleased with the video I shot...potential AP award winning stuff there! We just had fun with the story.

Monday, you know, don't even remember the story...the days start to jumble and I forgeteven what I did yesterday almost...

Not exactly though..Tuesday was Alberville for a meeting about a new school. It shoulds like a major undertaking. I know b/c I went through it in Tuscaloosa when the city redesigned the highschool system. And after that to Asbury High for a meeting aout double bridge. A dangerous piece of road I surely agree. So good for them for standing up and shouting that they want that area taken care of.

Today will bring new fun, as it always does. And then I'll be back in Tuscaloosa for Friday and then leaving town monday for a week long holiday, traveling with a friend to DC on a whim basically...raod tripping it up! I'll take many pictures so no worries there.

New stuff, and a funny story

2006-08-27T17:35:00.000-05:00

DMA's, station gossip...lot's o new stuff

so originally when I was going to post this it was right when the DMA's shifted...H'vill stayed steady in the early 80's.

Other news our morning and midday anchor is leaving, weekend sports guy is leaving.

Justing anchored the soon to be gone 4pm show today and yesterday...didn't see it today but he did awesome on Tuesday.

Story Time:
Demeaning the station? not purposely..this was just too funny not to tell. So the mast on our live unit #42 takes a FREAKING long time to get up (haha, immature but needs some viagra?). Tuesday at the courthouse it took a full hour and half to raise, WHAT?! it worked about half up for the 5 SOMEHOW and by 6 we had an even better signal...by the time we were done it had finally reached the top, nice. Try 2 for the 10pm took it a little less, a full hour.
After editing today, this once agian was the only truck availible, it was 25 minutes out as we headed down the mountain. At 15 out (of the 10pm) I started raising. As Justing was pulling out camera and tripod, I dumbfounded him by jumping on TOP of the van and manually PULLING the mast up. As he stood looking up mouth open saying "I didn't know you could do that"..I can't help but thinking I didn't either, but it was worth a shot right? How else was it going to get to hieght?
By darned, I didn't miss my shot..by 2 out we were set up and established.
:)

A $#!TTY Day

2006-08-23T23:31:00.000-05:00

Let's see, how did the day go?

A (pardon my French) shitty experience...so there was a septic tank trunk with crap it (literally) that crashed and spilled all over the place.

Then we (Justin and I) went to a family that found 5 mules in their yard the other morning and want the rightful owners to come pick them up. So there were ass jokes o plenty...like "Coverage your ass can count on"

Wow so there was shit and a couple of asses and..well a circus of a day really

the 3-1 gang sign

2006-08-22T22:57:00.000-05:00

If half the people that throw us the 3-1 watched us...well that's actually the problem I guess, only half of them do.

Election day for the city. All incumbants won. If you can ever get into local government and don't screw up..you're pretty much good, that's my theory.

EXCLUSIVE!!

2006-08-21T18:39:00.000-05:00

The week continues to redeem from last week. I was out shooting school busses, as in cheese wagons (yea fun right?), and got a call that we're going to Athens for an exclusive!!
This teacher that was fired for showing politically one-sided and heated materials to his students decided that he'd give us a day's advance on the other two stations...how cool!?

He told his story, he believes that he's being crusified for receiving some funny political cartoons via email...that other teachers had set to him or received, fowared by him. School's agrument, he showed students.

"Great use of technology," was the phase I heard from our main male anchor. Becasue we didn't know how long the interview was going to last our news director suggested we take a camera phone pic and send it back so that we could show something on the 5 and 6. I did that and then questioning the resolution (640x480) on my phone took a couple with my handy dandy Nikon (4mp) and emailed those back as well. Aparently that pic on my LG worked wonders and they used the other 2 pics that I sent as well.

Yea for exclusives, yea for thinking up some interesting ways of doing things, and yea for a good start to a week

Eegy squeegee

2006-08-21T11:34:00.000-05:00

after such a not good week for me I had a very easy day Sunday. Collected a total of 2 VOs with an attempt at a 3rd.
Ate dinner with some of the guys
Then I remeixed some video that I pulled.

Well see what today brings. I think Justin is back from his trip so I should be back with him today.

augh

2006-08-17T23:50:00.000-05:00

thank goodness this week is over...augh...augh..augh

The show kicked butt, no lie...but I didn't have fun from the field. I have let my feelings known and we've discussed the issues, let's just leave it at that.

I hate Ramsey. I hated the soap opera coverage she got after she died and I hate the soap opera catching her "maybe" killer has become and only more because there are ties to North Alabama...gah.

A much needed weekend coming!

Too much work

2006-08-16T22:32:00.000-05:00

I've worked a whole extra day so far this week...dang

Justin gone to his conference...making things a little different

I worked a 11-8 today...HATE it...give me either day or night side but not b/w. One more tomorrow and then that'll be done.

Rumors of sale...that same group apparently has been surveying our parking lot, looking through time sheets, and had EPA out to make sure that in the 70's and pre the station disposed of it's film processing chems correctly...

Tired, may not have time to swim tomorrow morning..AGAIN this week, and well bed time.

Um me = 3 people

2006-08-14T22:34:00.000-05:00

so today I was 3 people..well kind of...so the two dayside photogs called in sick..so I worked like 12 hours...being THE photog of the day...yes THE only photog working today at our station...gah..

I was done by 5:30 and by six I was about ready to flip..then I got to eat and it was ok...and I could finish up

Early again tomorrow...Justin needs to be gone for a conference he's going to...so we're working 11-8 tomorrow...and then without a reporter the rest of the week nightside...dang

That's Rich

2006-08-07T20:38:00.000-05:00

One question, why did you let it get this bad?!?
Off of Yahoo from AP: "BP Says Oil Production May Be Closed for Months As It Works to Replace 16 Miles of Pipeline"
NICE, maybe THIS is why the colonies couldn't stand the British rule :)
Thank you for costing us MORE money oil compnies

Now off of my soapbox of the day
Today was chilling at first, then a trip to Guntersville (SUCH a beautiful place, I could see myself living there one day). The police dept. was giving out two purple hearts (btw not near as good lookin as the US purple hearts for the military).
I digress. This one officer got shot during a routine traffic stop when he realized the guy in the back had a warrent out for arrest.
The other given out was a retired officer who was paralized many years ago and one of his friends described it as "13 years too late."
I could see that I might be not so happy to recieve it 13 years AFTER I was paralized by the bullet...

Actually a Busy Sunday

2006-08-06T23:32:00.000-05:00

Dad came to town, and we had a nice visit. We roamed around and ended up exploring some of Cullman County: a covered bridge, a Civil War Museum (Crooked Creek), and the Ava Maria Grotto. All were just as interesting.

Today we started out with tax free story ended up doing a death (from yesterday) and a drowning from today, at a State Park past Decatur. So we were kept busy to say the least. I will now get rest to prepare for a tomorrow.

Crazy Times in The Rocket City Broadcast News Arena

2006-08-03T00:38:00.000-05:00

WOW so yesterday we, WAAY 31 had our general manager resign. (the owners said, basically, screw the 2 weeks peace out yo). Peter is moving to Illinois (2 markets up). I can't say that noone didn't see this. A new owner keeping the old GM? iffy at best.

Apparently WAFF 48 lost thier GM too (30 minutes before we did). I think I heard that he went to Memphis (don't quote me on that). Just a normal moving on up to the east side type deal there I suppose.

the only station to actualy gain a key figure is WHNT 19. They finally decided on a new News Director, I hear from Montgomery. So Nancy (the interim, from ATL?) can go back home. Probably means that the newsroom will take on a slightly different tone and a more stable atmosphere as far as that goes.

Honestly not much to say outside of that. We made up news today because there was nothing going on. Some report came in that the SWAT teams use of deadly force a month a ago was within guidlines. and it was hot...we rolled with that (5&6 and 10 repsectively)

I guess interesting is the fact that ... <_< ^_^ >_> (shhh) calkins media is spending the next couple days with us...new owners? It would be good for this station...they turned around a dying Sinclair in Florida and made it a winner...so there is hope!

That is all

Station Sell by the Seashore

2006-08-02T02:10:00.000-05:00

Sooooo found out stations that I know people at (former media general's) in chatt and B-ham are finally sold.

The word is that there are more station visits at WAAY this week from a narrowed list of possible buyers (one of which is a big newspaper co. that currently ownes 3 stations one of which was a turnaround one (was crap now really good)...so that is hopeful.

The story today was about a lady whose son was killed in a hit and run exactly 6 months ago. Interestingly enough he was retarted, 19 so on his own, staying at a hotel, crossed (or tred to rather) like 10 (actually at that point it might be 12) lanes of traffic!!! on the parkway to get to a gas station for booze and smokes...how someboday knows what he was going to buy is one on me but that's what the word is.

So we was standing out there advocating justice AND for people not to cross that many lanes of traffic! Right in 48's backyard so of coure they have the best stuff on it, but I think we did the story justice

Albertville craziness

2006-07-27T10:51:00.000-05:00

Wednesday fun started out by getting the word to go to Albertville to update on a story that happened the day before. Several Hispanic businesses had thier windows shot/busted out. The last I heard the A'ville po-po still wasnt calling it a hate crime. Ok guys I think it's kinda obvious that they hit 5 different hispanic targets and strategically missed the english speaking owning businesses in between...hmmm

Before we left we got some authentic Mexican food..that was the BEST taco that I've ever had!! wow! and the sauce for it was burning my mouth for over an hour!!

Ok so we get back and put the story together and then we get word that there is a volunteer fire dept (Asbury community, near Albertville) whose truck ended up in a 40 ft ravene while going to a call. It lost control on a one lane bridge and headed over the gaurd rail to the injury of two and death of one.
That part of the road looked rather dangerous and I could easily see how someone in a hurry to help others might drive at an unsafe speed for that strech of road.

by the time I got done putting that story together for the morning show and got home and in bed it was around 3...long day..wow.

crazy days

2006-07-25T00:50:00.000-05:00

So these past two days Justin and I have done as much work as we normally would have done in 4-5 days..Sunday was both a story on a good bye party for this soldier (those people were GREAT...we left there with 2 platefulls of food EACH!! ..they would let us out with no less!)

Then we had to switch gears and ended up at a visitation...this 17 y.o. had died in a car wreck...those are hard stories to do..but I think that we did him a nice little tribute.

Today we did two small stories on a fraud, about these checks that people have been getting in the mail with a note that says cash and wire some to some random place..the check is a fony so you end up losing money not gaining. and the other was on the Japanese bettle that is tearing up some gardins here around town.

Our big story/pakage of the night was about cell phones for kids as they go back to school..T-mobile really truly has the best plan for that..give the kid x hours a month and after that no talky except for (free) mobile to mobile. Verizon and Cingular both have this cool phone that was designed for young kids...limited #'s programed in and that's IT no calling out save to thoes 4-5 numbers...of course can get calls in.

It all comes full circle

2006-07-21T12:15:00.000-05:00

Apparently Bellsouth is about to be bought by AT&T...this is interesting since not too long ago AT&T merged its wireless business with Cingular who was bought by Bellsouth

A very different day

2006-07-19T20:59:00.000-05:00

First of all it was much cooler..only I didn't enjoy it much because I was in an edit bay for the better part of today putting together this sweeps pak on dumb laws in Alabama...it was a piece that would've been SOOO much easier editing non-linearly..but I got it did, all the 1-2 second sound effects and all!
whew

other'n that not much shaking, our Assignment Manager is going back to the camera, over at the competition. People scared about the sale, as I guess is always teh case. I'm like, they won't be firing, if anything at this point HIRING! And of course no new news on who it might be...and GM taking a weeklong vacation (I don't blame him, I'd be burning the off-time too!)

Rumors and speculations flying as always...I'm just sitting back and taking my first station sell all in, hoping that this possible raise that I think I've talked my boss into can take effect as soon as the GM gets back in town next week ;)

Hiking on Monte Sano

2006-07-16T12:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday after the family left (Mom, brothers, and a cousin came for a visit) I decided to take a hike...on Monte Sano.

I found where a trail started right near my apartment and ended up on a 2.5 hour leisure hike basically in a circle coming almost right back to where I started (really closer to my apartment complex..so a good thing I just walked from there).

The particular trail that I took was a former railroad (appropriately named Railroad Bed Trail) and had several trestle leftovers (I don't currently have any of those pics downloaded) where it crosed creeks and drainage ditches (where the water rolls down Monte Sano...into the Tenn River I assume)

only it hasn't rained in forever so it's all dried out

I did make some friends along the way

I taught young grasshopper wax on and wax off

This nice family posed for me.

Thier friends were scared and hid in the rocks

See a Disney Character?

I call this We Three Trees...of Orient are...

I'm kinda stumped on what to call this

Timber

Random cool lookin tree

the WNT link

2006-07-13T11:33:00.000-05:00

so heres the link to the story...look from my 15 seconds of petting zoo video!

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2185117

What a Great Day!!

2006-07-12T23:22:00.000-05:00

In this post: terrorism, Old McDonald's Petting Zoo, homeland security, my video gone national, national news spending $$

I got a call...can I come in now? Um sure..I end up in an hour early...going to Scottsboro again!!! Well actually not quite as far..Woodville..ABC National wants the video that we will be getting there, and possibly CNN...um ok well that's worth it to go in early right? Ironic due to yesterday's post...

So the story, as I learned on the way down 72, was a list that the federal gov had of potential terrorist targets. The NYTimes had somehow got ahold of this list (as we later found out an OLD list) that had some really obsurd places on it.

Apparently the federal gov, after 9-11 with the start of homeland security, had all the local gov's compile lists of gathering places and events in thier area (that could be potential targets). They apparently gave 2 weeks and so once the state got the list they ust passed it on without looking through or editing out...AL ended up with over 800 events and places including a flee market and...yes Old McDonald's Petting Zoo in Woodville :)

So since ABC wanted our video for world news tonight they not only paid for thier sat time for us to feed raw at 3:15 but also 15 minutes around 4, 5, and 6 for us to use...as such we went live there at the zoo for those times with Live Star.

I had Eric record World News Tonight and in the 2-3 minutes of of the story I had one shot in the tease the block before (it was top of B), and 4 shots in the actual package (along with 6-7 seconds of an interview with the owner).
:) so whatever they did a good job though..we did too..I loved the pak that we did for 10!! it was live VOBB's the rest of the shows..just not enough time.

Anyway I thought it intersting that ABC would pay thousands of dollars for sat. time to use less that 20 seconds of video that they got from us! And they did the same thing for a station in Indian and one other too. WOW And then paid people to put it together an anchor...and that's only 5 minutes of the show..thousands of dollars to put on 30 minutes of national news...wow!!

Video Around the State

2006-07-12T11:11:00.000-05:00

Well not only that we had to go way down in the butt crack of De Kalb county for this body that they found in a meth house.

This was the first day that I was called in early (and only by about 15 min). Luther Strange was in town, b/c the city of Huntsville is throwing support to him. Upon meeting him I can see why.

Then there was laps for CF right after that...and then the body found in Crossville.

Seriously that side of the state is impressivly beautiful (especially around Guntersville). And the sheriff was extremely helpful, easily the best one I've ever dealt with.

When we got back the phone rang and the producer was talking with WSFA..they wanted the Luther Strange video. It's happened half a dozen times now since I've been shooting (in Tuscaloosa and now Huntsville), but it's still exciting to have my video fed to other stations.

Back for Another Week

2006-07-10T23:16:00.000-05:00

After a great restful weekend (went to the lake, wakeboarded, enjoyed another Fish concert, and some great time with friends).

Today we went Ardmore for an update on the Vice Mayor stepping down after an alleged illegal drug overdose. This was the first meeting since his resignation...he saw the news car in the lot and went back home...hmm still able to make a story out of it though. They voted on a new (basically president on the council is what it amounts to).

Where's all the Corn?

2006-07-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

In this post: farming, drought, corn

I've been extemely happy the past couple days with our packages. The other day it was the fireworks, that turned out great. Today it was a story about the drought..today the first day of a significant amount of precip since I got to the valley...and so we talked to a climatoligist from UAH who is on a NASA panel and is oft in DC giving advice and opinions aparently.
And also a local farmer...it wasn't that so much as the shots...I was able to pull video out my but...from local farms basically...I'm highly pleased with the editing as well.

Tomorrow and then the weekend....the weeks have started to go by so fast...

Fireworks

2006-07-04T00:35:00.000-05:00

Today's story was a behind the scenes look at a fireworks show. It turned out well, I wish that we could have shown more of the actual fire work show in it...oh well I was satisfied...which is rare for me...I always feel that I don't have enough time to completely do a good job.

Happy B-day USA

My weekend

2006-07-02T01:30:00.000-05:00

It looks like this one will end with a story on the shuttle not taking off tomorrow..that means to the mission control!! that should be much fun! I love space stuff..and if we get to see inside of the control room...I might have to bring a change of pants :)

In other news another wedding tonight before coming back in town..a lady there thought I was 16...I'm like 22 maam...dang so...um...maybe theres something in the air in Huntsville that makes me look younger...I didn't get it this bad until now.

What a Day

2006-06-27T23:50:00.000-05:00

In this post: police shooting, salary.com

Today was a day of news in Hville. The police were serving a warrent (as part of this huge drug ring arrest that they did today). They went to this one guys house and saw this guy in bed apparently starteled and grabbed gun (though police officially only say that he resisted arrest) and got 4 bullet holes in him. He was the uncle of the guy they wanted. So needless to say wow. But at the same time you are the police trying to make an arrest and you see this guy point a gun at you. Niether were fully right or fuly wrong..just a sticky situation.

I mostly did VOB patrol today (save for setting up the live shot for that story)
Huntsville is in the news again for being the best place to live money wise. Apparently on average people make more compared to out cost of living average that any other city in the country...not as true in news...but hey..that's all the rocket scientists factoring in I guess....becasue COL is as low as anywhere else in AL, not like CA or NY.

That's part of why I continue to love Huntsville..Its a little big city..or a big little city...indecisive (like me) but really just right!

Great Day, bad ending

2006-06-26T11:10:00.000-05:00

Sunday was AMAZING. Sat night they closed the Madison Mall early due to fights. Justin decided he would combine that with several stories of this past month (kids shooting pellet guns at car windows, 3 teens involved with a $70K theft spree, a teen killed in a car accident when she was joy riding with several friends-one who borrowed the car without permission) and made a, kids out of school getting into trouble story on it.
We NAILED it.
We first went to the city skate park downtown (al a me finding it) and got good video and some good sound there, of teens filling thier time to not be bored
Then to Madison Mall got more good video AND saw these teens walking in the now closed for the day (norm is 6PM on Sun) parking lot. Talked to them and got better word of what happened...seriously 10 plus fights in the parking lot (no suits would talk to us about it, nor were they even in office on Sun).
So great job getting, a great job writting it, and then I'm really satisfied at the editing.
We go back down the mountain to get the live shot and run into some trouble. It was multiple little things that led to not being able to do the shot. I think if we would have had ONE break we'd have been golden...BUT I guess we used up all the goodness earlier in the day...so needless to say there was much disappointment not being able to front the package, easily THE best one we've done on a Sunday so far.

Scottsboro trip 3!!

2006-06-22T11:52:00.000-05:00

So yep, back to Scottsboro Wednesday. The grand jury suggested more security for the couthouse and we got a judge to speak to us about it...he was awesome.

I hated that I didn't have enough time to do with what I wanted as far as editing this story. I lable it as the worst one I've done sofar with 31...only because of time too. But they can't all be winners I suppose...that's part of live news.

We'll see what's on the agenda for Thursday here in just a couple of minutes and once done with that another weekend in Tuscaloosa.

Chattanooga Update

2006-06-19T22:39:00.000-05:00

Chattanooga...a fun little town..and it's not really that big either..but wow the things they have.

Craig and I started off at the Aquarium...I haven't been to one in so long..nice! We basically took the highlight tour..the here's this and this and this and nothing else really matters...well with our limited time anyway...so 2 hours there

then to Rock City where we saw 7 states off of Lookout Mountain

I wanted to hanglide but there wasn't enough time, we declined the hotel room from the boss b/c we both wanted to get back into town, me so I could leave again to Atlanta for Atlanta Fest, which was amazing by the way! and Craig was planning on visiting his son in Nashville TN for his first 2 day weekend in 6 months...now that Mikelyn is officially the newest anchor, taking over the Sunday.

We ate dinner/lunch at this great Italian place with a fantastic view and just chilled there for over an hour before driving back to HSV...another couple pictures of neat things that cought my eye

outside a coffe shop we stopped at after eating

a nice view of the TN River...honestly, the Tennessee River Valley is almost as striking as the Rhine River Valley

this was so funny I had to get a pic!!

A Day Off? But First, Chattanooga Here I Come

2006-06-13T21:35:00.000-05:00

In this post: Chattanooga, day off, Atlanta Fest

Today was a VERY boring day...wow. I went out and shot a scholarship signing (other crew did smoking ban)...and then edited this nat pak that I'm leaving for the producer since I'll be gone on thursday BUUUUTTT...

I walked in today and it was like "you wanna go to Chattanooga?" um sure. So I guess tomorrow will be a trip to Tenn before I take a day off for a 3 day weekend in Atlanta for ATLFest!!!! I'm excited...

But we, Craig and I, I guess will be doing a story..stories..a series maybe? on the tourism there or something...I know that we'll be hitting up the aquarium and that's about all I know..hey I just shoot the video..tell me where to go and I do just that...tell me what's going on and..well, I'll know what's going on...if not I'll find out.

So um..another run-in, with a former news director...it's amazing what connection can do...probably more on this later..right now...it's just wait and see what happens

Long Day = Dead Batteries

2006-06-11T23:32:00.000-05:00

True I pretty much went through all three batteries today! My last one was on it's last leg during the liveshot that Justin went out to with Craig while I edited...and he took my keys with so I'm still at the station...because we had a basketball game (ABC) and so went in late...so more to come...

My 1st Live Shot!!!!

2006-06-07T23:54:00.000-05:00

In This Post: Live Shots, Space and Rocket Center, Saturn V Rocket

So today finally got to set up my first solo with the live truck!!! yep yep. Mikelyn and I did a story on the new museum (basically) that they are building for the real Saturn v (the one that's sitting layed out in the backyard of the Space Center), since they just restored it so as to keep it out of the elements. The replica (the one that's standing up, that you can see from I565) in this pic:

will have not be illuminated while they are building the new building, only becuase they will get in the way of construction. They were actually supposed to be off as of this morning but they were on again tonight when we did a live shot at 10.

It just amazes me how you can send a signal through a tiny waves back to a receiver that can decode it into an audio and video signal!! And we use it everywhere..with live shots to send signal via satellites, cell phones, wireless internet...the list goes on!

Aparently the guy we talked to, the PR guy, Al Whittikar?

Election Primaries!!!

2006-06-07T00:11:00.000-05:00

In this post: elections, Decatur, Morgan County Sheriff, ABC 33/40 WBMA, Chris Tatum, Jason Gaston

yea for elections!! not really

So Justin and I took one of the live trucks (just in case), a beta camera from promotions (because they use beta sx over at the Decatur bureau) and headed down the road. First stop was in Hartselle because that's where one of our morgan county sheriff candidates was holding party, then to Decatur, where the other was. Put it together at the Decatur news room and fed it back. Due to some miscommunication we didn't actually go live at 5...I was told to turn the transmitter off so that they could get another feed and never got the word (and phones were busy) to turn back on...we killed the 6 though and went back out to both places for updates and killed the 10 (or actually the 9:40 to 10:45 is what it amounted to).

While putting together and while waiting for our live shot we were watching different coverages (mostly us and 33/40, because we could actually get them on rabbit ears on the TV in decatur!) Well at one point in time we were on a shot of Riley and none other than Chris Tatum jumps in front of the camera and gives a thunbs up (to hearing IFB??) before we take the shot down (that was also during the 5)...wow, yeah 5 had a few bumps but killed it at 6 and 10. And to do everything we did with 1/3 of the staff of the other Huntsville stations was amazing...Seriously we looked really good. I loved the intro election coverage bump that Jason in promotions made too...really nice.

The other funny thing of the night...while watching 33/40 Jason Gaston was doing a live shot at Riley's party and in the middle..in the right middle of sentance he goes, "there's Riley, Hey Mr. Riley would you come over here"..and he actually got an interview LIVE that way...wow good stuff

Fun night glad it's over though

Another Slow Monday

2006-06-05T23:04:00.000-05:00

In this post: dead dog, nothing, election coverage

Got in and went and did a story with Craig. He actually made a pretty good package out of what would have otherwise not really been much. This lady had two dogs, a mom and a son, both went missing. The son returned yesterday with a bullet through it and later died, the mom is still missing and she say's it must be dead too. Filed an animal cruelty report. I can't say that I'd have been less sad or angry if I found my dogs dead, shot by someone.
We talked with two neighbors who said those were the nicest dogs, never did cause any problems.

The rest of the day was...nothin. There wasn't actually a reporter even for nightside tonight, but it didn't matter. About the only thing new was Guy Hunt in the hospital here in Huntsville.

Election coverage tomorrow..weeee. It's funny to see how nervous some are, how excited others are, and how apathetic others are. I am a member of the latter category. I don't particularly care for it, but it doesn't worry me either. Justin and I will be in Decatur covering the Sherrif race for Morgan County. It'll be my first time over to that bureau. Apparently a County Commissioner who has been in tiffs with the current Sheriff is running against him..so it should be interesting at least.

It looks like Live Star will be covering the Roy party with 33/40 talent. We'll also have access to a CNN satellite truck, an ABC 33/40 sat. truck, and a live truck of ours(micro) that will feed to a 2nd 33/40 sat. truck that will all be feeding back to us in Huntsville, them in Birmingham, and I assume them at CNN. One's in Montgomery (Riley), Birmingham (Don), not sure where Lucy or Roy will be, but a sat truck for each place basically. It's cool that we are all working together, I just wish that I was in a yonder city working with them and not in Decatur, BUT at least I'll be getting home quicker than either of our people out and about!

Scottsboro Round III

2006-06-05T00:19:00.000-05:00

In this post: Harry Wong, Scottsboro, Meth, Nuclear Plant, TVA,

First thing we get is actually a little story about a teacher conference. This Huntsville 501(3)c non-profit org aparently puts one on every year. This coming week about 1/3 of Huntsville area teachers will learn techniques on how to teach better...and there will be a lecture by (no joke people...serious) a Mr. Harry Wong...apparently THE stuff when it comes to helping teachers...hasn't made a new video in 10 years they tell us but will bring in cameras and the whole 9 to Huntsville! WOW big stuff! He's used in someodd many countrys and all across the US.

Ok so then the producer wants Justin an I to head to Scottsboro again and beat this dead horse (we both agree that it, like so many other stories before it, is verging on soap opera-ish, but there seriously isn't anything going on on Sundays at all)..we got a Harry Wong and a 4 day old ATTEMPTED murder scene, and that's about it

but actually when we got out there they were doing what they call first monday. they set up tables, basically a little flea market around the court house the first monday of each month and the weekend before..been doing it for over 100 years!! wow..and so the angle was that this on Wed didn't effect them at all...

Then we had to find the alleged shooter's ex-wife's house (seriously its a messed up story, she treatened a judge and so is being held on terrorist charges...I know rediculous, has a higher bond than her former husband who SHOT 2 people, what up justice system?)

To get her mugshot we go to the Jackson County Jail where I find this sitting in the parking lot:

this is the first one I've ever seen...you know you got meth problems when you have a roving meth lab buster..wow they say it's bad in the rural areas around here, I now believe them!

Also in finding her house we passed by the TVA's "nucular" plant :)
one of two in Alabama, actually..there's farley's near Dothan as well generating together about 24% of Alabama's total power needs..still coal get 50+..dang polluting like crazy will coal. Nevertheless As of January 1, 2005, Alabama ranked 5th among the 31 States with nuclear capacity. so that's pretty good at least

here's a shot I took and a link to it on the official TVA site
...which makes me wonder which tree or cow the 3rd not currently in use reactor is hiding under...speaking of cow, wow those cows give it a hugeness perspective! and talk about irradiated beef! ok I'm stopping this post before anymore bad jokes come out!

Clouds from the Rain Today

2006-06-02T20:27:00.000-05:00

When it started raining heavy today, I checked things on my back porch and this just struck me...

Here is a shot that I took at 3 in the afternoon with the clouds all rolled in...behind the clouds is Monte Sano...

So about 4 hours later the clouds are somewhat moving out and I took these...

L-R the towers are (big red/white) WHNT's main tower; (white speck at bottom of that, their weather radar; (white speck about 1/2 in the middle) our Doppler radar tower; (big red) WAAY's main tower.
There is actually a smaller red/white HNT tower that you can't see in this reduced size version about 2/3 the way to AAY's doppler and also
right next to our doppler another red tower; about 1/4 the way to our big tower is another small red/white tower

I don't really know what the smaller towers do. I know that next to the towers are satellite dishes that collect programming from the affiliates which the main towers send as a radio signals to antena TV's and cable/satellite providers. It also receives signals from liveshots (except ones from the satellite truck) as well as signals from the bureaus in Decatur, Guntersville and elsewhere where ever all the bureaus are or used to be.

I couldn't resist the close-up of the towers again. Especially after I had a dream last night that 48's main tower fell...not that I would want that, I have several friends that work there, but I think it came from a mixture of thinking about our reppeater tower falling near Scottsboro those 2 years ago and the other day a coworker talking about the Saturn V rocket being hollow, surprised that it hasn't fallen, and another saying that would be his dream liveshot, standing on a piece of the Saturn V shattered across the interstate! In my dream 48s tower fell across the interstate, which it isn't even near (it's on the other side of Monte Sano from HNT and AAYs towers).

My first REAL dayside

2006-06-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

I don't count that time that I rode with Riley...that was a shift extension

Mikelyn got an ok to work dayside so that she could leave out of town earlier, but she needed a photg, me! So I went in at about 9:30 in the am for a change..that after being out in Scottsboro last night with Live Star!

Ok so it went well. We were origionally going to go to Decatur for a follow-up type courthouse securtiy story with them, but the guys who say so (exec producer and assignment manager) said she's going to go back to Scottsboro to do a follow-up there..how do people at the courthouse feel, have they implemented any new security, which they have NOT. The metal detectors are sitting in the basement (where they have sat since purchase, 6-8 years) b/c they don't have enough money to hire manpower to run them (though one lady said they have enough money to renovate the gazeebo and other such more frivolous projects as they see it, i tend to think that security would come first myself).
One thing that I did think about though, the Tuscaloosa County courthouse actually has noone watching the doors fulltime either, and there are three entrances as well. So if it's not implemented in a much bigger city...though they do at least have scanning before the courtrooms.

And after I edited that story, we put together what we shot yesterday for the new defense law...we already had an interview and I basically just pulled file of guns and houses. Not the best looking thing, but at least we didn't leave Amber (the 10pm producer) totally hanging.

I think I did my editing on both at right at 40 minutes each (including looking up file), so I suppose that means that I'm getting back in my groove.

I still don't know what to do with the rest of my time today...this is wierd, I think I do actually like nightside better..I don't really have anything to come home to, I can actually take care of business in the morning. Also for the most part there is a little more downtime at night. There's only one show to really work on, the 10, and usually doing something small for the 5 or 6. In the morning its go, get back and edit like crazy for the 4, 5, and 6.

Star Link

2006-06-01T09:45:00.000-05:00

So a friend of mine from another station actually made me aware of a photo, so to show off

It could have a better paint job, honestly, but isn't that just awesome! HUGE

A very satifying day

2006-05-31T23:50:00.000-05:00

Before I go further let me say that I'm in no way glad that two people were shot at Jackson County Courthouse in Scottsboro late this afternoon...the reason why this day was satisfying to me is because it is my job to cover stories, and I think we kicked tail on our coverage at 10. Our job is to inform viewers but didn't overkill. To put it in perspective we had two reportes and photographers (meaning 2 crews) out there, 19 had three crews, and 48 had four...Three is probably the absolute limit on what you need to tell the story without overkilling and driving it into the ground (and we actually ran a 3rd story that we showed about a year ago about the secruity at that courthouse).

Earlier, Mikelyn and I were planning on doing a story about the new self-defence law that takes effect starting tomorrow. Jason and Justin headed out to Scottsboro we we heard, but it became apparent that we needed another crew out to fully cover that story. So Justin got the meat and potatos, so to speak, the who what when where why, while Mikelyn, dropping this other story, focused on the hero of the whole thing, dove into one of the who's and how's

Before we started editing we grabbed some dinner, as we were pulling out, our satellite truck was pulling up, LiveStar 31, wow! that thing is awesome (and twice the size of 19's and at least a 1/3 bigger than 48's!!)!!

The OTHER thing that was neat about tonight was getting to hang out more with some coworkers while inbewteen shooting and writing/editing...the COOLEST part of tonight, if it's true: we are apparently the CNN affiliate in this market and there was talk about them wanting our stories on this, like airing both of our packages!! How cool is that...it would be the second time that I'd have video on CNN (the first being from Tuscaloosa, exclusive video of Moore being transported to the Tusc. Co. Jail after killing 2 police officers and a 911 dispatch op. in Fayette).

Even more news today actually. The four of us missed a meeting partly about our eletion coverage and partly about the station sell. It's nothing new for news stations to switch hands, it's part of the business, like baseball teams. Apparently we've had 5 bids put in as of today (currently owned by Peidmont who is selling). For most of us that means a good thing, the possibility of money coming in, new equipment, a larger staff, possibly a pay or either benefit increase if this were the outcome.
They say we should know something more definate in a couple months, and that the new owners probably wouldn't take over until December. Bunch of stuff to go through with the FCC and the Federal Government to make sure that certain rules are being followed. So we'll see what happens next.

Side note - I took the live truck test this afternoon and passed, so I'm now certified to use our live trucks!

Long day to make up for yesterday

2006-05-30T22:50:00.000-05:00

I got in about 10:30AM, after picking up Craig from his place. Went right over to Decatur to meet the Bob Riley Bus..which was late due to transmittion crapping out so they made thier way in the smaller one. We, Craig and I, were the only media that rode to Huntsville with him. Colby, assignment manager, rode with us to take the car back.

It was fun realized while on the bus that it was lunch time...hunger

Riley is a good down to earth guy. We talked about war movies, and don't even remember what else now after the official interview. Violet picked us up at the space and rocket center after that speech there.

Got back and Craig gave me the script for the package and I thought, uh oh. MY GOODNESS it was intense editing that. It took me an hour and 15 and that was being quick. GREAT story though, didn't see the other coverage but I'm sure we knocked it out of he park (HNT I never did see a crew from, AFF was there at the rocket).

So once done with that, with Justin going down to Union Grove in Marshall County (about 5:30 now). the meeting about the halfway house for meth addicts (they were opposing it in that area not it in general, they even came up with another plan...see here)
By about 8:30 we're getting back into town (stopped to get my second meal of the day...yes I was HUNGRY by that point!)
He writes and lays down a voice track for me by 9:20 and I'm editing until 9:55 and then run out to the "weather deck" to finish setting up his live shot, which he's mostly taken care of, thanks Justin!

So a long day full of news (I know Jason had a bunch of weather stuff, minor flooding and whatnots to get)! It makes the time go faster when I'm out getting stuff as opposed to sitting at the station all day.

sloooooow Memorial Day

2006-05-29T22:44:00.000-05:00

...but what do you expect on a day that we are honoring our service men and women of the present and past.
I personally have a dad who recently retired from the Air Force after 25+ years, an uncle or two and mother and step father who were all in for a period of time, a grandfather who worked on radios during WWII, on the Japanese front, helping to intercept messeges. I have a good friend and his best friend in the Marines who both had a stint in Iraq and will be going to Africa for 8-9 months here soon, not to mention a cousin and several other friends that have served in Army, Navy, or Air Force for a period, including my all-time favorite reporter...All just so I have a job...seriously, we can broadcast just about whatever we want which means I have a job so that I can get holiday pay becasue I have to work it! And can write this freakin blog too!

So all I did as far as news was go back to Ditto Landing to get the kickoff of the Huntsville city summer concert series called "Concerts in the Park." My understanding is that most of the rest will be held in the park downtown...One a week, pretty cool, if only I didn't have to work! Tonight it was the Alabama Blues Brothers and Time Machine and one other that I don't remember.

I did get off early because I'll be heading to Decatur in the morn (about 11) to ride with Gov. Riley on his tour bus. It'll be Craig and I, and also people from WHNT and WAFF as well as the Times and possibly other outlets around the area I imagine. I'm excited because it's my first really big assignment. I've been making sure that my wireless mic is good for it's first usage. I'll go to bed here shortly so that I have time to swim a couple laps in the morn before heading out.

On a side note we ran a Jeanne Moos package tonight...I LOVE her packages. There's something about her voice for one, and then her attitude and sarcasm, oh yeah easily my favorite CNN reporter!!

Tour de Valley

2006-05-28T23:08:00.000-05:00

Felt like old photoging days on a Tuscaloosa weekend, where I have half of the show...seriously, I shot and edited 5 of the first 6 minutes of the show, that's half of A-block!
Justin baled on me, took a long weekend to Atlanta I believe, so with no reporter there was much to do, and it was surely VObite patrol for me today.

-I started out by going south to Ditto Landing to get some video and sound with of people putting in boats and safty measures that they are taking.
-Procceded north on 231 (which is a familiar name from my 7 years in Dothan, AL) to Hazel Green down a road (I kid you not) Joe Quick Rd that lost power due to weather, HU out there putting up a new pole..there was also a flooded road over there.
I had to Joe quickly take that back to the station (about 25 minutes at 4:30) I'm not used to having anything on weekend but 10 still, due to my 3.5 years at WVUA. But I made it and cut it too before the show, I got it to the tape roller during the show open! It was top story
-Then right down Monte Sano to a cemetary that will have memorial day cerimonies, had US flags flying on many of the graves sites for military vets and police and fire vets as well.
-Get the call to go ahead and travel to Decatur to Point Mallard for Memorial Day festivities there...mostly people just goofing off frisbee or football or kite flying, later the hot air ballon glow (which is an impressive thing to see, couldn't stay for it this time, but saw one in Fayette, AL, about 2.5 years ago when working in Tuscaloosa. That was the night before I actually got to go back and take a ride in one the next morning, which was also amazing) and fireworks OF COURSE!!! eveyones favorites..I would've liked to have stayed for the festivities but had to get back and edit...took me just under 1.5 hours to edit those 7 or 8 tapes

And then came home to enjoy leftovers warmed up in my new microwave!! The little things in life! Oh yeah!

But I think I drove at least 90 miles today, wow! I got a nice tour of the valley, a good geography lesson, expanding my knowledge of my new home.

Bank Merger

2006-05-26T00:21:00.000-05:00

Today Mikelyn and I did a stroy on Amsouth and Regions merging. She said that she was worried (as an AmSouth customer). I told her (as an AmSouth customer) that it couldn't be any worse than it is right now...I don't think very fondly of AmSouth right now to the point that I had started on a track of pulling money out to another bank...I might leave a little in now and see how they do as a merged bank.

I did some editing for the 6PM because the photog that shot that stuff had to go out again for another story...so just a VO and a VOB, not bad. I edited our package tonight in just at an hour, but that was trading back between 4 or 5 tapes also, or it'd a been less: her voice tape, a tape with a phoner with the Region's lady, a tape with some b-roll and some interviews and while she was logging that tape I got some more video on a 4th tape, I also used some b-roll off the VO from 5 and 6. I had a nice dinner break while I was shooting more b-roll. Talked to Dad a while ate some food and then back to the station.

A nice easy day, now time for my second weekend of working here..also my first payday tomorrow!! not very much with only 3 days on it...but it'll be good to be seeing one again...it's been about, well actually only 3 weeks I guess...so not too bad.

Going to Tuscaloosa again this weekend so, Huntsville, I see you again come Sunday!

Talk about slow news day

2006-05-24T23:33:00.000-05:00

so today the biggest news was rumors of who the visitors will be that are apparently coming tomorrow. Are the owners coming? someone to buy us? etc. I don't worry about things like that, though I do like to be in the know...we'll see what happens, but buying and selling is a normal things at news stations. I've talked to many in the business who've gone through several, or are going through one!!

I worked on an Alabama angle to the American Idol deal (with Mikelyn agian today)...I care nothing for American Idol and someone made the joke, we're telling people to watch another station during sweeps..wow! Oh well that's what a lot of people want to know about so that's what we'll give em. We had some connections (that apparently HNT also had) about a party at a house of college friends of his that also used to play music with Taylor. I was kinda glad to see 19 there though because that was the first time in a long while that I've seen Greg Privett, he was news director at the college owned statoin in Tuscaloosa that I worked at for 3.5 years. I won't get into the rumors of why he left, suffice to say that newsrooms are all full of thier fair share of speculating and rumors.

LIVE TRUCK: didn't get to take my test today, had interview conflict and when we got back engineering had stuff they were working on. Some have said it might be a couple more days yet before I get certified, becasue engineering wants to make sure that you know what you are doing and what percautions to take before letting you loose.

Tomorrow is the end of my first full week!! Good stuff on the WAAY I feel it!

aNOTHER test?!

2006-05-23T23:38:00.000-05:00

I thought school was over, but to be live truck certifed there is a test to pass...so I got this packet of stuff today that I read through...will look over some of the finer points before I take the test tomorrow and then I'll do a little training session (actually going through the motions) with one of the engineers.

Today was with Mikelyn again. Our story was about the Dixie Chicks retracting thier appology to W. right before thier new CD comes out...if they were aiming for publicity, it looks like it worked!
Justin and Jason went live with exclusive video at 5PM and then we learned that another station managed to get the video before the 6 so we had to run as a first on scene from there! That was exciting!
A cute ballet also for a fun type story, many cuties doing a little jig, proud parents beaming in the concert hall of the VBC!

That was about the day. I'm steadily getting faster at editing for news (linear editing), it's all coming back, just like riding a bike!

Wish me luck on my test tomorrow, Wed...which hey, means that I just made a week. I just made it through my first week as a full-time employee, wow crazy stuff. Heres to many more great weeks on the WAAY!

oh and before I go, couldn't help it, a pic from the station by night:

the upside-down looking cross is I565 and the parkway, the interstate being the brighter line going upper left to lower right.

and now its goodnight

No Guard for Our Vets

2006-05-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

When I first walked in this Mon afternoon they said, "you're goin with the boss today!" I was kind of shocked at first, not that he would be out in the field (he says that he tries to do that every week or so), but that he wanted me to shoot for him, or maybe dayside was busy editing for the 5 and he had no choice :) ? It was a simple sound bite from the station's favorite lawyer (who apparently charges well over 300/hour for representation), legal go to guy, about the Siegelman case; Ben was a big reason why I chose Huntsville over my other choice.

I had met Ben twice (two years in a row at the Alabama AP convention) and saw what a super guy he was, got a personal tour of the station from him when I went to visit, and just knew that this was a guy I could love working for (after getting burnout from the news director in tuscaloosa, this was VERY important to me), and while circumstances were such that I couldn't get to meet in person my other choice's news director - beyond anyone's control really - this was one thing that made WAAY stand out a little above for me.

So enough brown nosing, that went, bang, bang, all good. Then with a new reporter (for me) tonight, Mikelyn (been at the station for 2+ years). This is why I like getting to work with different people/reporters: people talk about or tell you how people are like but I like to see for myself. I enjoyed working with her more than I thought I would from what some people told me about her. But then I've found that reporters usually like or have better relations with a photographer over anyone else (want things to look good, ya know!)
**For BP - when she heard that I had ties to Columbus, she asked if "that red head" was still working there. I had to laugh. I didn't know for sure that she was talking about your friend in the bureau but she was all I could think about fitting that description!**
She is rounding the late side of the 20s and engaged and we had some good talk about future plans and things to watchout for here in Huntsville, and things of that nature. Very enlightning really.

After we finished shooting talked to Jason, the promos guy, and he enjoyed that stuff I shot and had started putting together some of the new weather promos. Looking good! Glad that I could help even if only a shot or two.

Sarting to get back the hang of linier editing...I think I cut our story in just over an hour, turned out well for not having much video to cover with. Also learning some things about how they produce here, putting in certain codes and designations into the program that we use to create our shows (APNewsCenter), Ben made a suggestion today that I should try writting or at least learn some things about writing. That's the one thing (with reporting, anchoring, graphics and master control) that I never did really try or get to do in Tuscaloosa (if you don't count that package I voiced, which would bring it down to three things that i never really did or tried). So I'm taking baby steps in that direction. Its not my thing, but it would be good to know nonethelesss.

Beginning Week Two

2006-05-22T00:07:00.000-05:00

So, week 2 has started after a short trip home to Tuscaloosa. Saw the fam and collected my last few things at the old apartment, sad day...

Sunday, looong day...in at 10:30 out close to the same time 12 hours later! WOW and no news to boot, slow news day as Sunday usually is...so Justin and I searched until Craig got there and then
we took a morph of what Justin saw from the AP wire (church shooting in Louisiana) with someing Craig knew about, people from a church leaving for a mission trip.
It didn't really effect them much they said because they were going to do the will of the Lord near or far no matter whatever else was going on. A neat little story.

So Justin wrote and I edited and then there was a wreck on the scanner, in Madison. We went out there to see that a car had swearved off of the road into a manmade pond/lake in front of a subdivision. Pretty cool actually, the two guys got out ok but they were all waiting on a dive team to go under and attatch the towtruck cable to the car so they could get it out; you could see the back lights under the water. Talk about a bad deal. And other than it being neat to call the dive team, not really news wrothy, especially for being about 9:30 and not much time to get it back and get it to the air.

So we went home, I stopped by Wal-Mart and awed at the fact that it's not 24 hours?!? there are such thing as non-24 hour wally worlds?

A good second day

2006-05-18T23:55:00.000-05:00

First live experience today. I'm not certified yet so my reporter (backwords from most times) set up the stuff himself, because he was the nightside photgrapher before I got here. It was a good day, story from the courthouse, started at 4, not done intime to get the video or bites on at 5 so just the info and a graphic and then we went live with video and 2 sound bites at 6.

Interestingly enough this guy is an illegal immigrant from Mexico and ran a stop sign killing 4 and badly injuring another about a year ago..he got off on negligent something or other, I don't think it was homicide even, but like endangerment or something and an assult charge for the 5th person who lived. The judge decided to make his sentence concurent instead of consecutive...something like a year for each death and 6 mo for the injured...since he's been in jail for about a year that means that he has another 6 months left to go and then some probation. Needless to say the families weren't very happy and this one lady was ranting about the mexicans...anyway I wish we'd have been able to work some of that angle on it, but just no time.

Once I got back to the station helped the promo guy on some new stuff that he's working on, shot some video for him. Then helped get some video together for the 10pm producer because she is actually doing the morning show for Friday, covering for someone who's sick.

THEN I went to the control room for the 10 o'clock show! Since I've been in a control room for the past 2 years and now haven't in about 2 weeks, it was nice to get back in there, even if only to overlook things.

I have tomorrow and Sat off (my weekend) so I'll be using this first one to head back home to Tuscaloosa, Sunday will bring another new adventure...I'm really enjoying WAAY and Huntsville. Almost all the apprehension is gone and I'm pretty settled in, save several boxes...I could easily see calling this home, actually.

First Day

2006-05-18T00:19:00.000-05:00

My first day went well. Everyone so helpful with getting me set up with stuff, helping me get back into the swing of photoging since I haven't done it in about 2 years.

On our first interview I forgot to check the focus until about half way through so we had to redo the first part.
Justin, who'll be my reporter it looks like most days, seems like a great guy, and I'm glad that we seem to already have a level with each other, as it looks like we'll be spending much time together and getting along with each other will only make things easier and better, and allow us to put a better product out there for our viewers.

Our story tonight: profiling some local candidates for state office. Everything fine save those first few question on that one interview, that we ended up not even usung and the edit bay giving some trouble.

I'm also getting to know Huntsville a little better and feel more comfortable in this town. It is strage being so far away from everything that I know, but I am really enjoying HSV sofar...some pictures from my first day:

View from Parking Lot

Part of Our Live Fleet

Welcome to Huntsville

2006-05-16T22:52:00.000-05:00

ABOUT THIS BLOG:
To start off, I guess I should give a little background. I have just moved to Huntsville today. I have been hired as a "photojournalist" for WAAY-31 Huntsville, Alabama's ABC affiliate.

Niehter the station nor any of it's parties, subsidiaries, it's parent company, nor it's affiliate nor anyone affiliated with the companyy or station (save me alone) condone, agree with, or even approve of this blog. I thought it would be a good way for interested parties to see a little about what goes on into putting on daily news casts. Also it will serve as an insight into how someone not from Huntsville feels about the city and what he learns from and about it throught getting to see places and meet people through working in the news business

As a photojournalist (photog) my job will be to work with reporters, producers, and the assignment manager to get video of stories important to North Alabama (and some Tennessee) residents so that it can be shown to the general viewing audience.

ABOUT ME:
I've claimed Tuscaloosa as home for just shy of 8.5 years (where I went to High School at Central and College at The Univ. of Al where I got my degree in television production). Before that I lived in Dothan, Al for about 7 years and before that a couple different small towns that are basically subburbs of St. Louis, but on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River.

I shot video for news for about 2 years in Tuscaloosa (WVUA-TV) when I learned to direct live newscasts and did that for another 1.5 years. WAAY is my first full-time job, so needless to say I still have some to learn.

I also have good experience in free-lance video production, including plays, weddings, graduation cerimonies, commercials and promos.

My first day is tommorow, so we shall see what the day brings!