HEY CAMERA"MAN"

Flying kites and Rollerblades.

2006-02-16T18:48:00.000-08:00

As a treat to myself for reaching my 10%, at ww, I decided to buy a stunt kite and rollerblades. I figured I would try celebrating with "activity" type things instead of the typical food.

Tried out rollerblades earlier today..OMG! I guess it has been awhile. lol... I didn't fall but I was all over the place. Yikes! Hopefully I will improve fast.

Then I bought the kite. The guy says..."it is probably best if you start flying it with someone else...they can hold the kite and help you get it in the air until you are more comfortable with it" ...I think..."whatever old guy, I can get this thing in the air and it will rock"....I do..go crazy trying to get the stupid thing in the stupid air. I crashed it at least 10 time and the stupid lines kept crossing..ugh..guess he knew what he was talking about afterall!

ok..I still applaud myself for the effort! Hopefully I will be a rollerblading, kite flying babe in no time.

Why I love Dick....

2006-02-14T08:53:00.000-08:00

Cheney that is.

He has kept me extremely busy this week. Well, actually I am one of the lucky ones. I spent all day Sunday camped out at the hospital. Since then I have had little to do with it.

Sunday was awesome. I was the first person at the hospital. With the exception of the Caller-Times guy(who says he got a photo of Cheney leaving in his car but the photo wasn't any good). As the day progressed more and more media showed up. What amazes me the most is that the Houston station was the first out of town bunch to come in and yet....they had the longest drive. Hmmm, interesting. Anyway, standing around watching all of the other stations set up was cool. Can I just say that one San Antonio station has an amazing lighting set up and I want it!

So, here are a few pictures I took here and there. Nothing to special but thought I would share anyway.

Ok, this is the lighting set up I would like someone to steel for me. Look how great she looks!!!

This is our local competitor. Gibson was all excited because he had pellets with him. He couldn't wait to show them to me or his photog. Hmm, yeah, I really wasn't impressed. By the way, our live shots were set up right next to each other. His looked terrible...mine...PERFECTION!! Just sayin'...

This is the bunch from Houston. Well, the guy in the red, his name is Ram, is from our local competitor. Steve, the photographer, is great. At first I think he hated me. :( But after I asked him questions about lighting he warmed up. This was the highlight of our conversation...me, "So, what effect does that lighting have on your shot?"...him..."It doesn't, I have real shitty equipment and the stand won't stay up." (one of his lights was at a very low angle..not something you see very often) And I think Art, the reporter, was getting mad at me. Ha, while he was trying to do his stand ups he would either mess up or the wind would move the lights around. They would stop and start over again and again. I was just sitting in my truck laughing the whole time. HA!

Surrounded by sat trucks. I just couldn't stop staring at them all! I was amazed.

More of the amazing light shot and sat trucks. You can kinda see them over to the right. There are three in a row.

My new heart rate monitor.

2006-02-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Ok. I am here to say that I am absolutely in love with my new heart rate monitor. It is awesome. It tells me everything I need to know,and then some, about my workouts! Not only that....but the guy that assisted me in my purchase...HOT! I am defiantly going back to that store for future health product purchases!!

Drug deal on tape!!!

2006-02-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, maybe for normal people out there it isn't a big deal,however, I am not normal so I am really excited!

Last night a reporter and I set out undercover in search of panhandlers for a series he is doing. We drove around forever without much luck. We came across a cop we know and he told us the best place to check out.

As soon as we get there we spot 3 guys who are looking a bit shady. Officers pulled up into the parking lot just after we did and they went into the store to get coffee, snacks or whatever. So you think these guys would walk away or something. Nope. They asked a few people for money(which is was we were looking for...yeah!) then they went to the side of the building. In plain sight they started to trade money and what I am assuming were drugs. I caught it all on tape!! Ok, so I am easily amused.

I don't think we will use it for his story but just the fact that I was there to tape it amazes me. The nerve of people just doing it in plain site.

Navy plane down...

2006-01-27T23:31:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been awhile since I have posted. I have actually been pretty busy lately. It's driving me crazy and I am in desperate need of a vacation.

Anyway, I spent my whole day camped out in front of a navy plane that went down. It was a practice run. A trainee and trainer were both killed. Only a couple of weeks ago another crashed but luckily everyone got out ok.

It litterally landed in a very tiny field, more like a vacant lot, surrounded by houses. It had the potential to be much worse.

So I camped out from 4pm until 10pm for our 1min live shot. We had the better view of the crash site and we didn't want to let the other station take advantage of it. So I read a book, played games, watched tv, talked with the navy guys, watched more tv(with the photog from the other station)...yes..it was a very long boring day.

Yikes! I better start cleaning...

2006-01-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

Wow, I came across this story today and all I can say is.....my house is going to be sparkling in no time!

http://www.local6.com/news/5917330/detail.html

Talk about revenge

2006-01-08T23:29:00.000-08:00

FORT SUMNER, N.M. (Jan. 8) - A mouse got its revenge against a homeowner who tried to dispose of it in a pile of burning leaves. The blazing creature returned to the man's house and set it on fire.
Luciano Mares, 81, of Fort Sumner said he caught the mouse inside his house and wanted to get rid of it.
"I had some leaves burning outside, so I threw it in the fire, and the mouse was on fire and ran back at the house," Mares said from a motel room Saturday.
Village Fire Chief Juan Chavez said the burning mouse ran to just beneath a window of the nearby home. The flames spread up the window and throughout the house.
All contents of the home were destroyed, he said. No injuries were reported.
Unseasonably dry and windy conditions have charred more than 53,000 acres and destroyed 10 homes in southeastern New Mexico in recent weeks.
"I've seen numerous house fires," village Fire Department Capt. Jim Lyssy said, "but nothing as unique as this one."

Ground"ed" Beef

2006-01-08T21:24:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer~~All pictures shown where taken with my personal camera off of a tv monitor because I was a ding dong and left my camera in the car while shooting this video!

What a day I had today. I go from a funeral, to a gas leak, to none other than....a cow stuck in the river.

Poor thing was there at least 1 full day. The sheriffs deputies arrived along with the local volunteer fire department. The deputies were nice enough to play "Bad Boys" over their loud speaker to give the vfd "moral support". (since they were the ones who actually got down and dirty) The vfd boat can be seen under the yellow arrow.
She was not to happy to see the river rescuers.

For two hours they tried everything...
They pulled.
They thought.

They pushed.

Then this bright bunch of boaters came cruising by. They thought it would be fun to do donuts in the middle of the river in front of the beef brigade.
These guys...didn't feel the same.
They were "smart" enough to come back by...the men in green quickly summoned them to shore.
There are benefits that come along with beings friends with local law enforcement...They will give you a show..
After walking them as close to me as possible..(without really making it obvious what they were doing...giving me fun video)they proceeded with they sobriety tests. (they were released)
As for the cow...we gave her 15min. of fame. And boy did she sizzle.
Long after leaving the scene, my favorite deputy called me up and said she made it out ok and was once again up on her feet.

Lucky for her...that's one more day grill free.

Beginnings, Endings, and Sore Backs.

2006-01-06T21:13:00.000-08:00

Well, today has been interesting to say the least.

Beginning

1:59 ~ get to work and look at board. Apparently I have a shoot at 2:00. :/

2:15 ~ I am finally on my way to the United Way to see the celebration for their new director. Turns out the waited for me. Hmm, other photogs didn't look to happy. Congrats Mrs. Katrina (I don't want to butcher your last name). Very sweet lady. Turned out to be a pleasant time.

Ending

2:45 ~ Call desk. "Ok, I'm done here, got anything else for me?" I hear, "Uuhhh, yeah I want you to go the Police Chiefs going away party, just spray it for a quick vo." I say, "Ok, is it at the police station?" I hear, "Hmmm, good question. I'm not to sure where it is." WHAT! How in the world can you send me an event like that and not know where the heck it is!

2:50 ~ Figure out, on my own, Police Chief shindig will be at 6th floor at City Hall.

2:55 ~ Riding elevator to 6th floor. Get out. Realize I am on 5th floor. Push up button and wait...and wait...and wait.

2:57 ~ Door opens. I see an elevator full of men. Like the Police Chief and other members of the police dept. and city council. I say, "Hi!". Everyone says hi back. I squeeze into elevator with tripod and all. I then proceed to knock the lens of my camera to the crotch of a council member. Hmm, this can't be good. They all laugh and say I'll get sued for assault. HA HA HA. Yeah, that really isn't funny.
Farewell chief! (and good luck on your run for sheriff)

Sore Back

7:25 ~ Get to ABC to shoot hockey game. Scary security lady makes me giver my number in case she needs to call me. What! Why would she need to call me! Freak!

7:30 ~ Game starts. Try to get video of number 41. As you may recall, he is the guy that my mom is in love with. As I am checking him out, I realize he is missing several teeth.

7:50 ~ Fight erupts in middle of ice. (we won that part of the match)

8:15 ~ Back itches. I scratch. I quickly realize...I can't feel my back! I assume this can't be good! It was actually numb. Hmmm. Maybe I should have used the sticks after all.

8:20 ~ Meet up with owner of team. Ask him if he is going to fire the coach. (our team likes to lose) He says no.

8:35 ~ Period two begins. Back is killing me. The "official" team photographer won't quit talking to me.

9:00 ~ Is my back still attacked to my body. I feel nothing. Hmm, I am thinking this still can't be good. Fight breaks out. This time it is literally everyone on the ice. Makes for great video!!

9:15 ~ Leave. Scary security lady waves by.

9:20 ~ Finally, back at station. Take a feed. Have to tell guy who's been a photog longer than me how to use the laptop over the phone. geeezzz. Sports guy wants me to do all his work. ugh. Did I mention my back still hurts.

Oh yeah, something happened yesterday.

2006-01-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

Being from Texas it is easy to forget about football. I mean come on..how popular could it possibly be. Only from birth are Texans raised to be die hard Cowboy, Longhorn, and Aggie fans. Of course the last two are more of a family tradition choice...which means there is no choice. So the majority on both sides of my family...drum roll...Horns.

My dear ol' mom couldn't even get through dinner last night at Chili's without staring at the TV. I was outside grilling earlier this morning and happened to see a Horns flag flying on a boat nearby. Last night a fellow photog friend of mine risked his life to buy me a Horns championship ballcap.

Hmmm, so I might as well say it now.

WHOOOOOOOOO YEAHHHHHHHH AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

GO HORNS! GO HORNS! GO HORNS! GO HORNS! GO HORNS! GO HORNS!

What a wonderful day to be single...

2006-01-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I work in the news business and yet I still find myself behind in the news. I was wondering around the ol' net and came across an incredibly "sticky" story. It seems long ago love went astray from two hot and heavy lovers. When one gets upset..what happens? Well, find out for yourself. All I can say is, what a wonderful day to be single.

ThePittsburghChannel.com - Channel 4 Action News - Civil Suit Goes To Court: A Scorned Lover, Glue And A Naked Man

Are you a fan of Bill O'Reilly?

2006-01-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

NO! Well, me either! I know thousands of people adore him...but...hmm..well..I'll be nice. So now I ask, are you a fan of Letterman? NO! Well, me either! However, I was witness to something that changed my mind for a brief moment in time. If you're bored and feelin' brave, check it out...

'About 60% of What You Say Is Crap'

Who wants to die?!? YIKES!

2006-01-03T22:47:00.000-08:00

The other day an interesting story came across the wires. Curious as we news folk are, we dove right in to get all the juicy details. The story was none other than...

That's right. That lovable, cuddly, cute, furry friend Elmo. It is an interactive book that attempts to get kids interested in potty training.
Now you might ask yourself, "What in the world could be wrong with cute, cuddly, Elmo." Well it seems he and his friend "Little David" are spreading a scary message to young kids.

Some say there is hidden meaning in the so called "Potty Training" book. When you hit this button...

you are supposed to hear "{giggle,giggle} Who wants to go!". Instead, the reader hears, "{menacing giggle,giggle} Who wants to die!". What the??.......Oh my goodness!!!...Could this really be so??

That's when our, ever dependable, weekend Meteorologist stepped in. "Hey, I have that book!", he exclaimed. Much to our amazement, he really did.(and yes, he has kids) Sure enough, he brought it by to be examined by our panel of "experts". Upon further investigation, we have concluded that it does infact say "{menacing giggle, giggle} Who wants to die!".

Check it out and decide for yourself...

Toddler's Talking Elmo Book Asks 'Who Wants To Die?' - Local6

How I Spent My New Years Morning...

2006-01-03T22:07:00.000-08:00

ok, I swear I am almost done catching up on my New Years stuff...then it's back to the same ol' stuff.

1~After moms happy new year scream we were promptly covered in metallic confetti

I am still pulling teeny tiny pieces from various locations on my body!

2~Mom drank it up

3~Fireworks began

4~Mom picked confetti out of her drink

5~More fireworks

6~Everyone enjoyed watching the fireworks

Hmmm, is mom still picking at her champagne

7~Fireworks appeared over so everyone split...

But...

8~Mom drank it up some more

After all that..we finally set forth into our new year..

Welcome 2006

How I Spent My New Years Eve After Work...

2006-01-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

1~Met up with mom at Tux and Pucks party.(The local hockey teams NYE party)

2~Met up with her friends PJ and Harvey.

3~Watched mom get extremely excited about the game worn jersey she won in the after game auction.

This thing was soaking wet and smelled like..ugh..you don't even want to know.

I was very cool to watch her win it.

4~Watched mom buy champagne

5~Enjoyed the beautiful view

6~Watched kids breakdance I had no clue it was still so popular to breakdance. Whew, talk about flashback from my own childhood.

8~Watched love birds

9~Countdown to 2006..5..4..3..2..1.......

Then it was 2006...

How I Spent My New Years Eve At Work....

2006-01-02T23:01:00.000-08:00

My day at work consisted of...

1~going on a live shot...

Look Familiar!

2~watching Roxy attempt to make magic...

3~Looked at smog downtown from live site...ewww

4~Getting yelled at by firework stand #1 because we were "scaring away business"

HELLO! There was no one here when we arrived and you are right next door to another stand...freak!

5~Came back to the station and watched producer talk to fiance on phone.

mushy mushy

6~Watched anchor watch himself on web

zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

7~Listen to scanner row

I really need to learn law enforcement/fire scanner chatter...

8~Watched producer watch anchor watch himself on web

9~ Listen to more of this...

As you can tell, I lead a very unproductive, unexciting day. Please don't tell me I will ever go through a day like this again.

Wait...Who are you again???

2005-12-30T21:58:00.000-08:00

Ok...so I fudged up. First story~~ go to Republican Headquarters and get video and info of some guy running for judge..or something. I was already off to a bad start because I didn't know where the freaking headquarters were. Ugh, after calling my list 'o photogs, no help at all, I find it on my own. Walk in same time as other photog, look around and spot other photogs and some guy. All talking amongst themselves, I take it upon myself to butt in. I say " Hey, do you guys know where he is going to set up?". Innocent enough. I hear, "I will be setting up over there at that podium." Hmmm, feeling rather stupid I say, "Oh, aaaaa, ok." That anonymous man standing amongst the other photogs was the freaking guy that was running! Geezzz, how stupid can I be?!? Oh well, I'm sure worse will happen.

Weight Watchers here I come!!!

2005-12-29T10:12:00.000-08:00

Over the past several weeks I have been having an inner battle with myself. Should I go to Weight Watchers or should I just continue to be a squishy news photographer. I figure, being a news photographer requires some sort of fitness level...right?? Of course I mention that to the in shape guys I work with and a few from other stations and they say,"The only thing that needs to be in shape is your right shoulder, arm and hand." What?!?! Are they kidding me?!?! Shouldn't I be able to literally run around (with a camera and possibly sticks), shouldn't I be able to get up and down easily for those unique shots or to get out of the way (I don't really know where that one was going), shouldn't I be prepared to walk up numerous flights of stairs, or how about going up in a helicopter or airplane ( I know the pilot would take one look at me and say, "HELL NO".) anyway you can see this list growing quickly, right?

So, I did it! I went to my first weight watchers meeting last night. It was actually more entertaining than anything else. No to mention there was a girl there, right next to me, who I went to high school with. Ha!! You're not skinny anymore bee~atch! Ok, sorry I just had to release a bit there.

All I can say is, be on the look out for that new, hot, sexy, female news photographer in a town near you!!

Boring news times...

2005-12-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems that boring time has once again rolled around. Yesterday my first assignment was a live shot out near a fireworks stand. Don't light them in your house, don't take them into the city, it's dangerous, blah, blah, blah. Hmmm, and what do you suppose I did the day before. Well, my first assignment was to go to a fireworks stand and set up a live shot. Don't light them in your house, don't take them into the city, it's dangerous, blah, blah, blah. The same exact b.s. This is my first experience with a "boring news" period. I can already tell you...I DON'T LIKE IT.
I have been shooting now for a month and a half. I feel like that is more than enough practice time. I am ready for something big and challenging. It doesn't help that we only have one reporter at night. He very very very rarely picks me to go out with him. I can understand why but, come on already. I can't possibly suck that bad! Right?

A brief intro of me.....

2005-12-27T22:21:00.000-08:00

Hello, I am a 20 something, college grad, geocaching, Harry Potter fan, vinyl record loving, female news photographer.

I have been in the news business, a record, 3 years. I say a record because, I always knew that I never wanted to work in the news business. I even made it a point not to intern for one of the local stations. "Why bother!", I said to myself. However, when you are desperate for a job, know someone in the business, somewhat knowledgeable with some of the equipment, and there is a job opening...well....you know.

What was originally a part~time editing job has now blossomed into a full time News Photographer. And yes, I wanted to put some stress on NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER. I am not a cameraman. For one I am a woman....and two I am an "arteest". Ok, well that last one is stretching it but, I am trying my darndest. When I think cameraman I think studio camera operator, and that I am most certainly..... NOT!