Wednesday, April 30, 2008

The Taste of Success

Who says there isn't life after TV. The gentlemen holding the over sized scissors is Willie Porter. The new Manager of the one of the Pelican State Credit Union branches. I remember Willie while at the Big Raggedy being a part of the studio crew. Working odd hours, trucking cameras for a key shot while hoping the red light didn't come one during the set up. Dishing out time ques to make sure on set interviews didn't go to long. And he did it with a smile on face.
Now he and his staff are helping people with their financial needs. Whether it's a savings account or ways to invest their hard earned money. I may have to give them a call.
Not only is there life after TV but it has Banker's hours and a better paycheck. Congratulations Willie.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Bowling Off Steam

Two days into May Sweeps and we're off to a bang. Traveling to the ends of the state, doing dog lick live shots in front of expensive gas stations, trolling through the Phallus Palace, getting rides on motorcycles, fighting of protectors of the Golden One, and helping people find money in unlikely places ... it was time for the members of the Big Raggedy to to take a break. To quote Al Bundy, "Let's Bowl."
One of the stackers had a birthday hoot nanny and invited everyone to come and bowl. We could use some good time away from the asylum. I got there to late to play but watching my peeps throwing weighted spheres to topple over mindless wooden pins was quite enjoyable.

I see XRAY TED is about to bowl a strike.


I wonder who's winning? Who's cares.

That looks like a strike. I wonder who threw it?

It's the Nubian Princess. She gonna bowl a strike, I think.


She came close. I think XRAY TED may have something to do with this. At least she's enjoying herself, but she's going to hit him with the ball one of these days. We'll have to do this again sometime. Next time I'll show up early but I hope they have shoes in my size.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

The "S" Word Is Back

It's that time of the year again. Where any and everything is thought up to reel in the unsuspected watchers of the big glowing box in the family room. Yes, it's time for Sweeps once again. And with that comes you guessed it ... the dreaded live shot. Don't get me wrong, live shots are a necessity but when it feels like summer in April it's one thing that I can do without.And to compound the fact the we couldn't get the Live Shot Prohibition Act passed, we loss by a few votes, my trusted Fuzzy & I had to sweat it out at a local gas station hoping that no one hits us while at the Petro Oasis. The prices will cause you to do a double take these days.At least the Nubian Princess came along for the ride. Now to help fill 1:30 and call it day.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Spike

As the final games at Alex Box are played out, I happen to run into an old friend of mine.It's former lenser and Big Raggedy alum, John "Spike" Conley. I really don't know how he got the name "Spike" you'll have to ask him. Spike is one of the more talented photographers that I've ever met. He could take just about anything and turn it into a good story. There're a lot of people who have helped me grow in the business and Spike is one of my favorites. He would tell me if you can see then find a way to hear it. If it meant using your wireless mic from a distance or your shotgun mic at close range he would come back with great sound for the story.
Now he's manning a much larger lens usually involving some College or Pro Sports event. So if your watching the broadcast and you see a deep fly ball clearing the fences then Spike's the one behind the camera. So for old time's sake this one's for you.


Who's Coming????

When the suits ask you certain questions like, "What's you middle name?" or "Do you know who Jenna Jameson is?", someone important is coming to town. So who is it? The V.P.? Condi? Is it Jenna???

Nah!!! Just President Bush touching down in the B.R. Talk about getting my hopes up. Turns out "W" was in town for a private fundraiser for some candidate running for the U.S. Senate. Undisclosed location, cost to get in $2,000 per couple. Wait a minute, 2k to hang out with him. Aren't we in a recession? You can just watch him on the Late Show for free.

This is about as close as me and my fellow lensers are going to get. I do have some important questions for the President. Like where's the stimulus money? You keep saying America is strong but where are the checks????

At least I got a cool picture in front of my plane I mean Air Force One. Who's knows maybe one day I'll be flying around in AF1 with the Fuzzy Mic. Maybe not I hear they have to wear a suit all the time.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

The 9pm Cometh

With a blank trip to Hammond out of the way, don't ask why we were there, the 10pm producer flashes the Bat Signal. "It going to get crazy soon but we would like a live look in from the post office for the last minute tax filing". So I climb into the White Whale head off. This is going to be easy.Nothing like pulling out you chair, reading a nice book....
.... then watching the endless number of people clinging on to the last bit of money hoping that the feds give them something back. Why go through this every year?
Do what I do. I've got people. I know I'm not getting anything back. Stuff was filed early, so no worries what so ever.
I remember her from last year. Lady would you like to meet my peeps. I have those that take care of the mathematical nightmare known as the Federal and State Tax code. Oh well, breaks over. Time to get the shot ready. Then there is something ringing in my ear. It's the "Hobbit" producer of the 9. He has a special request of me.

I'm noticing a trend here. First they got the Turdpolisher last year doing this. Now me. So my fellow lens junkies who visit the blogosphere. Be afraid, be very afraid when the 9pm cometh.

Monday, April 7, 2008

I'm All Right.

What's up everyone. Sorry I haven't been blogging lately. I'm working on something special should be ready next week. Also I want to thank the Turdpolisher for keeping watch on Pookie and the gang until I get back. So for now take care, be safe, and C-Line vote me yes at the Capital.

Sen. R. Hollins
Government Street District

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

I Just Have to Ask.....

.....do we look alike???? I go to the store to get something to drink. I run into the store manager, nice lady. We talk a little while and I leave she says, "Bye Greg, love the show". Now I know what you are thinking, "Senator, it's just a case of mistaken identity". Maybe. However I'm not on TV. I just make the talent look good. I'm a couple of inches taller than him & I have been dropping a little weight but it keeps finding me. So I ask, do we look alike??????