Another year, another round of Christmas shopping to do however this year is different. I managed to get a majority of it do well before the upcoming. Just have to pick up a few little things for the easy people to shop for. While most like the rush and thrill of waiting the last minute I try to avoid it by any means at my disposal. Being surrounded by masses of people who haven’t gotten started yet isn’t my idea of a good time but it does make for some decent television. Just have a feeling that I’ll be here on Friday getting the final moments of the Christmas Rush. I’m just thankful for the internet and free shipping.
It is one thing to go and get the news. Feature, Investigative, Spot News it doesn't matter. In our line of work it is up to us to inform the viewer what is going on in and around their community. However it is not often that we become part of the story. Last time this happened to some of peers it was 2005, the year Katrina hit the region. Sadly it has happened again this time in Charlotte, North Carolina. 
Senator’s Log: Saturday, December 18th 4:15pm. It’s the week before Christmas and it has been a long day. Being the only photographer in the shop while dealing with an assignment sheet longer than a spoiled child’s wish list for Santa can drain you real fast. However my duties weren’t finished just yet. Turns out that I had to visit a near infinite number of screaming girls willing to put aside their last minute shopping as well as their significant others for a chance to fall in love all over again with the most famous vampires & werewolves in the modern era.
Really it was a chance to meet more of the stars from the famous Twilight movie series. Yes, the stars from that movie. Since they have become citizens of the area, happens when a multi billion dollar franchise is being filmed in your backyard, there are a number of appearances for the cast to meet and greet their die hard fans. And when I say fans, I mean these are some serious fans. Naturally some are from our viewing. Some really went the distance to make this one worth it. We are talking trips made from Mississippi, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Paris. Yes I said Paris. No not Texas, the place where they speak French and have the iconic tower. All of them who were ready to brave the elements for up to three maybe four hours just for a glimpse, and if they were really fortunate, or an autograph from the members of Team Edward and Team Jacob. Yeah, I had to ask about the names also since I’ve never watched any of the movies. You wouldn't believe how much heat I was taking because of this revelation of not participating in this version of pop culture.
However I was surprised that Jackson Rathbone, plays Jasper in the movies, recognized me and the fancy cam. Had to shoot his bands performance at the State Fair in October. Even though he got all the fame, fortune, waves & waves of screaming girls; he’s a real down to earth guy and doesn’t let all of the hype get to him. Sure it’s good to be noticed from time to time but it does helps that you have fuzzy mic on your camera also. May have to watch the movies to see what everything is all about.
What is this thing??????
The info is real sketchy with. All I know that it was supposedly taken in Berwick, Louisiana off a deer stand and is making its way across the internet. I contacted Molder & Scully and the Men In Black with no success. They were just as lost as I was. The MIB’s are now working to contain the situation with Neuralizers in hand. Is it the missing link? Is this the biggest thing since the vast stories involving the Loch Ness Monster? Who knows?
I wonder if my peeps over at The 13th Gate know about this. Now if I can just get you to look at this flashy blue thing.
To some fire is life. Its warmth provides comfort. Its heat can help provide nourishment. Its light can help provide hope. It is passion. It is something worth having. It is something that can be loss without hesitation.
There is just one problem. The last three times I have been in the vicinity of Tiger Stadium the outcomes were less than desirable. The UGA’s came in and blasted them, the Gators Tebow'd them, and the first time the previous coach, now wearing Crimson, came for a visit and walked away with a win. Leaving the Tiger faithful crying like a brides jilted on their wedding day. Heck I won’t even mention that obsessive Georgia fan’s liking to Mike the Tiger, God knows what twisted things were going through her mind that day. This was going to be different. This was going to be a good day for the Senator and all of the loyal followers. This would be the day that the White Hat will lead the troops on the gridiron then put together a dominate effort against the hated rivals from Oxford and exorcise the curse placed upon them by the Reverend Houston Nutt.
Then I realized that is not going to happen. This is the Mad Hatter. He has a modus operandi of keeping fans on the edge of their seat. He’s been doing this since 2005 should we expect anything else. I mean what’s the big deal it’s just another day at the office for the White Hat. While people claim that he is crazy one thing is usually on point…HE KEEPS ON WINNING! Quite frankly it baffles the mind of fact, logic, and what in the world is going on here. Granted they aren’t pretty wins but they aren't stacking the loss column either. Anyway I digress.
As for me, I’m just glad that losing skid is finally put to rest. Last one of out of Death Valley, please turn off the lights. Won’t need the place again until 2011, did you know?
This is where fellow photographer Big Easy photographer Jim Pennison comes in. Always willing to try out new techniques to make every story that comes across the eye of his lens better. Even though the shots are nicely compose, the sound is incredible, the sequences are masterful he is always willing to add another dimension to his craft. In the world of fast pace newscasts, he and reporter Shelley Brown get the unique assignment of profiling a local dance group that is more than meets the eye to the peeps down in NOLA. Never afraid to try something new he once again raises his standards to provide quality television in the world. All while telling those who wonder of his methods...
From the time when JFK was hard at work and a little visitor peeked out the front of the kneehole panel in the the desk.
To a trio of Commanders In Chief sharing a story in the Oval Office before the next historic event was to happen.
Our brave hero, armed with only a camera & a fuzzy microphone, was ready to brave the controlled madness that the nation's top haunted attraction would bring. As he ventured through the hall of mirrors he thinks of those who were with him last time and wishes they joined him for this latest installment. He wonders will that figure's reflection jump out and ask about the dust wand on the camera. Who knows what unforseen horrors were ready to pop in front of the lens. One thing is for certain, it's stories like this that get your blood pumping. Until it is time for the other monsters to scare the daylights out of you.
A chance for the innocent to change the perception of the area known for flashing lights and yellow crime tape filling the evening sky. First order of business is to change the look. Picking up the trash, cleaning the empty lots, and getting rid of the abandoned & blighted property. That is only the foundation and hopefully those who care can build on it. And those who care can recruit more to join their venture. Just hope I’m around to see the finished work and put that on television as well.
Where were you on September 11, 2001? Me? I was at home getting ready for work. For some strange reason I got up early and turned on the tube. I see a breaking news banner that a fire was going on in the World Trade center. Knowing no better I figure that they would have that thing under control. Knowing no better I had no idea that a group fueled by raged and hatred to our country had launched an attack that would define this generation.
winds. I had to really watch myself out there. Trying to keep upright while making sure nothing was going to fly out of nowhere and knock upside my noggin. Once the shots were done it was time to carefully navigate area to see who else riding out the storm. A local hotel provided the backdrop. Some residents were scared but they were ready as they could be. Pretty much another day in Louisiana’s Fifth Season, or we thought. After the winds died down we headed into the city, I noticed the water from Lake Ponchatrain was higher than normal. I paid it no mind, just had a storm roll through the area. As we drove down the interstate that’s when it hit me. The interstate was turned into a boat launch. The water was everywhere as far as my eyes and lens could see. Word was coming in that some of the levee systems were failing. Hell’s floodgates had opened and the water emendated the city.
In our business our objective to capture the attention of the viewer at home. We look to draw out some reaction to the events that influence our day to day lives. Some stories tell themselves. Others require a little digging through pages and pages of files then asking those involved how did this happen. Then there are some of the off the wall stories that leave you scratching your head. The ones where you ask yourself, “Did that just happen”? That is when we look to the services of the one only Rick Portier. Part time writer, full time journalist, and leader of the Tactical Urban Response Division, or as we like to call T.U.R.D. Never one to shy away from getting his hands, and lens, dirty to venture in the depths of the unknown to bring back the who, where, why, and what in the world are you doing of a story. His humble beginnings are what legends in journalism are made of and his stories are ones that will certainly be the topic of conversation at water coolers across the area.
That brings me to a group of cyclists I stumbled upon on Sunday in The Feliciana’s. Braving some near extreme conditions I end up working on a story with some peeps known as Cycling for Change. A team of diverse individuals willing to go and a 5,000 mile cross country trek to for what you ask? Try poverty. That’s right poverty. An issue that is rarely mentioned that affects 13% of the country’s population, and this was before the turbulent economy. So now while braving the elements their goal is to bring awareness to the situation, galvanize American ingenuity, and slap poverty right in the face. It’s a daunting task but one that can be accomplished with time, faith, and due diligence.
Now faced with another leap, she jumped and landed into another opportunity closer to home. Willing to trade gumbo for chowder, she now leaves the halls of the asylum for a new sports job over at WJAR. Erin we had a lot fun and you were a blessing to work with. My dare for you is to continue what will be an excellent career in broadcasting, did you know?
How do you pay tribute to a hero? You can shower them with respect. You can tell them that, “We like what you are doing. You have us behind you.” You can simply tell them thank you. Or you can go hit the diamond and play a friendly game of softball. If you are one Jacques Doucet that is what you do.
For the better part of a decade, Jacques & his friends have been spending their summer with a friendly game of softball with the neighborhood crowd over some Cajun food and few cold ones to wash it down. However lately he decided to take the game and transform it into a must attend event that is pure entertainment for the family, minus the adult cold ones of course. Using his fame garnered from years of television exposure and recent contacts gained from a recent trip to the west coast, Doucet has managed to pull off a first for his tournament.
For the past 234 years, we as a nation have come together to celebrate our independence from the rule of the United Kingdom through a war of immense importance and a document with the signatures of some of the founding fathers in United States history.
king television at the Ocho. However, by chance if you have been watching any of the World Cup you are witnessing some serious drama originating from South Africa. France falling apart in front of the world to see, the United States making an improbable run, & the Germany taking England behind the wood shed for a serious butt kicking. However nothing could prepare me would what was about to happen. It was Argentina verses Mexico. Two hated rivals waging another contest for supermacy
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Senator’s Log: May 30, 2010. In years past Memorial Day weekend would be quiet. Not much is happening in Baton Rouge. This place is a virtual ghost town with everyone heading to some beach resort, not the case now with that black plume in the Gulf. Producers in the newsroom are hard pressed to find something to fill time in the shows besides the usual holiday travel and boat safety story, the latter did happen and with great consequences. However this weekend was a little different. Actually it was a couple of years in the making. The promoters of Jazz Fest, down in the Big Easy, decided to roll the dice and put on a similar event in the Red Stick but this time they went with Country Music. So the brains got together pooling their intellectual resources to create the inaugural Bayou Country Superfest. Granted Louisiana is known for its wide range of musical genera that has livened up most dance floors. There’s Zydeco over in the Acadianas, New Orleans has a reputation for some of the best Jazz Music in the world, and even Baton Rouge has spawned a Blues music following. However, Country music in South Louisiana? Will it work?.jpg)
will come?” Hey it worked in Field of Dreams. Thousands of people from 43 states and three countries descended on the Red Stick to catch some of Country Music’s biggest stars. Naturally with an event of this magnitude within striking distance of the asylum we had to go and cover it. Just one minor detail, Country Music just isn’t my style and I had no clue what I was getting into. It isn’t every day I am thrown into the unknown, wait that is what happens to me during the week. Don’t get me wrong I knew some performers like Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, and Keith Urban. Thankfully my girl Taylor was there to point me in the right direction and get a picture of me in all of the excitement. Yeah Taylor. No not the one who was interrupted by Kayne during the awards show although she will be a well known sports reporter one day. With an all star line up performing over 14 hours of their greatest hits I was to roll off about four minutes of video. Hey, can’t afford the rights to play all of these songs surprised I was able to get that much.
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to have the day off for their birthday. Yes the sun is out, a few clouds are in the sky, and the heat is turning up but you still want to sit back, reflect, and then celebrate life. Unfortunately my birthday comes during one of the busiest times of the year. Granted I have been close a couple of times however news doesn’t stop even on the day you were given life.
Characters from some of my favorite movies are in the Red Stick. Leaping off the big screen into the newscast while promoting their upcoming concert. Anakin, Leia, and a couple of Republic Troops took some time to entertain the crowd and bring back memories of the time I first saw the Death Star get blown up. We all wanted an X Wing Fighter to fly in. As I stand shoulder to shoulder with these guys, I can’t help but think that the role of Jedi Knight and Photographer are one in the same. The constant training and use of ideas to better ourselves. The daily traveling from one side of the world to other. Not to mention the use of Mind Tricks to help tell stories to fill the newscasts. Don’t think we’ll ever get to use Lightsabers. Shotgun mics with fuzzy windscreens is the best I am going to do.
Famous words from Capt. Jean Luc Picard. Yeah I know he is fictional but you cannot help but smile when The Meeks gets his hands on the dry markers. Nothing like a laugh to break the ice on the first day of the sweeps book. 
And yeah, I know it was just one octopus but octopi just sounded cooler, did you know? 
When I tell people that I shoot the news for television the usual response I get is that you must see a lot. They have no idea. Lately the video of the day have been shootings, fatal traumas, and more shootings. The backdrop has consisted of flashing lights, hysterical citizens, and a whole lot of yellow crime tape. Today was no different. After filling more than the allotted time in the A block, I’m sent over to the Red Stick’s latest causality. It’s a neighborhood on the eastern part of the city, one that hasn’t seen any kind of criminal activity in a while until now. However, mass quantities of violent behavior have been the norm here. I roll up to the scene, break out the fancy cam and get some pictures. Police surveying the area, CSI is collecting evidence, and residents’ wondering what in the world is going on. My thoughts the world is going to hell in a hand basket. There is more concern for materialistic things than human life. There are people who want to inflict their lost will without regard for others. There is not enough compassion on the planet.
Those of us who are in the business know that the camera, much like a Jedi’s Lightsaber, it is an extension of ourselves. For example, take a look the camera pictured below. It is a number of stories that were captured during the years on the job. It’s the places that one has been to over time. It is the number of interesting people that stood in front of the lens while trying to avoid troublesome lens flare. It’s emotion good and bad. It’s what stands us out during large gatherings. However, it does make is us a target for some pent up frustration by unexpected schmucks in the world.
That camera up top belongs to my friend Robert, who handles some sports duties down in the Big Easy. Did you figure out where he got some of his badges of honor? Next time you run into him just ask what’s he has been up to in the sports world. I’m sure he has some interesting stories to share with you. 
Something I learned while getting the news is that if all else fails...improvise. There is never a perfect sitution to this. You will have to encounter some obstalce that will add an some gray hairs to you head. Whether it's a broken bulb in the light during the interview, the IFB dropping out before the shot, or carting the audio somewhere other than the booth. You have to try to be prepared for any and everything. Never hurts to have your improtu audio set up ready to go on Capital Hill. Never know when some lawmaker is going to go on a rant when it's time to edit for the news.
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