Susan Edwards 1976 - 2010

Susie, my prayers were with you then my prayers are with you & your family now. It saddens me that you are gone from this Earth but happy that you are taking your rightful place as one of God's Angels in Heaven. You have touched us all and we are grateful for the memories you gave us.

God Bless you Susie.

4 Days Left

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.

Oh well enough standing around, time to get those final gifts on my list then head to the post office.

Being Part Of The Story

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.

Turns out a lady, with some major issues in life, decided that she wanted to cause a disturbance at WSOC, the ABC affiliate in the city. She wanted to talk to someone from the station and was probably told no. Then it all escalated. She pulls out a gun, makes her way into the station, gets off a shot, then proceeds cause a stand off with law enforcement. We have all had to cover stand offs between police and somebody causing a stir but never do you think news of this nature would arrive on your door step. What happened at that instant only those there could fully tell this story.

Fortunately, everyone inside was able to get out and the situation came to a peaceful resolution.

Team Senator

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.

A New Christmas Classic?

Growing up as a kid I always looked forward to this time of the year. Getting the wish list ready to send to the North Pole. Hoping Santa would get me everything that I wanted. I also had great anticipation for the animated Christmas shows that would fill the television screen. The Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, Charlie Brown & Snoopy. But I always wondered besides leading Santa's Sleigh through the dense fog on Christmas Eve, what else could Rudolph's nose do?

Shock and Awe

Under normal circumstances a well organized press event with the leader of the State wouldn’t garner any type of reaction. However when fellow photographer Charles “Big Moo” Holmes, lower left of the photo, has a look of instant shock on his face then I could only wonder in the world is he looking at?

Is the President doing a run in on the proceedings after that snag with healthcare reform? Will more members of Congress have a throw down on C-Span? Did Les Miles eat some grass on the front lawn? That’s a cool chandelier on the ceiling do they have them at Lowe’s? What will the desk make me cover next? I let who hold the microphone and what do you mean she works at the other station? Will the cookie tray make another round? Did XRAY TED say something nice or even better will he just be quiet for once? The last one is highly unlikely yes I know.

One thing is for certain, you never know what you are going to get at one of these events. At least the scrum madness is toned down. And the event is inside for once. After all it is cold outside.

Snow Dome

This is just some amazing video out of the Twin Cities. The recent snow storms have been pounding the mid west for the past 72 hours. Record snowfall has almost brought the region to a standstill. Early Sunday morning so much snow rested on the roof of the Metrodome, home of the Minnesota Vikings, and tore a hole in the inflatable roof.

The video looks likes it's green screen but definitely the real deal. Once again Mother Nature adds another notch to her belt with severe damage to indoor stadiums, remember the Louisiana Superdome, the Georgia Dome (Atlanta, GA), and Reliant Stadium (Houston, TX). Just thankful no one was inside.

What The !!!!!

I know I’m a little late with this but I have to ask…

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.

Wreaths Across America

Anyone who knows me knows that I have must respect and love for the men and women in the Armed Forces. Without them the way of life we have in this country wouldn’t be possible. Usually the holidays are a reminder of what they have to give up protecting us. Some came to the warm hugs of family while others gave the ultimate sacrifice. It’s is ceremony’s like this one that show their efforts were not in vain.

That and simply saying thank you. Thank you for what you do for us.