Suit Up

I have been on a number of crime scenes, listened to victims stand up to fight for the innocent, sat across the table from Governors while trying to explain themselves from the latest issues, looked in the eyes of convicted killers while they were being carted off to prison, and scaled the side of one the largest college football stadiums. I have done alot here at the asylum but nothing could prepare me for this assignment. It was Wednesday. Just got back from shooting another press conference the noon news when the desk informs me that I had a shoot to get. I ask whats the assignment and the only word that I could comprehend was hoarder. Yes hoarder.

I've seen the show and it's one thing to see on an HD screen yet something else when you are up close and personal with it. Man how things got to this point I have no idea. The owner is blessed that family and the kindness of strangers are willing to help her. Don't think the trailer is salvageable. Hope I don't have to shoot this story again, don't know how those guy at A&E do this all the time.

Harry Potter & The Cup of Quidditch

In this installment of the World's Most Popular Wizard, Harry Potter knew that if he's going to find victory against the evil Voldemort he was going to need some help. With Hermione & the rest of Gryffindor dealing the Ravenclaw house, Harry has no choice but to turn the Academy of Quidditch. Young high school students with a simple dream of becoming renown spell casters while learning the magical game.

This is the closest I have been to J.K. Rowling's creation. Outside of that live shot a few years ago when the final book was released at midnight. I have not turned one page nor looked at one scene from the famous franchise. Although everyone keeps telling me that it's a good read. One of these days when I have some free time I'll give the story a try. Maybe when I get courthouse duty.

3 Alarm 3 Doors Down

It's one thing to be in the newsroom with one ear on the scanner while shuffling through a number of emails that have stockpiled into your mailbox. Then all of a sudden things really start getting crazy. First responders are mobilizing, mass chaos is ensuing, and you're listening for the location to grab some pictures for your next show. The voice starts to rattle off your next destination for the next hour and you say, "That a few blocks from our station." Such the case with the members of the French Quarter District down in New Orleans. You talk about being in the right place at the right time. It doesn't happen often but when it does, it makes for some good television.

In Front Of The Lens

It's no secret that photographers like their role behind the scenes. There's the occasional instance where we must lift off our cloak of anonymity to go in front of the lens. Take WLEX's Rob Cook for example. What was suppose to be another day of following the University of Kentucky basketball team turned into one incredible act by an ordinary citizen.

"The people inside were kicking the doors, the couldn't get them open, they were screaming for help,"

The help that was needed resulted from an accident that happen within eye shot of him. A car hits a retaining wall. The impact then starts a fire with the people trapped inside. Instead of reaching for his camera or waiting for help to arrive, he rushed over and did what he could to get the people out. What could have been a traffic fatality turned into a noble act of heroism from a guy who was only in town to follow the TV market's basketball team. I salute you Mr. Cook. Your story is much bigger than whoever cuts down the nets this weekend.

Bracket Busted

Another year, another chance of hope that I will win our annual March Madness office pool. You carefully do all the scouting you can on the elite teams invited to take place in one of the most watched sporting events of the year. You tell yourself this is it. You're already making plans on how the prize money will be spent, then reality hits.

The teams you pick are into free fall. The upsets are all over the place. And you can't help but notice because that phone app you downloaded just won't be quiet.

After all that you promise yourself that you aren't doing this again next year. You can't put yourself through this kind of torture. Then that voice in the back of your head reminds you there's always next year. Better start researching now.

Mystery of the Modern Historical Wiki

Normally when the Ways & Means to Make Television Interesting Committee is summoned to the Capitol there are going to long days in our future. After all we’re the committee that keeps everyone on their best behavior. However when the unusual, the weird, and the quirky decides to stroll through the halls of the rotunda then action must take place. There was no question that members of the Government Street & Highland Road districts would dwell into this latest mystery. And to think this is before we are called back into session, did you know?

The Madness Comes Early

Senator’s Log: February 19th and 20th, 2011. Saturday afternoon. The time warp of destruction and despair was just getting started. The scanners were just revving up what would be a very busy 48 hours. The spot news flood gates were coming open with the tide of human despair flowing onto the streets of The Big Raggedy. More flashing lights, an endless supply of crime tape, and the fancy cam with the fuzzy mic right in the middle of things. It started with a fire that turned into a homicide, a drowning in the outskirts of the area, a shooting near an upscale shopping staple, a fire that claimed the life of a resident, and an argument that ended with one losing their life. You know it was crazy when you see familiar faces of law enforcement hours after working a previous incident. Just glad things are somewhat getting quiet. Some want it just to be calm for a day, I’ll settle for a few hours.

To the person who coined the phrase, “If it bleeds it leads,” you my friend are a certified wacko. I really need a feature story to shot in the worst way. Good thing I have one in the works more on that in a later entry.