Cooking At The Raggedy

Everyone knows the talent of those who call the Big Raggedy home. From month long investigative stories to nat sound pieces that leave the viewers wanting more. You name it we’ve done it. However, take unrefined ability to the world of culinary arts. No problem. Turns out there was a little cooking segment where anyone within the wall of the asylum could showcase their unique taste for food for the noon show and my peeps didn’t disappoint. C-Line shared her recipe for “Haystacks”, a dish made famous by her family gatherings during the holidays. Then The Meeks decided to fire up the grill for his mouth watering Chicken Piccata. I had this one and trust me it is good. Hell even our producers are getting in on the act. With all of these dishes I wonder if the Raggedy can get on the Food Network. Or at least get a new cook book on the shelves.

The Funniest Time of the Year

What do you get when you put a couple of crazy dudes, a lot of time, and a ton of hilarious out takes and bloopers? You get the most anticipated showing since James Cameron’s Avatar. Only we didn’t have $300 million to play with. The final weekend of 2009 was the perfect time to unveil the annual Christmas Tape and man did it live up to expectations. This the ultimate gift for all of us in the newsroom. We cover so much stuff during the year that this is a good way to unwind, cut loose and share some sidesplitting laughs.

A lot of work and time went into this masterpiece. Meeks came up with some great skits and I had to shuttle through the funniest moments of the year. Live shots, tongue twisters, off the wall interviews you name it we got it into this year's show. In addition to the shooting, the writing, & the late night edits while keeping things under wrap, we went for shock & awe this year.

It was all worth it to see the smiles on everyone’s face. Now that we have walked the red carpet and partake in some quality fun, time to take some time off then get ready for next year’s feature. Who knows what insane idea we will come up with next?

Tricks After Treats

You never know what can happen on Halloween, especially when the moon is full and unforeseen madness can run about on the streets of the Red Stick. It was after a small gathering of the peeps when it happened. A call comes into the newsroom the voice on the other asks what’s going on East Blvd...

As the wheels start to roll in my head I know that at this time of night, along with an extra hour of darkness, this couldn’t be good. Unfortunately, there’s no time to change out of my costume. I just hope I’m taken seriously at the mayhem since the rest of the masked ones are partying the night away. So as I pull up to the scene you would think that CSI had a location shoot.

I’m met with a long stretch of yellow tape, a bunch of markers with the alphabet, and more flashing lights than a Christmas display. Someone decided to fire off some rounds at one of the guys wearing the badge, not a good idea. Thankfully, he’s going to be all right. Too bad, I can’t say the same once the shooter is caught. While being hit with a blast of chilled air I got to thinking about the treats from earlier in the evening.

I was thinking about the Comic, the Cop, and the Champ strolling downtown hanging out with the masses. I was remembering how people would come up to guess who you were, complement the attire, and ask may I take a picture with you. To most Halloween is the second most anticipated holiday on the calendar year. Think about it for a minute. You don’t have to do much traveling. The relatives aren’t dying, no pun intended, to see you. The only requirement is to get a costume. It’s the only holiday where looking strange is completely normal. The time where oddities are accepted by all. The night where complete strangers all share similar views by being something that will catch someone’s eye. There is nothing like letting your imagination come out while having a fun time with the peeps. Halloween is a unique holiday, can’t wait to celebrate next year. Minus the after hour madness, did you know?