Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Hot Messes Watch A Kid
Don't think I'll be baby-sitting for Brandy anytime soon. David and I joined forces to watch little Henry last night, while his Mom and Dad went out to eat. What could go wrong in the span of 2 hours with Henry fast asleep? Everything. David got locked out of the apartment, we lost one of their cats, I had to retrieve the cat from downstairs neighbor, and I got locked out on the roof. Normally not this irresponsible - but we had been drinking Blue Steels at the Duplex all day.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Vroom, Vroom!
At work. Indy 500 is on hold because of rain. We have a reporter there.
I'm watching ABC's coverage of the race, and while officials are waiting to see if the rain will stop - the network is filling time talking to some of the drivers.
Man - why haven't I got into the Indy until now? All the drivers are super cute!
Talk about starting someone's engine!
I'm watching ABC's coverage of the race, and while officials are waiting to see if the rain will stop - the network is filling time talking to some of the drivers.
Man - why haven't I got into the Indy until now? All the drivers are super cute!
Talk about starting someone's engine!
Boys DO Make Passes At Girls Who Wear Glasses!
Just bought some new glasses, and since the whole pink eye-ogre fiasco - I've decided to give my eyeballs a break from contacts and wear the frames more. Well, besides giving the appearance that my IQ has shot up a solid 20 points, it's also apparently made me quite fetching. While out last night - doing really nothing special except hitting some neighbhorhood bars - I was paid 5 compliments from different fellas. I'm now contemplating buying like 8 different frames.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Wake Up Call
Thursday morning was interesting.
Rubbed open my sleepy eyes at 9:01am. Guess what time I was supposed to be at work? You got it - 9:00am. The instant dread and subsequent crazy-get-ready-don't-forget-to-brush-teeth-oh-man-I'm-not-going-to-be-able-to-get-a-cab-realization mode is such a nightmare.. but not as nightmarish as how I greeted the day...
I woke up fully clothed - a jacket and heels still on. I also had apparently woken up at some point in the night and emptied the ENTIRE contents of my purse and put the various items in my laundry basket. I have no idea why I did this, but I do know that Vodka is responsible.
Let me take you back to Wednesday night. As you may recall, I had a date with yummy Italian. Well, on the way to date - Heather calls me from a uber-hip bar in the Meatpacking District and informs me that her financial firm has rented an outside courtyard at the Gansevoort Hotel and drinks are free. I'm also heading toward my Cannoli date in the Meatpacking District (self-awarded points for using Cannoli and Meatpacking in the same sentence!) - so I swing by to see Heather and have a quick drink to calm dating nerves. I down 2 Stoli/sodas - get an encouraging hug from Heather who's knee deep into her Martini - and head to the SoHo House.
I meet Gianclaudio outside - and we head up to the rooftop... made famous by the 'Sex and the City' episode where Samantha pretends she's a member. Anyway, Gianclaudio and I hang by the pool on a lovely night, with Fleet Week fireworks in full view - and I down 2 more Stoli/sodas. At this point in the night, it's becoming clear that my date wants to find out more about my job than about me. Awesome.
In the past, when I have dated someone in my business, it's never good. They either like the fact that I work for a news network more than they like me - or they want to find out how they can get into a news network. It's all really poor dating form - which is why I rarely date anyone in the news industry anymore. That and the constant ego-stroking if they're on-air. So Ciao Caro, Gianclaudio!
After SoHo date, I head back to meet up with Heather - who's still raiding the Martini Machine at Ono. She's now spinning like a dradle - and I'm happy to be reunited with my silly friend. Her boyfriend has joined us, mostly to protect her from embarrassing herself in front of workmates. I, however, had no boyfriend to rescue me, and embarrassed myself for the both of us - by getting into an inappropriate conversation with the chief partner of her firm. Think Bridget Jones dinner party inapproriate... and yeah - you get it...
Heather had drank about 8 martinis at this point, and her boyfriend definitely wanted some alone time with his star - so he dragged her away from the bar - but not before she slipped a drink-all-night-for-free armband on my wrist! I proceeded to drink the rest of the night with Heather's colleagues... and I'm told I kept introducing myself to the same people. I'm such a dweeb.
I also met the Director of the movie Johnny Montana. I know this only because while fishing my wallet and lipsticks out of my laundry basket - I found a business card from the Director of Johnny Montana. I googled the guy, and yep - that jogged my memory. Guy Here.
Rubbed open my sleepy eyes at 9:01am. Guess what time I was supposed to be at work? You got it - 9:00am. The instant dread and subsequent crazy-get-ready-don't-forget-to-brush-teeth-oh-man-I'm-not-going-to-be-able-to-get-a-cab-realization mode is such a nightmare.. but not as nightmarish as how I greeted the day...
I woke up fully clothed - a jacket and heels still on. I also had apparently woken up at some point in the night and emptied the ENTIRE contents of my purse and put the various items in my laundry basket. I have no idea why I did this, but I do know that Vodka is responsible.
Let me take you back to Wednesday night. As you may recall, I had a date with yummy Italian. Well, on the way to date - Heather calls me from a uber-hip bar in the Meatpacking District and informs me that her financial firm has rented an outside courtyard at the Gansevoort Hotel and drinks are free. I'm also heading toward my Cannoli date in the Meatpacking District (self-awarded points for using Cannoli and Meatpacking in the same sentence!) - so I swing by to see Heather and have a quick drink to calm dating nerves. I down 2 Stoli/sodas - get an encouraging hug from Heather who's knee deep into her Martini - and head to the SoHo House.
I meet Gianclaudio outside - and we head up to the rooftop... made famous by the 'Sex and the City' episode where Samantha pretends she's a member. Anyway, Gianclaudio and I hang by the pool on a lovely night, with Fleet Week fireworks in full view - and I down 2 more Stoli/sodas. At this point in the night, it's becoming clear that my date wants to find out more about my job than about me. Awesome.
In the past, when I have dated someone in my business, it's never good. They either like the fact that I work for a news network more than they like me - or they want to find out how they can get into a news network. It's all really poor dating form - which is why I rarely date anyone in the news industry anymore. That and the constant ego-stroking if they're on-air. So Ciao Caro, Gianclaudio!
After SoHo date, I head back to meet up with Heather - who's still raiding the Martini Machine at Ono. She's now spinning like a dradle - and I'm happy to be reunited with my silly friend. Her boyfriend has joined us, mostly to protect her from embarrassing herself in front of workmates. I, however, had no boyfriend to rescue me, and embarrassed myself for the both of us - by getting into an inappropriate conversation with the chief partner of her firm. Think Bridget Jones dinner party inapproriate... and yeah - you get it...
Heather had drank about 8 martinis at this point, and her boyfriend definitely wanted some alone time with his star - so he dragged her away from the bar - but not before she slipped a drink-all-night-for-free armband on my wrist! I proceeded to drink the rest of the night with Heather's colleagues... and I'm told I kept introducing myself to the same people. I'm such a dweeb.
I also met the Director of the movie Johnny Montana. I know this only because while fishing my wallet and lipsticks out of my laundry basket - I found a business card from the Director of Johnny Montana. I googled the guy, and yep - that jogged my memory. Guy Here.
Jaw-Dropping Goodness
Saw Joey McIntyre the other day. He walked by Daniela and me - as we lunched across from Lincoln Center. I fell in love with him all over again - especially since he ditched the rest of the New Kids.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Evidence A
Well - as predicted, The Bachelor Andy waltzed away with Tessa on his arm - solidifying that men only want to commit to women who play aloof/unsure/hard-to-read/hard-to-get/disinterested. 'Nuff said.
Italy in 3D!
Tonight, it's a date at SoHo House with yummy Gianclaudio from Italian TV. I'm so excited, I may just have to sidle up to the cosmetics counter at Macy's for a glammed-up face before I go! Yeah, I'm sometimes really cheap...
Messed Up In the Morning
You know you're stressed out on a punishing schedule when it's 5am and - as you get ready for work - you spray Downy 'Wrinkle Release' in your hair. You know you're really messed up when you realize it's not hair detangler, but keep spraying away.
Countdown
In exactly one week, I'll be bound for Europe! Besides fun and fantastic - two other words come to mind: DUTY FREE!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Blind Spot
After not wearing contacts for 2 days, I can now say I'm officially blind. Seriously, I went across the street yesterday to grab a sandwich - and I couldn't even make out the crosswalk sign. Didn't know my eyesight was this bad. Laser eye surgery is coming into focus more and more these days...
Monday, May 21, 2007
Megan & Me
Yesterday, even though I was out sick from work with a big ol' red eye - Alex insisted I not spend the day banished to my apartment. On a brunch jaunt, we stumbled on to the International Food Festival - which went for a mile up 9th Ave. We walked and people gawked, before scoring an outside table at Arriba, Arriba. Over margaritas, we met a group of interesting people - many of whom worked for The Travel Channel.
The highlight was that I had a massive conversation with Megan McCormick of PBS' GlobeTrekker. She and Ian are my favorite hosts - so we gabbed and gabbed about her life, where she lives in NYC when she's not travelling, etc... She asked for my number when she was getting ready to leave. Now I'm totally wanting Megan to call - it's kind of like when you really hit it off with a guy, he gets your number, and you pray for him to call. Yeah, kinda completely girly pathetic.
The highlight was that I had a massive conversation with Megan McCormick of PBS' GlobeTrekker. She and Ian are my favorite hosts - so we gabbed and gabbed about her life, where she lives in NYC when she's not travelling, etc... She asked for my number when she was getting ready to leave. Now I'm totally wanting Megan to call - it's kind of like when you really hit it off with a guy, he gets your number, and you pray for him to call. Yeah, kinda completely girly pathetic.
Ogre
I'm hideous. I'm an ogre. I'm in the 7th grade all over again. I have pink eye. It isn't pretty, and highly contagious. Stay away!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
This is Gonna Come off Heartless...
Yesterday - 2 big Alzheimer's stories in the news. One and the most controversial - a Florida nursing home facility wants to implant electronic monitoring chips in its Alzheimer's residents. The other story - that simple cognitive tests can determine whether a person will develop Alzeheimer's. Both pretty big news. So I call the Alzheimer's Association at 10am looking for an interview on one or both stories. At 1pm, I play email tag. At 3pm, I leave empty-handed. Yep, it appears the Alzheimer's Association actually forgot about me.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
How Ya Feelin'?
I realize that a sick call really screws up a newsroom. I realize it throws some people into a tizzy trying to line up freelancers to replace. I also realize that I'm entitled to 10 sick days a year - and if I'm sick, don't make me feel guilty about taking one. After all, I'm abused enough by a sporadic schedule.
The only thing worse than the reaction to the sick call is when I come back to the newsroom and I'm met with a chorus of "How ya feelin?" and "Why were you sick?" If they really want to know, I can pull out a 5th grade "what happens to girls' bodies once-a-month" diagram. Really, don't ask... unless you really want to know.
The only thing worse than the reaction to the sick call is when I come back to the newsroom and I'm met with a chorus of "How ya feelin?" and "Why were you sick?" If they really want to know, I can pull out a 5th grade "what happens to girls' bodies once-a-month" diagram. Really, don't ask... unless you really want to know.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Loud French
LOUD
Taking advantage of the awesome weather - and days off of work - Daniela and I decided to eat lunch street-side at Sarabeth's on the UWS. The place was packed, but we did end up scooping one of the five outside tables. A lovely lunch until a middleaged couple sat next to us. As we gabbed, the woman says to Daniela, "Excuse me, could I ask you to please lower your voice?" I was shocked, and pissed - and I half-wanted to turn to the woman and say, "Can I ask you to turn down your outfit?" because the shade of bright turquois was as damaging as the sun and I didn't have any SPF that could protect me from that mess. As we left, Daniela said under her breath, "I hope you choke on your lunch." She's all class. We spent the rest of the afternoon combating strollers, and elbowing people through stores. Not really relaxing.
AU REVOIR
I broke things off with Frenchy last night, in a really nice way I might add - and he was so pissed at me upon parting that he actually said, "Well, I wouldn't want to date you long-term anyway, because you're a smoker and I don't date smokers." I was like - what?? Nice table-turning, buddy - and you're from FRANCE - where Le Phillipe Morriset is eating a beignet at any sidwalk cafe. Anyway, Frenchy's become The Patch for me. Or The Jerk. I "netted" a real loser. Story of my life.
Taking advantage of the awesome weather - and days off of work - Daniela and I decided to eat lunch street-side at Sarabeth's on the UWS. The place was packed, but we did end up scooping one of the five outside tables. A lovely lunch until a middleaged couple sat next to us. As we gabbed, the woman says to Daniela, "Excuse me, could I ask you to please lower your voice?" I was shocked, and pissed - and I half-wanted to turn to the woman and say, "Can I ask you to turn down your outfit?" because the shade of bright turquois was as damaging as the sun and I didn't have any SPF that could protect me from that mess. As we left, Daniela said under her breath, "I hope you choke on your lunch." She's all class. We spent the rest of the afternoon combating strollers, and elbowing people through stores. Not really relaxing.
AU REVOIR
I broke things off with Frenchy last night, in a really nice way I might add - and he was so pissed at me upon parting that he actually said, "Well, I wouldn't want to date you long-term anyway, because you're a smoker and I don't date smokers." I was like - what?? Nice table-turning, buddy - and you're from FRANCE - where Le Phillipe Morriset is eating a beignet at any sidwalk cafe. Anyway, Frenchy's become The Patch for me. Or The Jerk. I "netted" a real loser. Story of my life.
Monday, May 14, 2007
The Deli Dance
So there's this deli across the street from where I work... and one of the deli workers and I have a dance...
We'll call this dance the Tango... and not just because of the spicy mustard. He and I have a love/hate thing going on - akin to the Tango - full of passion, one way or the other.
It all started several months ago on a cold morning - 3:45am. I was rolling into work - but wanted an egg-white omelet before I hit the newsroom. I walked into the deli, which is open 24 hours - and someone is always manning the sandwich bar. I asked for the omelet, and he said the grill wasn't fired up. I got the feeling that he was just lazy - because I had spied him making an egg sandwich on the grill for a ConEd worker as I was walking in. I called him out on this fact, and he wasn't happy. He, with every shred of reluctancy and heavy sighs - made my omelet and gave it to me. He was pissed.
Since that early morning - like back in January - he and I have had a thing. The thing is that I now have to sidle up to the counter, flash him a great mood (even though it's 3:30 in the morning and I've just rolled out of bed and still batting away cobwebs) for him to even acknowledge my order. He takes his time; I have to wait 10 minutes for him to validate me and my order - and then he fires up the grill and makes my omelet like a surgeon. This is our dance.
And at the end of the dance, I thank him silently. For back in a windowless newsroom with florescent lights beaming overhead - I eat the best egg-white omelet I've ever had - and curtsy his talent for feeding me ahead of a hectic and mind-numbing day. This is our dance, and I will always want to hit the ballroom floor... twists, turns, dips, and all.
We'll call this dance the Tango... and not just because of the spicy mustard. He and I have a love/hate thing going on - akin to the Tango - full of passion, one way or the other.
It all started several months ago on a cold morning - 3:45am. I was rolling into work - but wanted an egg-white omelet before I hit the newsroom. I walked into the deli, which is open 24 hours - and someone is always manning the sandwich bar. I asked for the omelet, and he said the grill wasn't fired up. I got the feeling that he was just lazy - because I had spied him making an egg sandwich on the grill for a ConEd worker as I was walking in. I called him out on this fact, and he wasn't happy. He, with every shred of reluctancy and heavy sighs - made my omelet and gave it to me. He was pissed.
Since that early morning - like back in January - he and I have had a thing. The thing is that I now have to sidle up to the counter, flash him a great mood (even though it's 3:30 in the morning and I've just rolled out of bed and still batting away cobwebs) for him to even acknowledge my order. He takes his time; I have to wait 10 minutes for him to validate me and my order - and then he fires up the grill and makes my omelet like a surgeon. This is our dance.
And at the end of the dance, I thank him silently. For back in a windowless newsroom with florescent lights beaming overhead - I eat the best egg-white omelet I've ever had - and curtsy his talent for feeding me ahead of a hectic and mind-numbing day. This is our dance, and I will always want to hit the ballroom floor... twists, turns, dips, and all.
This Doesn't Fare Well...
...especially in a city which has "westernized" in so many ways...
Ahmadinejad Blames U.S. for Mideast Ills
Iranian President Leads Raucous Anti-U.S. Rally in Dubai, 1 Day After Cheney's Visit
By JIM KRANE
The Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates
Iran's president led a raucous anti-American rally on Sunday in this tightly controlled U.S. ally in the Persian Gulf, a day after a low-key visit by Vice President Dick Cheney aimed at countering Tehran's influence in the region.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told a cheering crowd that America was to blame for creating instability and robbing the region of its wealth.
"We are telling you to leave the region. This is for your benefit and the benefit of your nation," Ahmadinejad shouted to the crowd of thousands at a soccer stadium. "The nations of the region can no longer take you forcing yourself on them. The nations of the region know better how to create peace and security."
Ahmadinejad's visit was the first by an Iranian head of state to this Sunni-led Arab country since its independence in 1971 and his rally was remarkable in a country where political parties are banned and power is held solely by tribal families.
Cheney's quiet visit Saturday to the Emirates, which hosts three American military bases, was part of a tour of the region to try to curb Iran's growing influence. On Friday, from an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf, Cheney warned Iran that the U.S. and its allies will keep it from restricting sea traffic as well as from developing nuclear weapons.
The Iranian president has ratcheted up his nation's assertiveness in the Persian Gulf, capitalizing on the Bush administration's unpopularity to challenge Washington's alliances with Arab countries in the Persian Gulf.
Sunni royal families in the Emirates and elsewhere in the region also fear Iran's growing influence, especially the Shiite country's nuclear program, and worry about being sandwiched in a U.S.-Iran war.
Ahmadinejad wants the Emirates, Oman and the other Persian Gulf Arab countries to drop their military alliances with Washington and join Iran in a regional effort to maintain stability in the energy-rich region. Washington maintains 40,000 troops on land bases in Persian Gulf countries outside Iraq and has 20,000 sailors and Marines in the region.
"Every time your name is mentioned, hatred builds up," Ahmadinejad said of the United States. "Go fix yourself. This is Iran's advice to you. Leave the region."
One woman in the crowd shouted "I love you!" and Ahmadinejad paused to respond with a polite "thank you."
"God bless you for loving Iran so dearly," he told the crowd. "I love you."
The crowd, many of them expatriate Iranians, cheered Ahmadinejad and waved Iranian flags. One group carried a black banner bearing a yellow symbol seen on nuclear fallout shelters. Chants of "Down with the USA!" and "Nuclear energy is our right!" frequently interrupted the speech.
Washington and Tehran said Sunday that the two countries would hold talks in Baghdad about Iraq's security situation. But Iran remains locked in a standoff with the U.S. and its allies over White House allegations that Tehran is secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies the claims, saying its program is for generating electricity.
The Iranian president received a red-carpet welcome at Abu Dhabi International Airport, where he was greeted by Emirates President Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai leader Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the country's prime minister.
During his two-day visit, Ahmadinejad is to meet with government leaders in Abu Dhabi as well as Dubai, one of the world's fastest-growing cities and home to most of the 500,000-strong Iranian expatriate community.
Ahmadinejad Blames U.S. for Mideast Ills
Iranian President Leads Raucous Anti-U.S. Rally in Dubai, 1 Day After Cheney's Visit
By JIM KRANE
The Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates
Iran's president led a raucous anti-American rally on Sunday in this tightly controlled U.S. ally in the Persian Gulf, a day after a low-key visit by Vice President Dick Cheney aimed at countering Tehran's influence in the region.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told a cheering crowd that America was to blame for creating instability and robbing the region of its wealth.
"We are telling you to leave the region. This is for your benefit and the benefit of your nation," Ahmadinejad shouted to the crowd of thousands at a soccer stadium. "The nations of the region can no longer take you forcing yourself on them. The nations of the region know better how to create peace and security."
Ahmadinejad's visit was the first by an Iranian head of state to this Sunni-led Arab country since its independence in 1971 and his rally was remarkable in a country where political parties are banned and power is held solely by tribal families.
Cheney's quiet visit Saturday to the Emirates, which hosts three American military bases, was part of a tour of the region to try to curb Iran's growing influence. On Friday, from an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf, Cheney warned Iran that the U.S. and its allies will keep it from restricting sea traffic as well as from developing nuclear weapons.
The Iranian president has ratcheted up his nation's assertiveness in the Persian Gulf, capitalizing on the Bush administration's unpopularity to challenge Washington's alliances with Arab countries in the Persian Gulf.
Sunni royal families in the Emirates and elsewhere in the region also fear Iran's growing influence, especially the Shiite country's nuclear program, and worry about being sandwiched in a U.S.-Iran war.
Ahmadinejad wants the Emirates, Oman and the other Persian Gulf Arab countries to drop their military alliances with Washington and join Iran in a regional effort to maintain stability in the energy-rich region. Washington maintains 40,000 troops on land bases in Persian Gulf countries outside Iraq and has 20,000 sailors and Marines in the region.
"Every time your name is mentioned, hatred builds up," Ahmadinejad said of the United States. "Go fix yourself. This is Iran's advice to you. Leave the region."
One woman in the crowd shouted "I love you!" and Ahmadinejad paused to respond with a polite "thank you."
"God bless you for loving Iran so dearly," he told the crowd. "I love you."
The crowd, many of them expatriate Iranians, cheered Ahmadinejad and waved Iranian flags. One group carried a black banner bearing a yellow symbol seen on nuclear fallout shelters. Chants of "Down with the USA!" and "Nuclear energy is our right!" frequently interrupted the speech.
Washington and Tehran said Sunday that the two countries would hold talks in Baghdad about Iraq's security situation. But Iran remains locked in a standoff with the U.S. and its allies over White House allegations that Tehran is secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies the claims, saying its program is for generating electricity.
The Iranian president received a red-carpet welcome at Abu Dhabi International Airport, where he was greeted by Emirates President Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai leader Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the country's prime minister.
During his two-day visit, Ahmadinejad is to meet with government leaders in Abu Dhabi as well as Dubai, one of the world's fastest-growing cities and home to most of the 500,000-strong Iranian expatriate community.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Air Check
THINGS THE VIEWER NEVER, EVER SAYS
(So why are you so obsessed with them?)
By Steve Safran, Lost Remote
STILL PRODUCING to impress other producers? Well, knock it off. The arguments we get into - real, loud arguments - over stuff we think is important are just stupid.
We seem to think too many packages in a newscast presents a sign of weakness. We think viewers will stay put in the morning if we write a clever enough tease. We're certain a plug for a report at 5pm will make the 6am viewers take note.
Do you really believe this? Or have you done it so long that it's just "what you're supposed to do"?
As Lost Remote discusses ways to change the news, the following are things viewers never, ever say or think. Keep the list handy by your computer when you're fighting with your EP over "flow"... (*allison's favorites in bold)
- Why did they put that story in A5 instead of A4? I think it would have flowed better.
- Margaret! They're going to give me the details of that man wanted in the downtown robbery... get me a pen!
- The police want MY help in solving this crime? Cool!
- One person was slightly injured in that accident? Good thing they had a helicopter there.
- To hell with my 7:14 train! The news has a report on dangerous puddings then that I won't want to miss!
- That thing that happened half a world away? I hope this local newscast tells me if it could happen here.
- I'm glad this news station knocked on that neighbor's door next to where the shooting took place.
- Good thing they ran that VO of people putting on seatbelts during that seatbelt law story. I had no idea what seatbelts looked like.
- Wait -- they have locators of the house where a stabbing was yesterday that injured a 16 year-old male? Alright!
- Hmmm... they went: package, VO, package, SOT. Wouldn't it have been so much better if they had gone: package, VO, SOT package?
- They're leading with the same story at 5:30 as they did at 5? Booooooring!
- I'm only going to watch the helicopter station from now on.
- Surely the helicopter is the ultimate sign of the greatest news station.
- Oh, they're LIVE at the State House. Well, alright then. There was no way I was going to believe a pre-packaged story about the budget.
- Can they make the logo on the side of that helicopter a little bigger?
- No, I HADN'T recalled that Action News first told me about this story last week. Thanks for the reminder!
- I'm glad they referred to him as "the Pontiff" on the second reference and "John Paul the Second" on the third reference. I would have been bored if they just
said "The Pope."
- It's gonna snow/be hot/be very cold? I sure hope they'll tell me what to do with my pets and elderly. I have no idea.
- Wait! Wait! What happened to the anchor I'm used to watching! He's not there tonight! Is he dead? Oh - thank God... he's on assignment.
- TEAM Coverage? Now I'm watching!
- Remind me - can Halloween be dangerous for my kids?
- Remind me - should I wear sunscreen when I go out this summer?
- Remind me - are there benefits to drinking wine?
- Remind me - can I get an update on this crap tonight at 11 only on your station?
- I hope they'll take up more of the screen with data.
- Sadly, the station that I am watching presented this story to me 15 seconds after its competitor did. I know this, for I watch four televisions at once.
- It's important to me whether a station's lower third font is in all caps or uses lower case as well.
- You mean there were PREVIOUS stumbling blocks on the road to peace in the Middle East?
- When one person is injured in a car accident, I don't really care. But when one person is injured in a light plane crash, I want to know!
- Did you see the editing on that package? Oh, the L-cuts!
- I know it's going to be 70 degrees and sunny today. Please, for the love of God, tell me about the barometric pressure!
- This station really should mention its call letters more.
- This new logo really makes me want to watch their news now.
- I'm glad they clarified that it was 'ACTOR' Arnold Schwarzenegger. I had no idea who they were talking about.
- Those six second SOTs are too long. They should trim them to four.
- I'm not sure I cared much for that story count.
- Sure, I know they told me a lot of important news. But, darn it - they broke format!
- I wasn't able to change emotional gears fast enough between those two stories.
- The chopper pics were OK, but I really had hoped they would have ground pics by now.
- I really wish they had dissolved between those two VOs instead of a straight take.
- It really helped my understanding of that story that they asked a couple of random idiots on the street what THEY thought of it.
- 10 minutes into the show, they needed to establish the male anchor on cam before going to that VO. I had no idea who was talking.
- More puns in teases, dammit! More puns!
- That Doppler Radar 9000 sure beats the hell out of the competitor's Doppler Radar 3000. NOW the forecasts will be accurate.
- If only this graphics package used a slightly darker shade of blue as a complimentary color.
- Sure, that logo is big. But it could be bigger.
- They should use the word "local" a lot more in this newscast.
- I don't really care about the stories or accuracy. What I'm interested in is how well they brand their station.
- I knew the station would give me news that was live and local. But latebreaking too? Awright!
(So why are you so obsessed with them?)
By Steve Safran, Lost Remote
STILL PRODUCING to impress other producers? Well, knock it off. The arguments we get into - real, loud arguments - over stuff we think is important are just stupid.
We seem to think too many packages in a newscast presents a sign of weakness. We think viewers will stay put in the morning if we write a clever enough tease. We're certain a plug for a report at 5pm will make the 6am viewers take note.
Do you really believe this? Or have you done it so long that it's just "what you're supposed to do"?
As Lost Remote discusses ways to change the news, the following are things viewers never, ever say or think. Keep the list handy by your computer when you're fighting with your EP over "flow"... (*allison's favorites in bold)
- Why did they put that story in A5 instead of A4? I think it would have flowed better.
- Margaret! They're going to give me the details of that man wanted in the downtown robbery... get me a pen!
- The police want MY help in solving this crime? Cool!
- One person was slightly injured in that accident? Good thing they had a helicopter there.
- To hell with my 7:14 train! The news has a report on dangerous puddings then that I won't want to miss!
- That thing that happened half a world away? I hope this local newscast tells me if it could happen here.
- I'm glad this news station knocked on that neighbor's door next to where the shooting took place.
- Good thing they ran that VO of people putting on seatbelts during that seatbelt law story. I had no idea what seatbelts looked like.
- Wait -- they have locators of the house where a stabbing was yesterday that injured a 16 year-old male? Alright!
- Hmmm... they went: package, VO, package, SOT. Wouldn't it have been so much better if they had gone: package, VO, SOT package?
- They're leading with the same story at 5:30 as they did at 5? Booooooring!
- I'm only going to watch the helicopter station from now on.
- Surely the helicopter is the ultimate sign of the greatest news station.
- Oh, they're LIVE at the State House. Well, alright then. There was no way I was going to believe a pre-packaged story about the budget.
- Can they make the logo on the side of that helicopter a little bigger?
- No, I HADN'T recalled that Action News first told me about this story last week. Thanks for the reminder!
- I'm glad they referred to him as "the Pontiff" on the second reference and "John Paul the Second" on the third reference. I would have been bored if they just
said "The Pope."
- It's gonna snow/be hot/be very cold? I sure hope they'll tell me what to do with my pets and elderly. I have no idea.
- Wait! Wait! What happened to the anchor I'm used to watching! He's not there tonight! Is he dead? Oh - thank God... he's on assignment.
- TEAM Coverage? Now I'm watching!
- Remind me - can Halloween be dangerous for my kids?
- Remind me - should I wear sunscreen when I go out this summer?
- Remind me - are there benefits to drinking wine?
- Remind me - can I get an update on this crap tonight at 11 only on your station?
- I hope they'll take up more of the screen with data.
- Sadly, the station that I am watching presented this story to me 15 seconds after its competitor did. I know this, for I watch four televisions at once.
- It's important to me whether a station's lower third font is in all caps or uses lower case as well.
- You mean there were PREVIOUS stumbling blocks on the road to peace in the Middle East?
- When one person is injured in a car accident, I don't really care. But when one person is injured in a light plane crash, I want to know!
- Did you see the editing on that package? Oh, the L-cuts!
- I know it's going to be 70 degrees and sunny today. Please, for the love of God, tell me about the barometric pressure!
- This station really should mention its call letters more.
- This new logo really makes me want to watch their news now.
- I'm glad they clarified that it was 'ACTOR' Arnold Schwarzenegger. I had no idea who they were talking about.
- Those six second SOTs are too long. They should trim them to four.
- I'm not sure I cared much for that story count.
- Sure, I know they told me a lot of important news. But, darn it - they broke format!
- I wasn't able to change emotional gears fast enough between those two stories.
- The chopper pics were OK, but I really had hoped they would have ground pics by now.
- I really wish they had dissolved between those two VOs instead of a straight take.
- It really helped my understanding of that story that they asked a couple of random idiots on the street what THEY thought of it.
- 10 minutes into the show, they needed to establish the male anchor on cam before going to that VO. I had no idea who was talking.
- More puns in teases, dammit! More puns!
- That Doppler Radar 9000 sure beats the hell out of the competitor's Doppler Radar 3000. NOW the forecasts will be accurate.
- If only this graphics package used a slightly darker shade of blue as a complimentary color.
- Sure, that logo is big. But it could be bigger.
- They should use the word "local" a lot more in this newscast.
- I don't really care about the stories or accuracy. What I'm interested in is how well they brand their station.
- I knew the station would give me news that was live and local. But latebreaking too? Awright!
Shea Date
So Heather's totally into the June 25th Cards game at Shea. Not too late to join us for Cracker Jack and big-mouth beers!
FRENCH LESSONS
Silly Frenchy DC United guy is on the hunt. Confirmation - he called me 13 times last night, and left 3 messages and 1 text message. Envision the Pepe La Pue cartoon - and that's pretty much the scenario.
DOORMAN WONDER
My overnight doorman Victor is a wonder. We always have the best conversations, and they usually center around people being too drunk to get to their apartments. Last night, a tenant was so drunk - she was crying and screaming in a bra and mini-skirt of the floor of the lobby. He cell phone videotaped the entire mess (in case he needs it for legal reasons), and showed it to me tonight. The video starts with her screaming. It's so very tragic. And hilarious.
EUROVISION
Getting so totally psyched about Barcelona and Paris trip. I've had it on the radar for months, but haven't really been feeling it. Until now.
TEAR THROUGH TEXAS
Eyeballing a Texas trip in September. The plan is to fly into Dallas, spend 2 days with my family, then hit the road to San Antonio and Austin... margaritas all the way. Come back with sombreros and Stetsons. Maybe I'll plan trip to be there when the TX State Fair is going on... which is completely insane.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Developments
RAZORLIGHT ROCKSBorrow, burn, or buy this CD from me. It's that good.
POOR SID
Been emailing with Sid a bit recently, as his girlfriend more or less dumped him by using the ol' "I need some time" routine. My heart goes out to him, and he needs his solid friendships right now - which I'm happy to offer up. I did, however, ask him to refrain from references to their last meeting - where "kisses and hugs" were exchanged. I may be a good stick - but it's still TMI, given our past.
SANS SONJA
Yesterday, I fought an open-ended invitation by my bed to zzzz after work and headed directly to the gym. It was sans Sonja, so the motivation had to be all mine. Got through it - but I don't recommend working out when you're tired. You just look like a geriatric.
MAN DU JOUR
Saw Frenchy DC United soccer player again recently. I think he's really into me (he did an Allison apartment pop-in the other day) - probably because I'm not that into him. It's totally a Tessa scenario from this season's "The Bachelor."
CIAO
Italian TV News correspondent Gianclaudio says he wants to take me to the SoHo house soon for drinks. I think I could get used to Gianclaudio. prrrr...
'LET' DOWN
Thank goodness uber-expensivo tickets to the French Open are already sold out, because last night - for about ten minutes online - I was seriously about to shell out $1,100 dollars to take Heather to the women's semi-finals. It would have been awesome to be at Roland Garros when we're in Paris - but would not have been awesome to panhandle our way through Europe as a result.
CRAIGSLIST CONNECTION
Supposed to hang out with one of the Craiglist guys at some point next week. I'm already over it.
BARCA LOUNGER
Niko, my first real boyfriend ever, is considering flying to Barcelona to see me when I'm there. Which is now officially 20 days away. Woohoo!
STUFF I WANNA DO:
- See "The Ex" next week. Who's in?
- Catch the Cards at Shea for June 25th game, and drink a beer per inning. Friend has 2 season tickets I can snag. Ladies?
- Go fishing this summer. I know that sounds random, but I'm totally renting rods, making pimento cheese sandwiches, and casting out. While I'm at it, I might as well tuck "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" under my arm and go find Aunt Polly.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Craigslist Connecting!
Update on my Craigslist Posting:
Never heard from the guy I spied on 3rd Avenue last Thursday - but I did get responses from 8 other guys. Going out with 2 as a result, proving that Craigslist Missed Connections is way better for date-baiting than match.com or any of the other dating sites. Heck, you can even totally make up a missed connection and, I predict, get tons of responses. Try it!
Never heard from the guy I spied on 3rd Avenue last Thursday - but I did get responses from 8 other guys. Going out with 2 as a result, proving that Craigslist Missed Connections is way better for date-baiting than match.com or any of the other dating sites. Heck, you can even totally make up a missed connection and, I predict, get tons of responses. Try it!
Ninja Attack
Ninja breaks into home, attacks people
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- A man dressed like a ninja broke into an Orlando home, smashed furniture, attacked two people and then vanished without a trace.
Three people were inside the home watching a movie Sunday afternoon when the ninja ran in, punched one man in the mouth and then kicked another man.
The victims -- who did not want to be identified -- reported that the costumed man slammed the D-V-D player and V-C-R into a dresser. Then he pulled out a knife and started waiving it around. The victims say the intruder didn't steal anything from the house but took several pictures with his cell phone camera.
When it was time for the ninja to make his escape, he didn't disappear in a cloud of smoke. The victims say the man ran down the street to a black B-M-W and drove off.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- A man dressed like a ninja broke into an Orlando home, smashed furniture, attacked two people and then vanished without a trace.
Three people were inside the home watching a movie Sunday afternoon when the ninja ran in, punched one man in the mouth and then kicked another man.
The victims -- who did not want to be identified -- reported that the costumed man slammed the D-V-D player and V-C-R into a dresser. Then he pulled out a knife and started waiving it around. The victims say the intruder didn't steal anything from the house but took several pictures with his cell phone camera.
When it was time for the ninja to make his escape, he didn't disappear in a cloud of smoke. The victims say the man ran down the street to a black B-M-W and drove off.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Date/Non-Date
So Sarah kinda sets me up with this guy... a super-talented cellist she knows. 
I met him on Thursday night. Below is a breakdown of the Date/Non-date:
We meet at a corner and duck into an english pub south of St. Mark's Place. He's super-cute with great eyes, tall, has a cello strapped to his back - extremely friendly. We find a corner booth - he buys us drinks - and we just dive right into discussion. We exchange info on work - hometowns - typical days - blah, blah. I like that he's very personable - and that he's well travelled, and well cultured. All throughout, however, I get an immature vibe that I couldn't get a grasp on. Maybe it was his "I don't believe in marriage" blanket statement, or the fact that his opinions didn't really include advantage of experience. He was making a lot of blanket statements.
Then he told me he was 24. Yeah - 24. My brother's 23. My BABY brother is 23. This dude could've been my brother's friend. In fact, this guy was talking and acting like one of my brother's friends.
This is the point in the evening when plate tectonics takes over, and we get a 6.2 on the Richter Non-Date scale.
So, now I'm COMPLETELY comfortable talking with this guy because now it's like talking to one of my brother's friends and we're no longer on a date. He's seeing some French lawyer girl in his neighborhood... he tries to figure out where he'll be in 10 years (remember wasting time on that question??). He gets pretty personal and honest with me - which I appreciate - and by the end of our time together - we part as really good friends. Yeah, I think we'll be friends. He's a neat and talented guy to have in one's lot, and I'm going to hear him play one day.
I met him on Thursday night. Below is a breakdown of the Date/Non-date:
We meet at a corner and duck into an english pub south of St. Mark's Place. He's super-cute with great eyes, tall, has a cello strapped to his back - extremely friendly. We find a corner booth - he buys us drinks - and we just dive right into discussion. We exchange info on work - hometowns - typical days - blah, blah. I like that he's very personable - and that he's well travelled, and well cultured. All throughout, however, I get an immature vibe that I couldn't get a grasp on. Maybe it was his "I don't believe in marriage" blanket statement, or the fact that his opinions didn't really include advantage of experience. He was making a lot of blanket statements.
Then he told me he was 24. Yeah - 24. My brother's 23. My BABY brother is 23. This dude could've been my brother's friend. In fact, this guy was talking and acting like one of my brother's friends.
This is the point in the evening when plate tectonics takes over, and we get a 6.2 on the Richter Non-Date scale.
So, now I'm COMPLETELY comfortable talking with this guy because now it's like talking to one of my brother's friends and we're no longer on a date. He's seeing some French lawyer girl in his neighborhood... he tries to figure out where he'll be in 10 years (remember wasting time on that question??). He gets pretty personal and honest with me - which I appreciate - and by the end of our time together - we part as really good friends. Yeah, I think we'll be friends. He's a neat and talented guy to have in one's lot, and I'm going to hear him play one day.
Missed Connection
So yesterday, I posted this:
Lingering Eye Contact - 3rd Avenue - w4m (Lower East Side)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: pers-324430084@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-05-04, 4:23PM EDT
Can't resist doing this... because I felt such a pull. We were passing each other on 3rd Avenue - area of E. 7th - last (Thursday) night. I was girl with dotted jacket and jeans gabbing on a cell phone. You, walking south, had a light-colored shirt on. Our eyes met... and I think we had a moment. I also think you looked back before I looked back after passing... but we both kept walking and I kept gabbing. Interested in another stare down - sans the street walk?
And today I got this email:
What time of night was this? Can you describe the man you saw in any greater detail? I made eye contact with a fetching woman in a dotted jacket. how exciting if it turns out that it was you.
Intrigue abound! Hope it's the guy I'm thinking about, and not the hairy fella who creepily stared me down at a corner. Will keep you posted...
Lingering Eye Contact - 3rd Avenue - w4m (Lower East Side)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: pers-324430084@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-05-04, 4:23PM EDT
Can't resist doing this... because I felt such a pull. We were passing each other on 3rd Avenue - area of E. 7th - last (Thursday) night. I was girl with dotted jacket and jeans gabbing on a cell phone. You, walking south, had a light-colored shirt on. Our eyes met... and I think we had a moment. I also think you looked back before I looked back after passing... but we both kept walking and I kept gabbing. Interested in another stare down - sans the street walk?
And today I got this email:
What time of night was this? Can you describe the man you saw in any greater detail? I made eye contact with a fetching woman in a dotted jacket. how exciting if it turns out that it was you.
Intrigue abound! Hope it's the guy I'm thinking about, and not the hairy fella who creepily stared me down at a corner. Will keep you posted...
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Thrice Dumped
I had orchestrated yesterday perfectly. I would get out of work at 3pm - meet up with Daniela for a walk and coffee, link up with Aaron for a drink, and then meet with Sarah for dinner. Daniela called 20 minutes before we were supposed to meet up and cancelled... something about her husband's friend. Aaron called and ducked out of plans too to help a friend. At this point, I'm wondering my friend status with these folks. So that left dinner with Sarah, and I knew I could count on her. In the meantime, Frenchy called and wanted to meet up after Sarah dinner. Then, during dinner, Frenchy texted that he had a date at 10pm "so we'll have to meet up another time, Sexy." Blah. No response. Ever.
Seeing as I was dumped 3 times yesterday - my self-esteem should be shot. However, I'm feeling quite fantastic today... and I have a fantastic blowout to boot.
Possible date/non-date tonight (will explain later), and then meet up with Alex for drinks downtown.
Seeing as I was dumped 3 times yesterday - my self-esteem should be shot. However, I'm feeling quite fantastic today... and I have a fantastic blowout to boot.
Possible date/non-date tonight (will explain later), and then meet up with Alex for drinks downtown.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Snarks & Shopping
MONDAY
*Snarked up a storm with Heather watching The Bachelor at her apartment. We've turned the hot mess into a drinking game, taking a swig every time someone on the show says "connection," "journey," or "tough." You'd be surprised how many times they really do use these words.
*Before Bachelor, we tried a crash-course in French off a DVD. We learned pointless phrases like how to say "I hate John Tesh" (seriously - we did, Je deteste John Tesh) and "I like nothing." We did okay, until realizing we'll NEVER need to know these phrases while in France.
TUESDAY
Bought a Yansi Fugel spring jacket. Originally $320 - I bought it for about $50. Rock out! My mood was in fantasticland until I watched Work Out and found out Doug died. Buzz kill.
ON THE RADAR
Want to catch Spiderman 3 soon. Who's in?
*Snarked up a storm with Heather watching The Bachelor at her apartment. We've turned the hot mess into a drinking game, taking a swig every time someone on the show says "connection," "journey," or "tough." You'd be surprised how many times they really do use these words.
*Before Bachelor, we tried a crash-course in French off a DVD. We learned pointless phrases like how to say "I hate John Tesh" (seriously - we did, Je deteste John Tesh) and "I like nothing." We did okay, until realizing we'll NEVER need to know these phrases while in France.
TUESDAY
Bought a Yansi Fugel spring jacket. Originally $320 - I bought it for about $50. Rock out! My mood was in fantasticland until I watched Work Out and found out Doug died. Buzz kill.
ON THE RADAR
Want to catch Spiderman 3 soon. Who's in?
Personal History
Visited with my grandmother this past weekend, and as always - our conversation turned to my late grandfather. I forgot I have pictures of him I need to print, frame, and hang. They're of his service in WWII. My brother in the Navy dug them up in archives. Hard to believe most of these vibrant young faces are now dead.
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