I do good work at the TV station that employs me. I'm a good anchor. I'm a good reporter. I can write well. I can edit well. I can handle myself well in an interview. I've received great feedback and praise from many people. I was even my station's employee of the year last year.
However, there are still moments when I'm reminded of 3 very important things.
1. I'm still a rookie.
2. I still have a lot to learn.
3. There is still much experience I have to gain.
Consider tonight's newscast for instance. As it drew to a close we had a sudden problem with our video server. Long story short: video wasn't rolling and we (Jenny, Jeff, and I) had to fill a minute and a half of showtime with "anchor banter." There was no other option.
In my ear, the director said, "Don't toss it." I sort of heard him, but it didn't really register. By that time I had made the decision to say "that will do it for us tonight." That was followed by ".....uhhhhh." Idiot, Lincoln.
Jenny saved my butt. She rescued me...and I thank her for that. I've been beating myself up about it thinking, "I'm better than that." I guess that's not true....at least not yet.
On a related note, I would normally post a clip of what happened. However, my screw-up just happened to fall on the same day we all got an official email forbidding anyone from posting anything that appears on our station....on the internet. The basic gyst: they own our news programs and my image and likeness. A little frustrating...but I will comply.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Monday, April 09, 2007
Open mouth...insert foot
I was talking with someone today about embarassing moments. They asked, "what's the most embarassing thing you've ever done." I didn't have to think very hard. Without further ado, I present the most embarassing moment of my life.
For two summers (2002 and 2003) I was a tour bus driver in Glacier National Park. It was an awesome job. I spent my day driving a cool, vintage bus across Going-to-the-Sun Road...arguably the most scenic drive in the country. I also met lots of cool people. One such group of people were affiliated with the Montana Hope Project. The Montana Hope Project is an organization that caters to children, and family members of children, that suffer from physical and mental illnesses. Every year, the Project is taken on a tour of Glacier...with the help of nearly 25 tour buses and their drivers. I was one of those drivers in the summer of '03. The tour lasted most of the day. The buses criss-crossed the park in a big caravan stopping at various points of interest. At one point, we all stopped to take a look at Running Eagle Falls. It was a long stop...about 45 minutes. A total of about 75 people were all standing near the bank of the river milling about. A few of us drivers were near the water's edge chatting. My friend Dave decided to pick up a large rock and throw it in the river...splashing water all across my leg in the process.
I didn't even comprehend what was about to come out of my mouth.
In a group full of MENTALLY CHALLENGED children, and their families, I yelled at my friend, "YOU RETARD!"
It was almost as if the waterfall we were all looking at decided to stop running. It was silent. Completely silent. Or at least that's how I remember it. I was mortified. I was afraid to look at anyone. I'm not even sure how many people noticed. I avoided all eye contact and walked back to my bus.
Besides my friends, no one ever said anything about it. Still, it was...without a doubt...the most embarassing moment of my life.
For two summers (2002 and 2003) I was a tour bus driver in Glacier National Park. It was an awesome job. I spent my day driving a cool, vintage bus across Going-to-the-Sun Road...arguably the most scenic drive in the country. I also met lots of cool people. One such group of people were affiliated with the Montana Hope Project. The Montana Hope Project is an organization that caters to children, and family members of children, that suffer from physical and mental illnesses. Every year, the Project is taken on a tour of Glacier...with the help of nearly 25 tour buses and their drivers. I was one of those drivers in the summer of '03. The tour lasted most of the day. The buses criss-crossed the park in a big caravan stopping at various points of interest. At one point, we all stopped to take a look at Running Eagle Falls. It was a long stop...about 45 minutes. A total of about 75 people were all standing near the bank of the river milling about. A few of us drivers were near the water's edge chatting. My friend Dave decided to pick up a large rock and throw it in the river...splashing water all across my leg in the process.
I didn't even comprehend what was about to come out of my mouth.
In a group full of MENTALLY CHALLENGED children, and their families, I yelled at my friend, "YOU RETARD!"
It was almost as if the waterfall we were all looking at decided to stop running. It was silent. Completely silent. Or at least that's how I remember it. I was mortified. I was afraid to look at anyone. I'm not even sure how many people noticed. I avoided all eye contact and walked back to my bus.
Besides my friends, no one ever said anything about it. Still, it was...without a doubt...the most embarassing moment of my life.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Nothing to say
I've sat in front of my computer for an hour now trying to think of something meaningful to write. Nothing has come to me. Therefore...I present a random survey. It's the ultimate cure for any kind of blogger's block.
Your senior year in high school.
1. Who were your best friends? Erin. There were a few others but Erin was pretty much my life in high school.
2.What sports did you play? Ha ha ha....like I played sports in high school.
3. What kind of car did you drive? 1985 Dodge Ram Pickup - Light Blue
4. It's Friday night, where were you? David's hot tub playing the "Scary Hot Tub Game."
5. Were you a party animal? Not at all.
6. Were you considered a flirt? By some.
7. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? No...and don't even ask me about my A'cappella auditioning experience.
8. Were you a nerd? At the time I would have said "a little bit." I look back now and realize that yes...yes I was.
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? Nope.
10. Who was your favorite teacher? Mrs. Craigle of course.
11. Where did you eat lunch? The Journalism Room
12.What was your school's full name? West High School
13. School mascot? Panther
14. Did you go to Prom? Yeah. We had A LOT of dances.
15. If you could go back and do it over, would you? Tough question. If I knew then what I know now...maybe for a little bit...but just for a brief visit.
16. What do you remember most about graduation? Not much, really. I can't even remember what I did that night. It was obviously uneventful.
17. What were you involved in during High school? The school paper and TV West. That's about it.
18. Where were you on senior skip day? What the hell is senior skip day? We didn't have that...at least I don't think we did.
19. Did you have a job your senior year? Hmm. I don't think so. I can't believe my memory is so vague.
20. Have you gained weight since then? Not really.
21. Where did you go after graduation? University of Utah for broadcast journalism. Graduated in 2001. Worked at the Olympics. Went to Glacier. Wandered for 4 years.
22. When did you graduate? 1998
23. Who was your Senior prom date? Erin...I think. Like I said, we had A LOT of dances. I'd have to check the pictures.
24. Are you going to your 10 year reunion? I'm not opposed to it.
25. Who was your least favorite teacher. Mr. Eckberg.
26. Were you popular? No
27. Did you get picked on? Only by my friends...whom I picked on as well.
28. Was high school a good experience overall? The last two years were pretty good. The first two years were less than stellar. I truly remember very little from those first two years.
29. What would former classmates say about where you are in life now? They'd probably say "cool...that's what he always wanted to do."
30. What advice would you give to present day high schoolers? Probably something stupid about "having fun being young." But I'm convinced that it's sort of ridiculous to give advice to kids and teenagers. Everyone needs to grow up their own way and make their own mistakes. We all "get it" eventually.
Your senior year in high school.
1. Who were your best friends? Erin. There were a few others but Erin was pretty much my life in high school.
2.What sports did you play? Ha ha ha....like I played sports in high school.
3. What kind of car did you drive? 1985 Dodge Ram Pickup - Light Blue
4. It's Friday night, where were you? David's hot tub playing the "Scary Hot Tub Game."
5. Were you a party animal? Not at all.
6. Were you considered a flirt? By some.
7. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? No...and don't even ask me about my A'cappella auditioning experience.
8. Were you a nerd? At the time I would have said "a little bit." I look back now and realize that yes...yes I was.
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? Nope.
10. Who was your favorite teacher? Mrs. Craigle of course.
11. Where did you eat lunch? The Journalism Room
12.What was your school's full name? West High School
13. School mascot? Panther
14. Did you go to Prom? Yeah. We had A LOT of dances.
15. If you could go back and do it over, would you? Tough question. If I knew then what I know now...maybe for a little bit...but just for a brief visit.
16. What do you remember most about graduation? Not much, really. I can't even remember what I did that night. It was obviously uneventful.
17. What were you involved in during High school? The school paper and TV West. That's about it.
18. Where were you on senior skip day? What the hell is senior skip day? We didn't have that...at least I don't think we did.
19. Did you have a job your senior year? Hmm. I don't think so. I can't believe my memory is so vague.
20. Have you gained weight since then? Not really.
21. Where did you go after graduation? University of Utah for broadcast journalism. Graduated in 2001. Worked at the Olympics. Went to Glacier. Wandered for 4 years.
22. When did you graduate? 1998
23. Who was your Senior prom date? Erin...I think. Like I said, we had A LOT of dances. I'd have to check the pictures.
24. Are you going to your 10 year reunion? I'm not opposed to it.
25. Who was your least favorite teacher. Mr. Eckberg.
26. Were you popular? No
27. Did you get picked on? Only by my friends...whom I picked on as well.
28. Was high school a good experience overall? The last two years were pretty good. The first two years were less than stellar. I truly remember very little from those first two years.
29. What would former classmates say about where you are in life now? They'd probably say "cool...that's what he always wanted to do."
30. What advice would you give to present day high schoolers? Probably something stupid about "having fun being young." But I'm convinced that it's sort of ridiculous to give advice to kids and teenagers. Everyone needs to grow up their own way and make their own mistakes. We all "get it" eventually.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Wierd Moment
The following conversation took place tonight at the supermarket. I approached the check-out stand with my groceries and was greeted by the female employee. It was about 11:40 pm.
Checker: How are you tonight?
Me: I'm good. How are you?
Checker: I want to go home.
Me: (slight chuckle) That good huh?
Checker: I'm not a night person. Of course I'm not a day person either.
Me: Um...so what do you do about that?
Checker: I sleep...a lot. I take it your a night person because you're here at this time.
Woman: (she had just gotten in line behind me) He doesn't have a choice.
At this point I realize the woman recognizes me. The checker appears confused from here on out.
Woman: I guess since I'm here at this time I didn't watch the news tonight.
Me: I suppose. Although I'm here and I worked tonight. I just finished.
Woman: Well as long as I wasn't on the news. That would be a bad thing.
Me: Yes it would be.
Woman: And sometimes I CAN be on the news.
Checker and I exchange "huh" glances.
Me: What do you do?
Woman: I'm a city prosecutor.
Me: Ahh...I see.
Checker: (looking at me) What did she say?
Me: She's a city prosecutor.
Checker: (looks panicked in the woman's direction and chuckles nervously) Oh..um...pretend I'm not here.
Woman: Do something bad?
Checker: I'm always in trouble. That's why I moved here. To stay out of trouble. I got involved with the wrong guy.
Woman: That's what usually happens.
Checker: He was a bad deal. He had a spell over me and I can't explain it. I would have died for that man. I hated him when I first met him but something happened. He cast a spell over me. He could charm the pants off a nun.
By this time, the pace at which my groceries were being rung up and slowed to a crawl.
Checker: (looking at me) I knew you looked familiar. I didn't want to say anything. (thinks for a moment). You've never read my name on the news have you?
Me: (slightly uncomfortable) Not that I know of.
Checker: (looks at the attorney) See? I told you I've stayed out of trouble.
She handed me my receipt and I left...wondering what had just happened.
The End
Checker: How are you tonight?
Me: I'm good. How are you?
Checker: I want to go home.
Me: (slight chuckle) That good huh?
Checker: I'm not a night person. Of course I'm not a day person either.
Me: Um...so what do you do about that?
Checker: I sleep...a lot. I take it your a night person because you're here at this time.
Woman: (she had just gotten in line behind me) He doesn't have a choice.
At this point I realize the woman recognizes me. The checker appears confused from here on out.
Woman: I guess since I'm here at this time I didn't watch the news tonight.
Me: I suppose. Although I'm here and I worked tonight. I just finished.
Woman: Well as long as I wasn't on the news. That would be a bad thing.
Me: Yes it would be.
Woman: And sometimes I CAN be on the news.
Checker and I exchange "huh" glances.
Me: What do you do?
Woman: I'm a city prosecutor.
Me: Ahh...I see.
Checker: (looking at me) What did she say?
Me: She's a city prosecutor.
Checker: (looks panicked in the woman's direction and chuckles nervously) Oh..um...pretend I'm not here.
Woman: Do something bad?
Checker: I'm always in trouble. That's why I moved here. To stay out of trouble. I got involved with the wrong guy.
Woman: That's what usually happens.
Checker: He was a bad deal. He had a spell over me and I can't explain it. I would have died for that man. I hated him when I first met him but something happened. He cast a spell over me. He could charm the pants off a nun.
By this time, the pace at which my groceries were being rung up and slowed to a crawl.
Checker: (looking at me) I knew you looked familiar. I didn't want to say anything. (thinks for a moment). You've never read my name on the news have you?
Me: (slightly uncomfortable) Not that I know of.
Checker: (looks at the attorney) See? I told you I've stayed out of trouble.
She handed me my receipt and I left...wondering what had just happened.
The End
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Commitment
I've done it.I've signed up for the 2007 Bridger Ridge Run. It's a 20 mile run along the ridgeline of the Bridger Mountains (that's an aerial photo above...this is the range that towers over Bozeman). I decided to do this last August when I covered the Run for a story.
I am not a runner. I don't particularly like to run. But in covering it last year it didn't really seem like much of a "run" to me. It was more like fast-paced hiking. I can hike. I love to hike. And it's not that I CAN'T run. But I've hiked a lot....up to 30 miles in a day. So I figured I could do this. I'll run when I can. I'm certainly not expecting to be the first across the finish line. In signing up they ask how long you think it will take for you to finish the race. I said 6 hours. We'll see how accurate I am.
In other news...
...the seasonal migration has begun. Although I have removed myself from world of seasonal work (for now) all my friends are in the process of moving from winter season work to summer season work. For most of them, this means an annual migration up to Glacier National Park. Lucky for me...a few of them stop in Bozeman. Dave was the first as he stopped in Big Sky/Bozeman this weekend. Amanda also came down from Whitefish. It was a good weekend. Snowboarding, dinner at Buck's T-4 and good times all around. More friends will be stopping by over the next month or so. I can't wait.
And finally....
...what is your sexy name? Mine:
Get Your Sexy Name
Friday, March 30, 2007
Happiness
Katie is the inspiration for this post. And because I had a minor pity party for myself tonight (details not important) I figured I should suck it up and think of happier things. So here goes.
Things that make me happy:
The fact that summer is not too far away.
The latest episode of "Lost." All I can say is "Whoa. Didn't see that coming."
The weekend is finally here.
My two new, cool oversize wall maps I just got. (I'm a geek...I know).
My job (most of the time).
Glacier National Park.
An Irish Cream latte from Rockford Coffee.
Cats & Dogs.
Floating the Madison River.
Driving home after a long absence and seeing the Salt Lake City skyline.
Seeing old Glacier buddies for the first time in a long time.
Giving someone a gift or a compliment they didn't expect.
Powder days at Big Sky.
Hiking to Delicate Arch in the middle of the night and waiting for the sun to rise.
Any and all kinds of breaking news (more of an adrenaline rush than happiness but whatever).
Chocolate chip cookies.
Doing a good job at work on a specific story.
The Olive Garden (and by default Chocolate Lasagna...weep, weep...R.I.P my favorite dessert).
My friends (even though I see them rarely).
The Park Cafe in St. Mary, Montana.
Swinging on a swingset at any park on a hot, summer night.
Fireworks.
Hiking.
Seeing any and all wildlife while hiking (especially moose and bears).
Sleeping in (especially on a dreary, rainy day).
Reminiscing on the old playground slang of yester-year. Thanks hjustin.
Game Show Network, The Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, The Travel Channel, and Food Network.
Mom & Dad.
Things that make me happy:
The fact that summer is not too far away.
The latest episode of "Lost." All I can say is "Whoa. Didn't see that coming."
The weekend is finally here.
My two new, cool oversize wall maps I just got. (I'm a geek...I know).
My job (most of the time).
Glacier National Park.
An Irish Cream latte from Rockford Coffee.
Cats & Dogs.
Floating the Madison River.
Driving home after a long absence and seeing the Salt Lake City skyline.
Seeing old Glacier buddies for the first time in a long time.
Giving someone a gift or a compliment they didn't expect.
Powder days at Big Sky.
Hiking to Delicate Arch in the middle of the night and waiting for the sun to rise.
Any and all kinds of breaking news (more of an adrenaline rush than happiness but whatever).
Chocolate chip cookies.
Doing a good job at work on a specific story.
The Olive Garden (and by default Chocolate Lasagna...weep, weep...R.I.P my favorite dessert).
My friends (even though I see them rarely).
The Park Cafe in St. Mary, Montana.
Swinging on a swingset at any park on a hot, summer night.
Fireworks.
Hiking.
Seeing any and all wildlife while hiking (especially moose and bears).
Sleeping in (especially on a dreary, rainy day).
Reminiscing on the old playground slang of yester-year. Thanks hjustin.
Game Show Network, The Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, The Travel Channel, and Food Network.
Mom & Dad.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Dirt
Anyone else a fan of the FX show "Dirt?" The critics have sort of panned it but I've watched from episode 1, and I'm a fan. The season finale was tonight. Good, good stuff. I'm a little obsessed with Courtney Cox.I haven't talked about "Lost" in a while. Again, the critics have been harsh on this season but, whoa...last week's episode was goooooooood. I'm forbidden from talking about it at work because some of my colleagues haven't seen the latest episodes. Very frustrating. Anyway, I love that show as well.
Um....that is all.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Numb from Novocaine
Sarah's post from today dovetails nicely with a story of my own. I went to the dentist this morning. My eroded teeth are being filled with tooth-colored fillings. It's sort of a patch job until I can afford to get permanent crowns for my teeth. Anyway, I was lying back in the dentist's chair with a strange device (it keeps my mouth open for me) lying on my chin. I was fairly vulnerable and could only grunt to communicate.
Really...could there be a better time for my cell phone (complete with The Legend of Zelda ringtone) to go crazy on the window sill next to me? It was slightly embarassing. Especially when it rang two times in 2 minutes. The dentist just laughed and continued torturing me.
Celebrated my my 27th birthday yesterday. Okay, I didn't really celebrate. It was just like any other day. I woke up. I went to work. Nothing special. No big deal. I would have gone out to dinner but the night shift prevents that. Thanks to everyone who called or sent me messages. I appreciate it.
Really...could there be a better time for my cell phone (complete with The Legend of Zelda ringtone) to go crazy on the window sill next to me? It was slightly embarassing. Especially when it rang two times in 2 minutes. The dentist just laughed and continued torturing me.
Celebrated my my 27th birthday yesterday. Okay, I didn't really celebrate. It was just like any other day. I woke up. I went to work. Nothing special. No big deal. I would have gone out to dinner but the night shift prevents that. Thanks to everyone who called or sent me messages. I appreciate it.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Back in the Saddle
Spring is in the air.
I went on my first official hike of the season yesterday. Hiked up Storm Castle Mountain in Gallatin Canyon. Not too hard, not too easy. Just right. It was beautiful up there. That's me admiring the view. I think we may get some snow this week but that's okay. As far as I'm concerned...summer is here.
I've seen it before but every time I do, I shake my head in disbelief. Someone smoking a cigarette on the trail. What a huge oxymoron. I just don't get it.
I'm still sick. But I'm getting better. I've received lots of advice on my problematic sinuses. I appreciate it all. Like I said, I'm feeling better but I won't declare myself cured until I go a couple weeks without getting sick again.
Two notes of interest: I'm going golfing today. Woohoo! I love golf...even though I suck at it. Also, Giada De Laurentis of Food Network is amazing. I love her.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Relief
They say working in TV news (or other various professions) can desensitize you to the trials and tribulations of the world. You become so used to death, misery, and destruction that you're not fazed by human suffering. Basically...your heart dies.
I'm relieved because I'm pretty sure my heart isn't dead.
In the past day or so I've seen an adversary of mine (and I use the term loosely) brought down several pegs. It's been hard for them and I'm seeing real, genuine angst and sadness.
I hate it.
I don't like seeing them like this and I offered my support. No matter what anyone does to me, I don't want to see them sad or depressed. I take no comfort in it. It does me no good. So despite past (and very possibly...future) differences, I wish them happiness and all the best.
In other news....
I completed that dreaded sinus irrigation. It was not so bad. There is a fleeting sensation of drowning (everyone's felt it when water gets sucked up the nose) but it passes quickly. There's nothing particularly enjoyable about it but I'm not scared of it anymore.
I'm a map geek. I love maps. I just got a really cool one in the mail yesterday. It's a huge, topographical map of Montana. I'm in love with it. I have another one coming soon. Don't judge me.
Thank you to Liz for pointing the following video out to everyone on her blog. I thought I'd post it on mine as well. Very amusing.
I'm relieved because I'm pretty sure my heart isn't dead.
In the past day or so I've seen an adversary of mine (and I use the term loosely) brought down several pegs. It's been hard for them and I'm seeing real, genuine angst and sadness.
I hate it.
I don't like seeing them like this and I offered my support. No matter what anyone does to me, I don't want to see them sad or depressed. I take no comfort in it. It does me no good. So despite past (and very possibly...future) differences, I wish them happiness and all the best.
In other news....
I completed that dreaded sinus irrigation. It was not so bad. There is a fleeting sensation of drowning (everyone's felt it when water gets sucked up the nose) but it passes quickly. There's nothing particularly enjoyable about it but I'm not scared of it anymore.
I'm a map geek. I love maps. I just got a really cool one in the mail yesterday. It's a huge, topographical map of Montana. I'm in love with it. I have another one coming soon. Don't judge me.
Thank you to Liz for pointing the following video out to everyone on her blog. I thought I'd post it on mine as well. Very amusing.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Sinus Irrigation
Has anyone ever had to irrigate their sinuses with a saline solution?
I went to the doctor today and she told me I should do that...then gave me instructions. Frankly, I was terrified. Then Beth told me it was possible for me to drown with just one tablespoon of water. I have no idea if that's true or not but the info didn't ease my fears. So if anyone out there has had to do this...a little advice is appreciated.
I suspected I had sinusits. The doctor says I don't. She says I've developed seasonal allergies which are contributing to chronic, mild sinus infections. I hope she's right. I hope her plan for a cure really works. I'm now supposed to take Alavert every morning along with a spray of Flonase in each nostril....plus the irrigation to start things out. Blech.
I had an embarassing moment on the news tonight. It was the end of the show. Jenny read a story about the new Skywalk at the Grand Canyon. We talked about it at the end of the show and Andrew and I were apparently reading each other's minds. Him and I have had other embarassing moments together...worse than this. But here, we were like a married couple finishing each others sentences...or saying them at the same time.
I went to the doctor today and she told me I should do that...then gave me instructions. Frankly, I was terrified. Then Beth told me it was possible for me to drown with just one tablespoon of water. I have no idea if that's true or not but the info didn't ease my fears. So if anyone out there has had to do this...a little advice is appreciated.
I suspected I had sinusits. The doctor says I don't. She says I've developed seasonal allergies which are contributing to chronic, mild sinus infections. I hope she's right. I hope her plan for a cure really works. I'm now supposed to take Alavert every morning along with a spray of Flonase in each nostril....plus the irrigation to start things out. Blech.
I had an embarassing moment on the news tonight. It was the end of the show. Jenny read a story about the new Skywalk at the Grand Canyon. We talked about it at the end of the show and Andrew and I were apparently reading each other's minds. Him and I have had other embarassing moments together...worse than this. But here, we were like a married couple finishing each others sentences...or saying them at the same time.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
The Greatest Post...EVER
In the past few days I have experienced countless moments of giddy euphoria....all from re-living long forgotten moments of my childhood. It started when I was writing the previous post on this blog. In it, I mentioned that I really wanted to see some TV shows from my youth...specifically "Zoobilee Zoo" and "You Can't Do That On Television." As I wrote that, a thought occurred to me. In this age of web use and YouTube, I'm sure I could find something online to satisfy my thirst for nostalgia.
I had no idea.
The past few days have been filled with glee. Sub-conscious memories that had disappeared long ago, suddenly broke to the surface. I was astounded. I've always been the type of person to suffer from a black & white memory. But in reviewing some of my favorite childhood TV shows (the vast majority on Nickelodeon) I'm remembering songs, plotlines, and episodes I didn't know I had ever seen. It's been remarkable. I even shared some of these memories with people at work. They were just as excited as I was. It's obviously a matter of timing as to whether someone is familiar with these shows. Most, but not all, aired on Nickelodeon during the 80's and early 90's.
Those were the days.
You can find complete episodes of certain shows online. But for me, nothing brings a smile to my face more than the theme songs and program intros I used to see daily.
"You Can't Do That On Television" - In my mind, the ultimate Nickelodeon classic. It's my all-time favorite.
"Hey, Dude" - A close second to "You Can't Do That On Television." I was obsessed with this show and I had a huge crush on Melody (who later went on to play Marcia Brady and then marry Ben Stiller).
"Heathcliff" - One of the most memorable theme songs...besides "Hey Dude."
"Salute Your Shorts" - There were two versions of this intro. This is the newer one.
"Clarissa Explains It All" - Again, two versions of this intro. This is also a newer one.
"Picture Pages" - I don't remember anything about this show (or was it a segment) other than the song.
"Today's Special" - I don't ever remember being a fan of this show but I know my older sister was.
"Pinwheel" - Again, don't remember anything but the song.
"Inspector Gadget" - I had a crush on Penny
"Fraggle Rock" - I don't think this was on Nickelodeon...but whatever.
"You Can't Do That On Television" - In my mind, the ultimate Nickelodeon classic. It's my all-time favorite.
"Hey, Dude" - A close second to "You Can't Do That On Television." I was obsessed with this show and I had a huge crush on Melody (who later went on to play Marcia Brady and then marry Ben Stiller).
"Heathcliff" - One of the most memorable theme songs...besides "Hey Dude."
"Salute Your Shorts" - There were two versions of this intro. This is the newer one.
"Clarissa Explains It All" - Again, two versions of this intro. This is also a newer one.
"Picture Pages" - I don't remember anything about this show (or was it a segment) other than the song.
"Today's Special" - I don't ever remember being a fan of this show but I know my older sister was.
"Pinwheel" - Again, don't remember anything but the song.
"Inspector Gadget" - I had a crush on Penny
"Fraggle Rock" - I don't think this was on Nickelodeon...but whatever.
"He-Man" - I loved the show and I had the toys...although my cousin always had more and I remember being very jealous.
"Smurfs" - What a freakin' classic.
"Zoobilee Zoo" - I don't remember anyone else ever watching this show. But I know I loved it as a little kid...so I'm including it.
I'm probably forgetting some. But for now, this is enough to keep me happy for a while.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
The Post of Revelations
I'm feeling self-revealing. Here goes.
I don't like little dogs. (with the exception of my sister's Yorkshire Terrier).
I watch The View and Desperate Housewives....what of it?
I hated this girl in the 6th grade so I screwed her over by taking her assignments out of the "IN" basket and throwing them away...thus preventing her from going on the biggest field trip of the year. She was a horrible girl so I don't feel that bad...but I swear I wouldn't do something like that again.
I can't fathom the idea of someone NOT liking the outdoors...and sometimes get angry at the fact.
I really don't like Jay Leno.
I eat Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Slim-Fast Meal Bars. No..I'm not trying to lose weight. I'm actually sort of a pig. But I had one once when I was hiking and it was DELICIOUS. So now I buy them all the time. Frankly, it's a little embarassing in the check-out line but...ultimately, it's worth it.
There are two shows I watched as a child that I wish I could see again; Zoobilee Zoo and You Can't Do That on Television.
I have a crush. I'm not saying who it is because they sometimes read this blog.
I have no interest in traveling to Asia....or Mexico.
One of the meanest "bad boyfriend" things I've ever done was cringe in disgust when my ex-girlfriend showed up with a new haircut. I grew to love it but in the beginning...bad news.
It's not that I'm scared of dying. It's just that I have a lot planned in life and I want to accomplish it all.
The one talent I want more than any other...and one that I will never have...is singing.
There are Disney songs and a few tunes from Britney Spears on my iPod. What of it?
I have two favorite alcoholic drinks. 1.) Mohito 2.) White Russian
It's very difficult for me to eat pizza without ranch dressing.
I've always been overly concerned with what other people think of me. It's a habit I need to break.
My love affair/obsession with Shania Twain has faded dramatically. (For those who know me well, that probably comes as a shock to you.)
Sandra Bullock is the sexiest actress in Hollywood.
I haven't been to bed before 2 a.m. in the past two weeks. That needs to change.
That's all. What can you reveal about yourself?
I don't like little dogs. (with the exception of my sister's Yorkshire Terrier).
I watch The View and Desperate Housewives....what of it?
I hated this girl in the 6th grade so I screwed her over by taking her assignments out of the "IN" basket and throwing them away...thus preventing her from going on the biggest field trip of the year. She was a horrible girl so I don't feel that bad...but I swear I wouldn't do something like that again.
I can't fathom the idea of someone NOT liking the outdoors...and sometimes get angry at the fact.
I really don't like Jay Leno.
I eat Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Slim-Fast Meal Bars. No..I'm not trying to lose weight. I'm actually sort of a pig. But I had one once when I was hiking and it was DELICIOUS. So now I buy them all the time. Frankly, it's a little embarassing in the check-out line but...ultimately, it's worth it.
There are two shows I watched as a child that I wish I could see again; Zoobilee Zoo and You Can't Do That on Television.
I have a crush. I'm not saying who it is because they sometimes read this blog.
I have no interest in traveling to Asia....or Mexico.
One of the meanest "bad boyfriend" things I've ever done was cringe in disgust when my ex-girlfriend showed up with a new haircut. I grew to love it but in the beginning...bad news.
It's not that I'm scared of dying. It's just that I have a lot planned in life and I want to accomplish it all.
The one talent I want more than any other...and one that I will never have...is singing.
There are Disney songs and a few tunes from Britney Spears on my iPod. What of it?
I have two favorite alcoholic drinks. 1.) Mohito 2.) White Russian
It's very difficult for me to eat pizza without ranch dressing.
I've always been overly concerned with what other people think of me. It's a habit I need to break.
My love affair/obsession with Shania Twain has faded dramatically. (For those who know me well, that probably comes as a shock to you.)
Sandra Bullock is the sexiest actress in Hollywood.
I haven't been to bed before 2 a.m. in the past two weeks. That needs to change.
That's all. What can you reveal about yourself?
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Losing the War
I, like everyone else, have a problem with junk email. Up until now I had a tedious, yet effective way of ridding myself of it. I would open each and every item and follow the "unsubscribe" instructions. For the most part it worked. As the days went by and I kept up the annoying task, the amount of junk emails would dwindle down to nothing. It would stay like that for a while...that is until my internet surfing habits caught up with me...and new, unwanted items would show up in my inbox. It's been the same cycle for years...until now.I've recently noticed more and more crap coming to me through email. A few weeks ago I started my diligent "unsubscribing" process. I had no reason to think it wouldn't work. But it didn't. I'm getting more and more emails and I can't seem to stop them. It's pissing me off. My old battle plan isn't working anymore and I don't know what to do. Maybe it's time for a new address.
And finally, THIS is a prime example of why we should all be a little more neighborly. Just a thought.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Gossip
I did some gossiping this weekend. And now I wonder if I should feel guilty. A 'Google' search on gossip provided some insight but it hasn't helped me in examining my moral compass. I'm not a mean-spirited person. I know this about myself. However, any fly on the wall this weekend may feel differently.There were moments when I simply "wanted to know" something about someone. I'm not sure why. Why do I care who is sleeping with who(or is it whom)? What's the point of knowing mindless, banal information? I don't know. I just know I wanted to know it.
In other circumstances I was "gossiping" (if that's what you want to call it) to make sense of the world around me. A little over 5 years ago I was at the center of some relentless and juicy gossip within my circle of friends. I didn't know I was being talked about and when I found out...I was livid. I lashed out and said some hurtful (if not somewhat truthful) things to a few people. A friend sympathized with me but made no apologies for "talking" with others. She wrote in an email, "We share our feelings, our emotions, and our lives with one another because that is how we cope, that is how we understand and come to terms with events and issues that we have a hard time interpreting on our own. It's about support and love and trust." I was still angry...but her words have resonated with me ever since. But is she justifying gossip?
This post has a serious tone that I didn't intend to convey. My weekend was fun-filled and not at all dramatic. I was just wondering what everyone else thought of "gossip." Is it bad? Good? Neither? What does the word even mean?
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Farewell Friend
An anchor team no moreIt was Steve's last night tonight. I went through a similar goodbye when my former co-anchor Melissa left last year. It doesn't get any easier. We all work at a small-market television station. It's not like big city TV. We make lots of mistakes. We screw up a lot. We're even a little immature. But we also laugh a lot....and we're bonded in ways that most people don't get to experience.
More than any "TV person" I know, Steve is himself on camera. Some of us can convincingly "fake being natural" when we're on screen. Steve never had to. He's completely himself and it's always been a breath of fresh air. He's crazy. He's blunt. He's natural. He's likeable. He's Steve.
Steve, buddy....good luck in whatever you do. It's been a pleasure working with you. I, and everyone else in the newsroom, will miss those random outbursts from the edit bay. We'll miss the way you keep us grounded in what can sometimes be an alternate universe. Simply put, we'll miss you. Take care my friend.
More than any "TV person" I know, Steve is himself on camera. Some of us can convincingly "fake being natural" when we're on screen. Steve never had to. He's completely himself and it's always been a breath of fresh air. He's crazy. He's blunt. He's natural. He's likeable. He's Steve.
Steve, buddy....good luck in whatever you do. It's been a pleasure working with you. I, and everyone else in the newsroom, will miss those random outbursts from the edit bay. We'll miss the way you keep us grounded in what can sometimes be an alternate universe. Simply put, we'll miss you. Take care my friend.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
My Own Private Montana
A few things:
I really, really like Ellen Degeneres. I think she's hilarious.
It should approach 60 degrees tomorrow in Bozeman. YES!!!
I've been having trouble sleeping lately.
Scooter Libby: Guilty....one of the few big news stories I have no interest in.
It's Steve's (our sports anchor) last day tomorrow. I dislike change.
I need more vacation time.
That's all.
There are some days when I'm head over heels in love with my job. Today was one of those days. I spent the day at a small Montana ski resort talking to an animated group of New Yorkers. They had won a contest where they got an entire Montana ski area all to themselves for a couple days...the first contest of its kind in the nation. It wasn't a real meaty, news-worthy story but it was one helluva good time. I got paid to snowboard and hang out with cool people. Here's the story for mom...and anyone else who's interested. (There's a "cheesy reporter" moment in here. Don't hold it against me).
I really want to be some sort of outdoor reporter. Maybe work for The Discovery Channel or National Geographic. I need to combine my love of the outdoors with my love of broadcasting. Hopefully someday.
I really, really like Ellen Degeneres. I think she's hilarious.
It should approach 60 degrees tomorrow in Bozeman. YES!!!
I've been having trouble sleeping lately.
Scooter Libby: Guilty....one of the few big news stories I have no interest in.
It's Steve's (our sports anchor) last day tomorrow. I dislike change.
I need more vacation time.
That's all.
There are some days when I'm head over heels in love with my job. Today was one of those days. I spent the day at a small Montana ski resort talking to an animated group of New Yorkers. They had won a contest where they got an entire Montana ski area all to themselves for a couple days...the first contest of its kind in the nation. It wasn't a real meaty, news-worthy story but it was one helluva good time. I got paid to snowboard and hang out with cool people. Here's the story for mom...and anyone else who's interested. (There's a "cheesy reporter" moment in here. Don't hold it against me).
I really want to be some sort of outdoor reporter. Maybe work for The Discovery Channel or National Geographic. I need to combine my love of the outdoors with my love of broadcasting. Hopefully someday.
Monday, March 05, 2007
High School Demons
Let's flash back to the mid-90's. I was in the middle of a 4-year stint at West High School. If I had to pick a word to describe my high school experience, I'd pick "fine." It was fine. It wasn't horrible. It wasn't stellar. It was fine. I wasn't teased or bullied. I was also NOT popular. I existed...and even though that "existence" was generally "fine," I was very insecure. No self-esteem whatsoever. (You might be thinking, "oh shut up, it was high school...everyone was put through hell.") You're right. I'm not whining or even complaining. I'm simply providing a frame of reference. I was an insecure high school boy with little or no confidence.
For the most part, I'm over that. I got over it years ago. People who I looked at in high school with envy have looked at me the same way in recent years. But every once in a while, something will happen that makes me feel insecure and hurt...like the high schooler I once was.
The details aren't important. Suffice it to say recent events have left me feeling a little blue. Ten years I go I would have been sufficiently angry at the people (whether intentionally or not) who brought on my sour mood. These days I'm more angry at MYSELF for even caring. I try not to. But it happens. Which is why I ask, "does high school (and adolescence in general) haunt us forever?
Friday, March 02, 2007
The complexities of blogging
This is Sarah.This is her blog.
She recently had a post in which she explained that management officials within her workplace had requested she "stop blogging." They found her blog and apparently didn't like what they saw.
You can visit her blog to find out why. From what I've read, she did nothing that would invite the wrath of management. Support her if you can.
I generally like my job and the place where I work. I've had disagreements with management but hey...who hasn't? My only predicament when wanting to blog about those disagreements....I'm fairly certain my contract expressly forbids me from such disclosures.
As for you Sarah...keep it up. You have a following in Utah as well as many places out of the Beehive State.
(Disclaimer: I have no permission to use Sarah's photo or even write about her. Sarah, if you mind, just let me know and I will gladly remove)
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