...I said something tonight that scared the crap out of me. When it popped out of my mouth I gasped loudly in shock. How could I have said that? What does it mean?
What did I say?
As I was watching our little monkey president's state of the union address I blurted out...
"you know, I think he's growing on me." :-0 NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
20 Years
It was 20 years ago on Saturday when my dream of being a journalist was born.
I was in kindergarten 20 years ago about ready to head home for the day. I remember grabbing stuff off my desk and then heading for the door. I noticed my teacher staring up at the TV with her hand over her mouth. I looked up at the TV and my 5 year old mind processed what it could. Then another teacher came in, looked at me watching and said, "Isn't it sad?" I remember nodding and then walking out the door.
After I got home that day I sat in front of the TV watching news coverage of the Challenger explosion. I couldn't stop. The image of the shuttle exploding fascinated me. The reporters on the scene fascinated me. The anchors in the studio fascinated me. (I suppose I should admit this was the moment my childhood crush on Michelle King began as well). As I watched all of these people on television, I thought to myself, "I want to do that."
Twenty years later, hear I am. Who knows where the future will take me? For right now, I'm just happy my childhood dream's been realized.
Linco
I was in kindergarten 20 years ago about ready to head home for the day. I remember grabbing stuff off my desk and then heading for the door. I noticed my teacher staring up at the TV with her hand over her mouth. I looked up at the TV and my 5 year old mind processed what it could. Then another teacher came in, looked at me watching and said, "Isn't it sad?" I remember nodding and then walking out the door.
After I got home that day I sat in front of the TV watching news coverage of the Challenger explosion. I couldn't stop. The image of the shuttle exploding fascinated me. The reporters on the scene fascinated me. The anchors in the studio fascinated me. (I suppose I should admit this was the moment my childhood crush on Michelle King began as well). As I watched all of these people on television, I thought to myself, "I want to do that."
Twenty years later, hear I am. Who knows where the future will take me? For right now, I'm just happy my childhood dream's been realized.
Linco
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Good People
Here is just a small sampling of people I like. (in no particular order)
Kathryn - a friend since high school. we survived kelly roberts together. that could bond anyone. however it is our love of the Olive Garden which really joins our souls. who would have guessed that she would be the most constant friend I have in life? only 5 more years kathryn...until our self-imposed nuptuals. are you ready?
Heidi - could turn out to be my closest Glacier friend. she whines a lot and has thus led me into the habit of whining. also one of the only people I feel comfortable giving an alien-type stuffed animal to as a christmas present...with the knowledge that she'll love it. Thank God we both have Verizon, otherwise our nightly chat sessions would be drying up my bank account.
Chris - I won't be climbing Mt. McKinley with him anytime soon (yes he's done that) but I have found a fellow "useless bit of information" connoisseur in Chris. If I ever have to share a mundane fact that most would find boring, I know Chris will be a receptive audience. He's also got some creative "yer mom" jokes up his sleeve which is always appreciated.
Erin - Oh Bean. What can I say? It's quite a history we share. Lots of ups and downs. However I still fondly recall sitting in your living room, both of us bored to tears wondering what to do for the night. We hear the phone ring and our ears perk up. We look at each other and we both wonder aloud, "Friend? Friend?" Then we rush to the phone to have our hopes crushed.
Danny - My big-headed friend from Michigan. And I'm not talking about ego. I'm talking about the size of his head. It's abnormally large. People notice it. It's a little wierd. But I love him. He came to Glacier a few years ago a naive, pretty-boy from rural Michigan. Of course his "prettiness" did nothing to hide the "hick" that lies within him. He's come a long way though...even educating himself by watching the news....even if it is just to mock my anchoring abilities.
Audrey - She's a bitch. No lie. She knows it too. Everyone who meets her says the same thing. Even the few that can push through her bitchy barrier and make her actually like them (thankfully I'm one of them) will say she's a bitch. But she's one of those people you can love and adore anyway. Maybe you don't want to like her but you can't help it. She has a charm that's irresistable. Perhaps is some sort of brainwashing from the Devil.
Liz - Oh Liz. I still remember the days of The Visit. Our friendship was forged (along with a feud between you and Bean) during my acting debut. I didn't have a big part but because I was your friend, I was cool. Cool by association. Is there anything better? I can't believe you have a baby. I wasn't sure your ego would leave room for a baby, but it's become apparent that you are one hell of a mother. Good job. I might be a news anchor but my greatest job will always be the time spent as your boytoy.
Whitney - "People don't want to like me, but they can't help it." Oh how true Whitney. At one point in life I was to take Whitney out to breakfast at one of the most expensive restaurants in Salt Lake City. Unfortunately she didn't show up. The reason? She got too drunk the night before. Oh I wanted to hate her. But she has a knack for making you love her. So I do.
Hmm, I guess that's all for now. I'll update at a later date with more people I like.
Linco
Kathryn - a friend since high school. we survived kelly roberts together. that could bond anyone. however it is our love of the Olive Garden which really joins our souls. who would have guessed that she would be the most constant friend I have in life? only 5 more years kathryn...until our self-imposed nuptuals. are you ready?
Heidi - could turn out to be my closest Glacier friend. she whines a lot and has thus led me into the habit of whining. also one of the only people I feel comfortable giving an alien-type stuffed animal to as a christmas present...with the knowledge that she'll love it. Thank God we both have Verizon, otherwise our nightly chat sessions would be drying up my bank account.
Chris - I won't be climbing Mt. McKinley with him anytime soon (yes he's done that) but I have found a fellow "useless bit of information" connoisseur in Chris. If I ever have to share a mundane fact that most would find boring, I know Chris will be a receptive audience. He's also got some creative "yer mom" jokes up his sleeve which is always appreciated.
Erin - Oh Bean. What can I say? It's quite a history we share. Lots of ups and downs. However I still fondly recall sitting in your living room, both of us bored to tears wondering what to do for the night. We hear the phone ring and our ears perk up. We look at each other and we both wonder aloud, "Friend? Friend?" Then we rush to the phone to have our hopes crushed.
Danny - My big-headed friend from Michigan. And I'm not talking about ego. I'm talking about the size of his head. It's abnormally large. People notice it. It's a little wierd. But I love him. He came to Glacier a few years ago a naive, pretty-boy from rural Michigan. Of course his "prettiness" did nothing to hide the "hick" that lies within him. He's come a long way though...even educating himself by watching the news....even if it is just to mock my anchoring abilities.
Audrey - She's a bitch. No lie. She knows it too. Everyone who meets her says the same thing. Even the few that can push through her bitchy barrier and make her actually like them (thankfully I'm one of them) will say she's a bitch. But she's one of those people you can love and adore anyway. Maybe you don't want to like her but you can't help it. She has a charm that's irresistable. Perhaps is some sort of brainwashing from the Devil.
Liz - Oh Liz. I still remember the days of The Visit. Our friendship was forged (along with a feud between you and Bean) during my acting debut. I didn't have a big part but because I was your friend, I was cool. Cool by association. Is there anything better? I can't believe you have a baby. I wasn't sure your ego would leave room for a baby, but it's become apparent that you are one hell of a mother. Good job. I might be a news anchor but my greatest job will always be the time spent as your boytoy.
Whitney - "People don't want to like me, but they can't help it." Oh how true Whitney. At one point in life I was to take Whitney out to breakfast at one of the most expensive restaurants in Salt Lake City. Unfortunately she didn't show up. The reason? She got too drunk the night before. Oh I wanted to hate her. But she has a knack for making you love her. So I do.
Hmm, I guess that's all for now. I'll update at a later date with more people I like.
Linco
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Breaking News...or not
Oops.
Tonight, in the middle of the newscast, Melissa and I told our friendly Montana viewers that "we had breaking news." There had been an earthquake measuring nearly 4.0 on the Richter Scale "just minutes ago." We went "live" to our reporter Andrew "for the latest" on this "breaking news story." Andrew tells us the quake was felt "over a wide region of southwest Montana" and that it just occurred."
This was all fine and dandy....except that we were wrong.
Very, very wrong.
There was a quake but it was nearly 12 hours earlier. A viewer called in and said "uh, you guys have it wrong."
We felt stupid. I won't get into the details but I will say that while we were wrong, it was a legitimate mistake. We don't have a big staff and all of the initial information led us to go ahead with the "breaking news story." If we had a few more people working for us, it might have gone differently.
So tonight was fairly embarrassing. Oh and let's not forget my cell phone started to ring as I'm telling Montana viewers about this quake. We work in a small space and my cell phone could easily be heard on the air. After the show I get a message from Kathryn stating, "I just realized you're probably doing the news right now. I hope I'm not interrupting some breaking news story or something like that."
I laughed out loud.
So to summarize we lied to the viewers tonight and they were treated to a cell phone rendition of the Gilligan's Island theme. Woohoo!
Linco
Tonight, in the middle of the newscast, Melissa and I told our friendly Montana viewers that "we had breaking news." There had been an earthquake measuring nearly 4.0 on the Richter Scale "just minutes ago." We went "live" to our reporter Andrew "for the latest" on this "breaking news story." Andrew tells us the quake was felt "over a wide region of southwest Montana" and that it just occurred."
This was all fine and dandy....except that we were wrong.
Very, very wrong.
There was a quake but it was nearly 12 hours earlier. A viewer called in and said "uh, you guys have it wrong."
We felt stupid. I won't get into the details but I will say that while we were wrong, it was a legitimate mistake. We don't have a big staff and all of the initial information led us to go ahead with the "breaking news story." If we had a few more people working for us, it might have gone differently.
So tonight was fairly embarrassing. Oh and let's not forget my cell phone started to ring as I'm telling Montana viewers about this quake. We work in a small space and my cell phone could easily be heard on the air. After the show I get a message from Kathryn stating, "I just realized you're probably doing the news right now. I hope I'm not interrupting some breaking news story or something like that."
I laughed out loud.
So to summarize we lied to the viewers tonight and they were treated to a cell phone rendition of the Gilligan's Island theme. Woohoo!
Linco
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Big Brother Is Watching
My boss is critiquing me.
Every day he is sent a tape of the previous night's 10 o'clock newscast. Then at 2 in the afternoon, me, my co-anchor Melissa, our producer, Steve the sports anchor, and our local boss sit down for a conference call with the big boss who's in another town 3 hours away.
We listen on speaker phone as he watches the newscast. It's an unsettling experience. I haven't been told that I suck, but to listen in as he scrutinizes my performance is nerve-racking. I don't like it when Big Brother watches me.
Every day he is sent a tape of the previous night's 10 o'clock newscast. Then at 2 in the afternoon, me, my co-anchor Melissa, our producer, Steve the sports anchor, and our local boss sit down for a conference call with the big boss who's in another town 3 hours away.
We listen on speaker phone as he watches the newscast. It's an unsettling experience. I haven't been told that I suck, but to listen in as he scrutinizes my performance is nerve-racking. I don't like it when Big Brother watches me.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Summer
I long for it. I want to wear shorts. I want to hike in the mountains. I want to drive my car with the window down. I want to leave my jacket at home. I don't want to see my breath anymore when I breathe. I'm tired of the sun setting at 5:30.
I long for summer.
I don't know why really. I've always been a 4 season kind of guy. Well 3 season I guess. I've never thought much of Spring. As Spring approaches you're tired of winter and you just want it to be warm. You don't have the patience to put up with Spring. But as for the other 3 seasons, I've always liked them. So what is this sudden annoyance with winter? I guess it's the fact I'm working through it. In the past I've had fun all winter long. I could snowboard everyday. I had the opportunity to play ALL THE TIME.
Now I work. Now I drive through the snow. Now it's just something I put up with. How sad. I hope my fondness for winter isn't gone forever. I'll worry about that later. For now....
...I long for summer.
Linco
I long for summer.
I don't know why really. I've always been a 4 season kind of guy. Well 3 season I guess. I've never thought much of Spring. As Spring approaches you're tired of winter and you just want it to be warm. You don't have the patience to put up with Spring. But as for the other 3 seasons, I've always liked them. So what is this sudden annoyance with winter? I guess it's the fact I'm working through it. In the past I've had fun all winter long. I could snowboard everyday. I had the opportunity to play ALL THE TIME.
Now I work. Now I drive through the snow. Now it's just something I put up with. How sad. I hope my fondness for winter isn't gone forever. I'll worry about that later. For now....
...I long for summer.
Linco
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Happy New Year
Where will I be in a year?
I ask that question every New Year's Eve. Inevitably, I always find myself looking back and thinking, "a year ago, I never would have guessed THIS is where I'd end up." For instance, I found myself on my town's Main Street when midnight finally came. I was crouching on the ground, video camera upon my shoulder, taping a group of people counting down to the new year. Later, as I was walking away, I smiled to myself. "I never would have guessed a year ago, this is where I'd end up."
So where will I be on December 31, 2006. I have no idea. I've decided uncertainties like that are what make life intriguing.
But let's back up. Let's reminisce on 2005. In all honesty this past year could be the best year of my life so far. I started it in Big Sky, Montana. For the first few months of the year I snowboarded to my heart's content and made a lot of money toting the bags of rich folks around. I also got to know some pretty amazing people. The Holy Trinity of Chris, Josh, and Brian came into my life. Good, good guys. Nicole became one of my favorites as well. Established friendships were tested but ultimately nurtured. And I began to sense that my seasonal life was coming to an end.
I moved on to Glacier for my 4th consecutive year in May. Deep down I knew it was my last extended stay in the park so every magical moment there was amplified a bit. There was more of the same here. New people entered my life. (Hello Heidi) Old friendships were strengthened. (Dave, Audrey, Ron) I spent a lot of time with the park. She knew I was sad about leaving her so she was pretty good to me. No major mishaps. No bad weather. No bears. No miserable hikes. I left in September with a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I knew I was moving on and I was thrilled about that. But it's never easy to leave something that works so well for you.
Fall came. I got serious about the job hunting. To be honest I wasn't optimistic. My credentials were 4 years old and I was afraid no one would care to take a chance on someone out of the game for so long. But they were all I had so I went for it. The response was more than I could have hoped for. I got a lot of replies and eventually ended up where I am now. I'm living my dream as a news anchor and curiously wondering what 2006 has in store for me.
Happy New Year everyone.
I ask that question every New Year's Eve. Inevitably, I always find myself looking back and thinking, "a year ago, I never would have guessed THIS is where I'd end up." For instance, I found myself on my town's Main Street when midnight finally came. I was crouching on the ground, video camera upon my shoulder, taping a group of people counting down to the new year. Later, as I was walking away, I smiled to myself. "I never would have guessed a year ago, this is where I'd end up."
So where will I be on December 31, 2006. I have no idea. I've decided uncertainties like that are what make life intriguing.
But let's back up. Let's reminisce on 2005. In all honesty this past year could be the best year of my life so far. I started it in Big Sky, Montana. For the first few months of the year I snowboarded to my heart's content and made a lot of money toting the bags of rich folks around. I also got to know some pretty amazing people. The Holy Trinity of Chris, Josh, and Brian came into my life. Good, good guys. Nicole became one of my favorites as well. Established friendships were tested but ultimately nurtured. And I began to sense that my seasonal life was coming to an end.
I moved on to Glacier for my 4th consecutive year in May. Deep down I knew it was my last extended stay in the park so every magical moment there was amplified a bit. There was more of the same here. New people entered my life. (Hello Heidi) Old friendships were strengthened. (Dave, Audrey, Ron) I spent a lot of time with the park. She knew I was sad about leaving her so she was pretty good to me. No major mishaps. No bad weather. No bears. No miserable hikes. I left in September with a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I knew I was moving on and I was thrilled about that. But it's never easy to leave something that works so well for you.
Fall came. I got serious about the job hunting. To be honest I wasn't optimistic. My credentials were 4 years old and I was afraid no one would care to take a chance on someone out of the game for so long. But they were all I had so I went for it. The response was more than I could have hoped for. I got a lot of replies and eventually ended up where I am now. I'm living my dream as a news anchor and curiously wondering what 2006 has in store for me.
Happy New Year everyone.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
New Year's Eve 2003
No, I'm not an idiot. I realize it's 2005.
I'm just fondly remembering my New Year's Eve of 2 years ago. I was in New Zealand working in Mt. Cook National Park. The village pub was hopping with all the locals. The endless liquor was provided by the company free of charge.
I was dancing. Yes I danced. Those who know me know what a feat that is for me. They're also probably wondering how much alcohol coursed threw my veins that night to make me take to the dance floor....and actually have fun in the process. Well, it was a lot. Too much depending how you look at things. For as I exited the pub to get some air I sat down next to a big boulder, rested my head on the rock, and passed out. Next thing I know, my boss...the owner of the hotel...shoves me into a car with his wife and son. Then I'm escorted to my room.
My story was a big hit the next day. The boss was cool with it. He thought it was funny. So I guess I did too. Getting drunk isn't why New Year's Eve 2003 was great. It was great because I had fun. I laughed with people. I danced with people. I celebrated with people. People I loved. I had a great time. I mention because this New Year's Eve will be different.
This year, I'm on call. I get to wait for all the other idiots out there to hurt or kill themselves, and then go with camera in hand to cover the aftermath. Let's all hope for the best.
I'm just fondly remembering my New Year's Eve of 2 years ago. I was in New Zealand working in Mt. Cook National Park. The village pub was hopping with all the locals. The endless liquor was provided by the company free of charge.
I was dancing. Yes I danced. Those who know me know what a feat that is for me. They're also probably wondering how much alcohol coursed threw my veins that night to make me take to the dance floor....and actually have fun in the process. Well, it was a lot. Too much depending how you look at things. For as I exited the pub to get some air I sat down next to a big boulder, rested my head on the rock, and passed out. Next thing I know, my boss...the owner of the hotel...shoves me into a car with his wife and son. Then I'm escorted to my room.
My story was a big hit the next day. The boss was cool with it. He thought it was funny. So I guess I did too. Getting drunk isn't why New Year's Eve 2003 was great. It was great because I had fun. I laughed with people. I danced with people. I celebrated with people. People I loved. I had a great time. I mention because this New Year's Eve will be different.
This year, I'm on call. I get to wait for all the other idiots out there to hurt or kill themselves, and then go with camera in hand to cover the aftermath. Let's all hope for the best.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
$1000
That's how much money I won today. One thousand dollars.
Nearly 4 weeks ago I went with my boss to get a cell phone for work. While there the manager had us fill out a contest form for a $1000 giveaway. I filled my form out absent-mindedly.
Today that same manager called and told me I had won. Needless to say I was excited...but I kept it together. Sure, I have some money I didn't have before but a thousand bucks isn't THAT much these days. Not that I'm complaining. Things worked out well for me. They didn't work out for this cell phone provider. The whole reason for having the contest was for advertisement and promotional purposes. Unfortunately they can't use me or my picture in anything. The TV station I work for owns my image and likeness. They weren't too happy about that. They had just wasted a thousand bucks on someone they can't photograph. Too bad for them.
Good for me. :)
Nearly 4 weeks ago I went with my boss to get a cell phone for work. While there the manager had us fill out a contest form for a $1000 giveaway. I filled my form out absent-mindedly.
Today that same manager called and told me I had won. Needless to say I was excited...but I kept it together. Sure, I have some money I didn't have before but a thousand bucks isn't THAT much these days. Not that I'm complaining. Things worked out well for me. They didn't work out for this cell phone provider. The whole reason for having the contest was for advertisement and promotional purposes. Unfortunately they can't use me or my picture in anything. The TV station I work for owns my image and likeness. They weren't too happy about that. They had just wasted a thousand bucks on someone they can't photograph. Too bad for them.
Good for me. :)
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Country Songs
So I'm driving home tonight listening to the radio. Well...I was doing more thinking than listening. I noticed when a rather sad song came on but I wasn't really listening to the words. That is until this doozy of a line...
"the difference is, Jesus loves you...I don't."
My ears perked up for a moment. And then I laughed. Out loud. For a long time. You've got to love country songs.
"the difference is, Jesus loves you...I don't."
My ears perked up for a moment. And then I laughed. Out loud. For a long time. You've got to love country songs.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
A news anchor....
....is only as good as his TelePrompTer. So I guess in my case....I suck...because our prompter sucks. I guess it's good experience to learn how to anchor a newscast without the aid of a prompter. I just didn't expect it to happen during my second week. Well it did. The prompter went down tonight. I performed respectably enough. I looked down a lot at my scripts but I guess that couldn't be avoided. But the very noticeable crack in my voice (which occured because I was so damn nervous) could have been. At least now I can walk around town and have the people in our station's viewing area congratulate me on finally reaching puberty. Yay me.
Dakota
That's the name of the dog I saved today.
Okay, he wasn't in harms way when I opened the door of my car and told him to jump in...but you never know what could have happened.
Here's the story:
I had to take my roommate to go get his van this morning. I had picked him up the night before from a party because he was WAY too drunk to drive. So this morning as we went to retrieve the vehicle, we saw a dog running in the road ahead of us. He was facing the other way, in our lane, running like he didn't have a care in the world. Both of us chuckled as we approached this animal. As we got closer he moved off to a snow bank on the side of the road. Then it hit me.
"I know that dog," I said out loud. "That's Dakota!"
I had met Dakota only one time before. He belongs to my co-anchor's boyfriend. She usually watches him during the day while the boyfriend is working. Anyway, I realized it was him, pulled over, opened the door and asked him to come inside. The blissful little mutt obliged and hopped right in. I then took him home and we all lived happily ever after.
The End
Okay, he wasn't in harms way when I opened the door of my car and told him to jump in...but you never know what could have happened.
Here's the story:
I had to take my roommate to go get his van this morning. I had picked him up the night before from a party because he was WAY too drunk to drive. So this morning as we went to retrieve the vehicle, we saw a dog running in the road ahead of us. He was facing the other way, in our lane, running like he didn't have a care in the world. Both of us chuckled as we approached this animal. As we got closer he moved off to a snow bank on the side of the road. Then it hit me.
"I know that dog," I said out loud. "That's Dakota!"
I had met Dakota only one time before. He belongs to my co-anchor's boyfriend. She usually watches him during the day while the boyfriend is working. Anyway, I realized it was him, pulled over, opened the door and asked him to come inside. The blissful little mutt obliged and hopped right in. I then took him home and we all lived happily ever after.
The End
Monday, December 12, 2005
Giggles to a laughing fit
Have you ever giggled at the wrong moment?
Have the giggles ever snowballed into an all out laughing fit for you?
Has a humorous little moment turned into something out of control...where you're laughing about the laughter and not what was originally funny?
Has your case of the giggles proved unstoppable because someone is giggling right along with you....in essence you're feeding off of each other?
Have you tried to hold it all in because you absolutely should NOT be laughing at this time?
Have your eyes watered and your sides hurt because you can't control yourself?
Has any of this ever happened to you?
Has it happened on LIVE TV?
It happened tonight for me. It wasn't pretty.
Let me be clear. I was never shown laughing on camera. Neither was my co-anchor. But our laughing fit held some very awful implications for the sports guy. He was on camera. It started with a mis-pronounced name. Not very funny in a normal situation. For some reason though, it set us off. I looked over and saw her giggle. So I started to. Then she laughed some more. So I did. Then it snowballed. You know what I'm talking about. It's hard to stop something like that when it starts. It must have been hard for him. I wouldn't know...I was laughing to hard. We weren't laughing at him. We were laughing at how we couldn't stop laughing. Regardless, it through him off. You try reading a prompter for 4 minutes while the anchors sitting beside you have lost it. He did it though...as best he could. After we went to commercial, he threw his papers into the air and stormed off the desk. He was seriously pissed. I couldn't blame him. I would have been pissed too. I felt very, very small. My co-anchor did as well. It was unprofessional and I feel horrible for him.
And yet I'm still giggling about it. Am I going to Hell?
Have the giggles ever snowballed into an all out laughing fit for you?
Has a humorous little moment turned into something out of control...where you're laughing about the laughter and not what was originally funny?
Has your case of the giggles proved unstoppable because someone is giggling right along with you....in essence you're feeding off of each other?
Have you tried to hold it all in because you absolutely should NOT be laughing at this time?
Have your eyes watered and your sides hurt because you can't control yourself?
Has any of this ever happened to you?
Has it happened on LIVE TV?
It happened tonight for me. It wasn't pretty.
Let me be clear. I was never shown laughing on camera. Neither was my co-anchor. But our laughing fit held some very awful implications for the sports guy. He was on camera. It started with a mis-pronounced name. Not very funny in a normal situation. For some reason though, it set us off. I looked over and saw her giggle. So I started to. Then she laughed some more. So I did. Then it snowballed. You know what I'm talking about. It's hard to stop something like that when it starts. It must have been hard for him. I wouldn't know...I was laughing to hard. We weren't laughing at him. We were laughing at how we couldn't stop laughing. Regardless, it through him off. You try reading a prompter for 4 minutes while the anchors sitting beside you have lost it. He did it though...as best he could. After we went to commercial, he threw his papers into the air and stormed off the desk. He was seriously pissed. I couldn't blame him. I would have been pissed too. I felt very, very small. My co-anchor did as well. It was unprofessional and I feel horrible for him.
And yet I'm still giggling about it. Am I going to Hell?
Friday, December 09, 2005
What a week
It's official now. I'm a news anchor. I work in the same field as Ron Burgundy.
I now have six newscasts under my belt. Most have been practically error-free. There are things I need to work on. I look a little stiff on screen. I'm hoping I'll grow more comfortable as time passes. On one show I looked at the wrong camera twice. Embarrassing but it happens. I've stumbled over my words a few times but there have been no major screw-ups. Part of my job is also spent helping to produce the show. So in that regard my writing could be a little more concise. I need to become more familiar with a lot of technical aspects of my job. Script writing can be tedious because there are so many little symbols and keys and codes to remember. I'm decent at operating the camera and other equipment but I just need more practice. Same with editing.
I guess what I'm trying to say is things are going good. This is my first job and while I personally believe I'm doing rather well for being a rookie, there are no doubt things I need to work on. But that comes with any job right? We all learn by experience. After all, experience is what I'm trying to gain here.
Therefore I will no longer dwell on the errors I make. They will happen. I can't avoid them. I will simply make note of them and do my best to make sure they don't happen again.
I guess that's all. This post is a little boring. But I just needed to give myself a little review session and pep talk. Thanks for listening with me.
Lincoln
I now have six newscasts under my belt. Most have been practically error-free. There are things I need to work on. I look a little stiff on screen. I'm hoping I'll grow more comfortable as time passes. On one show I looked at the wrong camera twice. Embarrassing but it happens. I've stumbled over my words a few times but there have been no major screw-ups. Part of my job is also spent helping to produce the show. So in that regard my writing could be a little more concise. I need to become more familiar with a lot of technical aspects of my job. Script writing can be tedious because there are so many little symbols and keys and codes to remember. I'm decent at operating the camera and other equipment but I just need more practice. Same with editing.
I guess what I'm trying to say is things are going good. This is my first job and while I personally believe I'm doing rather well for being a rookie, there are no doubt things I need to work on. But that comes with any job right? We all learn by experience. After all, experience is what I'm trying to gain here.
Therefore I will no longer dwell on the errors I make. They will happen. I can't avoid them. I will simply make note of them and do my best to make sure they don't happen again.
I guess that's all. This post is a little boring. But I just needed to give myself a little review session and pep talk. Thanks for listening with me.
Lincoln
Monday, December 05, 2005
My first time
You never forget your first time.
I know I won't forget mine.
I was nervous. I knew that it was going to happen and my heart was pounding in anticipation. I had been thinking about it all day. How well would I perform? Would I mess up in some way embarrassing myself and her?
I needn't have worried. Although the nerves were in overdrive right up to when the moment began, they disappeared as I began to do my thing. People argue about whether to leave the lights on or off. In this case they were on. And they were bright. But I was losing myself in the excitement and ecstasy of it all. I didn't have time to notice the lights.
Soon, the climax approached. The sensation was amazing. I was confident. I was happy. I felt we complemented each other very well.
And then...it was over.
We had to have a break. As I began to relax I began to notice the things I hadn't noticed before. Greg was watching us the whole time...even giving us directions. He operated the cameras as well.
What?
Yes, there were cameras. It was my first time after all.
I didn't mind that I was being filmed. I even remembered there were probably thousands of people watching us. Whatever. I was so damn good that I didn't care. I wanted them all to see me. I guess I like to be watched.
Soon the break was over. That's when Steve came to join us. This was his moment. She and I just sit back and left him to his work. He was amazing as well. The three of us were engaged in a beautiful dance.
When it was all over, we laughed and hugged each other. There were congratulations. "You were so good," she told me. I grinned. I know I was.
It was simply amazing. I was born to do this.
You never forget your first time....
......news anchoring.
Where was your mind?
I know I won't forget mine.
I was nervous. I knew that it was going to happen and my heart was pounding in anticipation. I had been thinking about it all day. How well would I perform? Would I mess up in some way embarrassing myself and her?
I needn't have worried. Although the nerves were in overdrive right up to when the moment began, they disappeared as I began to do my thing. People argue about whether to leave the lights on or off. In this case they were on. And they were bright. But I was losing myself in the excitement and ecstasy of it all. I didn't have time to notice the lights.
Soon, the climax approached. The sensation was amazing. I was confident. I was happy. I felt we complemented each other very well.
And then...it was over.
We had to have a break. As I began to relax I began to notice the things I hadn't noticed before. Greg was watching us the whole time...even giving us directions. He operated the cameras as well.
What?
Yes, there were cameras. It was my first time after all.
I didn't mind that I was being filmed. I even remembered there were probably thousands of people watching us. Whatever. I was so damn good that I didn't care. I wanted them all to see me. I guess I like to be watched.
Soon the break was over. That's when Steve came to join us. This was his moment. She and I just sit back and left him to his work. He was amazing as well. The three of us were engaged in a beautiful dance.
When it was all over, we laughed and hugged each other. There were congratulations. "You were so good," she told me. I grinned. I know I was.
It was simply amazing. I was born to do this.
You never forget your first time....
......news anchoring.
Where was your mind?
Friday, December 02, 2005
Excited over bad news
I discovered firsthand today why lots of folks think us newspeople are scum. They say we thrive and get excited over bad news. A bus can crash, a house can explode, a disgruntled postal worker can go on a shooting spree. Horrible events for sure but, supposedly for the journalists, exciting stuff to cover....I guess I agree. Recently a local woman was arrested for a domestic distrubance. She was held in jail over the weekend. On her last night in the jail, officers found her lying dead on the floor of her cell. No one knows what killed her. There's speculation she needed some sort of medication which the jail failed to provide. Her husband hired an attorney and now there are rumors of a lawsuit. Well I called the attorney today and he set up an exclusive interview between me and the husband. I have to admit. I got excited. It was an exclusive interview with the potential for a lot of emotion. I was pumped to do it. Is that bad?
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Breaking News
Okay, so maybe it wasn't breaking news. But it was a big story. A small Cessna aircraft crashed while it was trying to land at the local airport. The pilot was the only one on board. He died on impact.
That's the story I covered today. I guess you could say it was my first big story. I got into work about 9 am and was immediately sent to the scene. Later in the day we found out the plane probably crashed around 6 pm...the previous day. I sat in wonder and thought "how could we only be finding out about this now. It happened yesterday." To be fair to us, the competition didn't know about it either. But still...it was a long time. Whatever, I'm missing my original point.
Breaking news is what I love about being a reporter. I love the excitement of a big story unfolding before your eyes. Part of starting a news career in a small town is to gain experience. Breaking news isn't easy to cover. Everyone involved has to think on their feet. Things happen fast. I may love it but I know I need practice in covering it. I got a little bit of practice today with this story. But it's a little frustrating that "breaking news" means within minutes in most cities. In Montana, it apparently means "within a couple days." Oh well. I suppose things can't be perfect.
On a side note. It was 10 degrees outside while I was covering this story. My hands got cold. Very cold. On the trip back to the station they began to warm up again. I have never felt such pain before. As they warmed up it was a constant, slow, intense throbbing pain. It was horrible. Just thought I'd share.
Oh and while I love Montana, and have spent one winter here, the cold isn't so fun when you don't have a big mountain to snowboard on to look forward to.
Easy Kathryn, that wasn't a slam on Montana. It was a slam on winter.
That's the story I covered today. I guess you could say it was my first big story. I got into work about 9 am and was immediately sent to the scene. Later in the day we found out the plane probably crashed around 6 pm...the previous day. I sat in wonder and thought "how could we only be finding out about this now. It happened yesterday." To be fair to us, the competition didn't know about it either. But still...it was a long time. Whatever, I'm missing my original point.
Breaking news is what I love about being a reporter. I love the excitement of a big story unfolding before your eyes. Part of starting a news career in a small town is to gain experience. Breaking news isn't easy to cover. Everyone involved has to think on their feet. Things happen fast. I may love it but I know I need practice in covering it. I got a little bit of practice today with this story. But it's a little frustrating that "breaking news" means within minutes in most cities. In Montana, it apparently means "within a couple days." Oh well. I suppose things can't be perfect.
On a side note. It was 10 degrees outside while I was covering this story. My hands got cold. Very cold. On the trip back to the station they began to warm up again. I have never felt such pain before. As they warmed up it was a constant, slow, intense throbbing pain. It was horrible. Just thought I'd share.
Oh and while I love Montana, and have spent one winter here, the cold isn't so fun when you don't have a big mountain to snowboard on to look forward to.
Easy Kathryn, that wasn't a slam on Montana. It was a slam on winter.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Eight Days
....that's when I make my debut as co-anchor of the ten o'clock news. I've gotten accustomed to my live reports now. I still get nervous but not as bad as the first time. Anchoring is a bit different though. I'm live for 30 minutes every night. Scary. I've done some practice run throughs and I'll be doing some more this week. To be honest they've been a little rough. I can read the prompter just fine and I sound like a news anchor if I do say so myself. But I get nervous up there and my mind just sort of freezes up when something goes wrong. They've been making things go wrong on purpose to see how I react. It's not pretty. I look like a deer in the headlights. But it's necessary I guess. I suppose I'd rather be more prepared for a disaster when it really happens. Here's an example. I never thought I'd have a problem with all the banter your news anchors like to engage in. Well, when you're nervous and worried about when you're supposed to talk next, and the director is barking demands into your ear, and your co-anchor is talking it's hard to remember what they've even said. So on a practice run through my co-anchor finishes her script, turns to me and says something off the cuff. I have no idea what she's said. All I know is that we're supposed to toss it to weather and she's just asked me a question about the fog or Christmas or little puppies. I have no idea which, because I wasn't really listening. So I stare at her, stare at the prompter and look dazed. It was rather embarrassing. But at least it wasn't live. It's also important to keep the paper script in front of you on the right page. I've got to work on that. They stopped the prompter on me and my script was on the wrong page. So I had no idea what to say. Blah, blah blah. The list goes on an on. All I know is that I'm scared. But I'm excited. I'm excited beyond words. I get to be a news anchor. I smile when I think about it. Sorry for all the news talk. I'm sure it bores whoever reads this. But it's more of a journal to me anyway.
Lincoln
Lincoln
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Any old job
I've only been at this news reporter/anchor thing for a week now and already I can see that my job is just like any other job. I don't think people realize that. Sure we all do different things in life. But when it comes down to it, we are all...working. I wake up in the morning, very warm and comfortable in my bed, and think, "ugh..I don't want to go to work today." I'm not complaining. I really do like my job. But it is a job. Given a limitless amount of money to support myself I would choose to be snowboarding or hiking or spending time with friends. Most of us can't do that however. We have to work to support ourselves. That's when it becomes important to like what you do. I guess I'm fortunate in that regard. Like I said, I haven't been at it long but I do enjoy my work. I just don't want people to think it's not...work. Because it is. I've tried to start thinking this way when I picture other jobs. Maybe that actress makes a ton of money and is known the world over. But when she's filming a movie she probably doesn't like working 14-hour days and memorizing script change after script change. Maybe the zookeeper who LOVES animals doesn't want to deal with the attitude coming from the chimps today. Maybe the basketball star doesn't really feel like running around the court tonight trying to throw a ball through a hoop. Maybe the nurse is fed up with all the annoying patients in the hospital. We all have to deal with stuff like this no matter what our job is like. And of course I'm speaking for those who actually like their jobs. If you hate what you do you have a whole different set of issues. I don't know how to address those.
In short I'm making some discoveries about my line of work. Watching from afar I had a certain image in my mind. I'm finding out that things aren't the way I pictured them. But that's okay. I still love it.
On semi-related note we had a major screwup in the newscast tonight. One of our reporters was left live on the air with no clue of what to say or do. It WAS NOT her fault. But of course it looks that way when she's the only thing people at home can see. I felt bad for her. But I am thankful it wasn't me....
In short I'm making some discoveries about my line of work. Watching from afar I had a certain image in my mind. I'm finding out that things aren't the way I pictured them. But that's okay. I still love it.
On semi-related note we had a major screwup in the newscast tonight. One of our reporters was left live on the air with no clue of what to say or do. It WAS NOT her fault. But of course it looks that way when she's the only thing people at home can see. I felt bad for her. But I am thankful it wasn't me....
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
And we are LIVE
I went LIVE for the first time in my life today. I've been on TV before. Just not LIVE. What a rush. Yes I was nervous. Yes I was shaking. Yes my voice may have cracked a little bit. But I did surprisingly well for my first time. It went something like this:
Anchor: It's been less than a week since the mayor was arrested for domestic abuse. Now some residents are calling for his resignation.
Me: That's right it was just last wednesday when the mayor was charged with this crime. Court records say he beat his pregnant wife. Well the mayor was missing last night at the city commision meeting.
Sound bite of guy calling for resignation.
Me: Now the city manager says the mayor was planning on being gone for a couple weeks anyway. He also says there is nothing in city law requiring the mayor to step down. We will keep you up to date on any developments that occur in this case.
Exciting huh? Okay maybe not for you. But it was for me. It was quite a relief as well. The first time is over now. I'm sure I'll still be nervous for a while but I don't think it will begin to match this. Oh wait. Maybe it will. My first time anchoring a newscast is only a couple weeks away. That's a whole other ballgame.
Reporting live from my bedroom in Montana, I'm Ron Burgundy. Back to you.
Anchor: It's been less than a week since the mayor was arrested for domestic abuse. Now some residents are calling for his resignation.
Me: That's right it was just last wednesday when the mayor was charged with this crime. Court records say he beat his pregnant wife. Well the mayor was missing last night at the city commision meeting.
Sound bite of guy calling for resignation.
Me: Now the city manager says the mayor was planning on being gone for a couple weeks anyway. He also says there is nothing in city law requiring the mayor to step down. We will keep you up to date on any developments that occur in this case.
Exciting huh? Okay maybe not for you. But it was for me. It was quite a relief as well. The first time is over now. I'm sure I'll still be nervous for a while but I don't think it will begin to match this. Oh wait. Maybe it will. My first time anchoring a newscast is only a couple weeks away. That's a whole other ballgame.
Reporting live from my bedroom in Montana, I'm Ron Burgundy. Back to you.
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