Sports Writing Samples from February 29, 2016

FOR JANUARY 1, 1987

IN SPORTS, THE LAKERS OPEN UP 1987 IN PORTLAND, U-S-C MAY HAVE A NEW HEAD COACH, AND ARIZONA STATE BATTLED MICHIGAN IN THE ROSE BOWL.

SPORTS COMING UP AT 15 MINUTES PAST THE HOUR.



FOR JANUARY 1, 1987

THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS HIT A NEW SEASON HIGH IN SCORING AS THEY ROUTED THE PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS 140-104.  BYRON SCOTT SCORED A GAME HIGH 31 AND MAGIC JOHNSON DISHED OUT A GAME HIGH 18 ASSISTS IN PORTLAND.  LAKERS IMPROVE TO 23-6 AND THEY HOST THE PHOENIX SUNS AT THE FORUM ON FRIDAY.


THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS WILL TAKE ON THE INDIANA PACERS IN INDIANAPOLIS TOMORROW AFTERNOON.


EIGHT OTHER GAMES ARE ALSO ON TAP IN THE N-B-A TOMORROW.


AUBURN BEAT U-S-C IN THE CITRUS BOWL 16-7, MARKING THE END OF THE TED TOLLNER EAR.  THE TROJANS ARE SET TO HIRE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA HEAD COACH LARRY SMITH TO BE THE SCHOOL'S NEXT HEAD COACH.  U-S-C IS SET TO MAKE AN OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT AS EARLY AS THIS WEEKEND.


AT THE ROSE BOWL IN PASADENA, ARIZONA STATE CAME FROM BEHIND TO BEAT MICHIGAN 22-15.  THE SUN DEVILS CAPTURE THEIR FIRST ROSE BOWL TROPHY IN THEIR FIRST NEW YEAR'S DAY TRIP TO PASADENA.


OHIO STATE BEAT TEXAS A&M 28-12 IN THE COTTON BOWL


OKLAHOMA ROUTED ARKANSAS 42-8


NEBRASKA DOUBLED UP L-S-U 30-15 IN THE SUGAR BOWL.


UNDEFEATED AND NUMBER ONE MIAMI WILL BATTLE UNDEFEATED AND NUMBER TWO PENN STATE IN THE SUNKIST FIESTA BOWL TOMORROW NIGHT.  THE WINNER OF THE GAME AT SUN DEVIL STADIUM IN TEMPE, ARIZONA WILL GO ON TO WIN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.



AND THE LOS ANGELES KINGS WILL TAKE ON THE VANCOUVER CANUCKS TOMORROW NIGHT IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST.

Writing Samples from February 29, 2016

From February 26, 2016

A ROYAL CARRIBEAN PASSENGER IS SUING THE CRUISE LINE AFTER HE WAS ON BOARD A RECENT CRUISE DURING A NASTY STORM.

HIS SUIT IS PART OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AFTER MANY PASSENGERS WERE BATTERED BY A MAJOR STORM OUT IN THE ATLANTIC.

THE SUIT SAYS THAT ROYAL CARRIBEAN SHOULD HAVE DONE BETTER AT ALERTING ITS GUESTS OF COMING STORMS.



From February 29, 2016

ACTOR AND COMEDIAN CHRIS ROCK HOSTED THE 88TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS ON SUNDAY.

HE DEDICATED MOST OF HIS OPENING MONOLOGUE TO THE LACK OF DIVERSITY FOR THE MAJOR ACTING NOMINATIONS.

HE ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE GIRL SCOUTS RAISED MORE THAN 65-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN COOKIE SALES DURING THE AWARDS SHOW.

THE BIG PRIZES WENT OUT AT THE END OF THE SHOW.

LEONARDO DICAPRIO WON FOR BEST ACTOR IN "THE REVENANT", BRIE LARSEN FOR BEST ACTRESS IN "ROOM", AND FINALLY "SPOTLIGHT" WON THE OSCAR FOR BEST PICTURE.

Journal Entry for February 29, 2016

Happy Leap Day!!!

This morning, I woke up on time at 7:50 this morning.  I felt good about letting my family sleep while I was getting Ben's milk ready for the morning.  I gave Ben his milk and he was happy to see me.  I has even happier to see him.

I had fun playing with Ben and Blake this morning.  I got to see both the boys playing with their toys.  I think they shared what they were playing with.  I got to play with colors and crayons with Ben.  I got to play with teething toys and stuffed animals with Blake.

When I told Ben to stop playing with his crayons on the light switches, he threw a crayon at me.  Sure it hit me, but I didn't think it warranted a 'time out.'

Ben was good to me during lunch.  I got to feed him chicken nuggets and green beans.  I snuck in a few bites.  he was so good at lunch, I gave him Kit Kat for dessert.  I broke it up into pieces.

As Kelly had to take care of something today, I had to get the boys ready for daycare again.  I let Ben sleep in just after 1PM.  I did the same for Blake.  I had to get both of them in the car at the same time so that I could save time for my trip to daycare today.

It felt weird going back to daycare for the first time in two weeks.  I'm so used to having Kelly home, I'm spoiled.  I'm enjoying my time with my entire family at this time.  At the same time, I know that I will need to let Kelly go.  She knows she has to do some kind of work for the good of the family.  I'll miss her when she's gone during the day.

I got to work right at 2:30PM and got started with work at 2:40PM.

I'm not happy at work.  I'll leave it at that for now.

I caught up on my soaps, comedies, and news on TV today.  I'll be back for more tomorrow.

Journal Entry for the weekend of February 27, 2016

I got a late start in waking up for our adventure to my wife's family's hometown this weekend.

Kelly, Ben, Blake, and I set out on a journey to see her family down in Sandersville.  We got there in plenty of time.  I don't believe either one of our children got a good nap in Saturday Afternoon.  We all played with some toys in the playroom.  Ben wanted to turn on and off the lights.

Before we left for Kelly's mom's house, Ben said 'doggy, get down' and 'doggy, get down now.'  Ben said it in such a Southern Drawl, he made me proud.  I cried happy tears on the inside.

Ben wanted to play with the lights all day and night.  I played with him some of the time, and I had to say no a lot.  I let Ben brush teeth with the big toothbrush (i.e. my toothbrush).  He was doing pretty good with it.  He also wanted to play with the lights in the bathroom too.  I had to say no to him a lot.  I wanted him to be serious about brushing teeth before I had to take the toothbrush away from him.

Ben was getting tired as was Blake.  Ben was getting a little mad because I wasn't letting him play with the switch on the ceiling fan in the playroom.  I wanted to make sure the fan wasn't compromised and I didn't want it to fall and hit a child's head.

Before bedtime, I had to make sure they had their yummies.  Ben got a sippy cup and Blake got a bottle.

Before I went to bed, I learned that the Phoenix Suns led wire to wire and beat the Memphis Grizzlies for their first win of the month of February.  The Suns had lost 13 in a row and were on track for their first winless calendar month in team history.  I need the Suns to keep losing so that the can get a high draft pick in June.

Sunday was a fun day.  We went to a methodist church to see our niece Mia sing.  I got some pictures of her and her preschool class, but she didn't sing much.  I was hoping she would.  She had a surprise song for us and everything.  I forgot what the song was though.  I think it was 'Jesus loves me.'  Mia was the one in the green dress.

After church, we ate at the Country Buffet on the square in Sandersville.  I got to feed both Ben and Blake some real food.  Blake loved squash and he even loved the ice cream.

Look at the face on Blake eating some cold ice cream.  Ice cream is one of daddy's favorites too.

Ben got in on some of the yummies as well.

We got to spend time with Kelly's father and we brought the boys with us.  Ben wanted to play with the lights and light switches there too.  I let him play a few times.  I even fed him some jelly beans and crackers to keep him occupied.

I was worried about it being late for us, especially the boys, getting back home to Acworth.

The hardest part of the ride home was when Blake was crying/screaming while we were on the road for at least a half-hour.

Ben and Blake were both zonked out when we got home.  Gandalf was extra meowy tonight.

We finished up our night watching the end of the Academy Awards on ABC.  After that, it was bedtime and a time to catch up on our sleep.

It would turn out to be a good decision to get home on this Sunday night.

Dreaming of wanting to donate more

I'm in prison.  NO, not that kind of prison.  I'm in debt which feels like a prison to me.  I committed those 'crimes' by charging things on my credit card that I didn't have the actual money for.

Debt can be crippling if I let it, but I'm working to get rid of it once and for all.  Thanks to my wife, my two children, and me listening to Dave Ramsey more and more, I'm working hard to get out of debt and stay out.  I'm mad as hell about my debt and I'm not going to take it anymore.

Once I get out of debt, I will have more money to help out my family and do wonderful things with them.

Better than that, I have a dream that I can help feed the hungry.  I want to be in a better position to donate more food and more money to the causes of ending hunger in my hometown of Acworth, Georgia and all of Metro Atlanta.

It all started in 2013 when I wanted to get involved with my new church, Acworth United Methodist Church.  I wanted to do more than just go to Sunday School and 11AM services.

I got involved with the AUMC food pantry as a volunteer in July 2013.  I met some amazing people who volunteered with me in the short amout of time that I was there.  I am no longer volunteering there at this time due to my Monday through Friday work schedule.

Listening to Dave Ramsey more frequently has inspired me to hate my debt, want to do something about it, and eliminate it once and for all.

Once I become debt free, I will be able to give like I've never given before.  I want to be able to give at home more and I want to help my community with good food, one bite at a time.

I'm going to beat this debt in the face and ultimately make people's lives better.

Journal Entry for February 26, 2016

Today started out well when I woke up from a deep sleep this morning.  I woke up around 7:30AM and got Ben's sippy cup of Milk underway.

Ben drank his milk and was happy to see me while I was greeting him for the first time on this day.  I picked him up along with his doggy and beary.  We went out to the living room and Ben turned on and off the lights in the living room.

Kelly and Blake came by to see us to play with us and watch cartoons.  Kelly had to work for Blake and so Ben and I hung out with Blake for a short time.

Ben was Grrrrummmppppyyyyy for quite a while this morning. He wanted to pull my finger to get me to go with him somewhere.   Three times he did that.  I would not do it because I had to watch after Blake.  I could not leave our little baby all by himself.

Ben had trouble getting started with breakfast because he was so grumpy.  He had to undergo timeout twice because of it.

Ben turned it all around, ate his breakfast, colored on paper, and played with some of his toys.

Ben and Blake were both so good when we took them out for lunch.  We all wanted to try out this new Chinese Buffet place near Town Center at Cobb, but they didn't look like they were even open yet.  I had a coupon that said 'Grand Opening', but I don't think the inside of the building looked complete yet.

Plan B was in the works:  Chick Fil A with some yummies for all and a playground for Ben.

We all had Chick Fil A for the second time this week, and Irwin Family record.  

Ben looked like he had the time of his life running around the play are.  I loved watching Ben play in "Toddler Town".  I worried about Ben climbing UP the inside of the slide.  I didn't want anyone to whack him accidentally or otherwise.

We all had a positive time at lunch and for the ride back home.

The hardest part of my day was both getting Ben down for a nap and leaving for work today.

I'm getting ready for a fun weekend.  I'll be back for more soon.

Writing Samples for February 25, 2016

From February 14, 2016

MILITARY BASES HERE IN GEORGIA WILL GET A PIECE OF THE 17-AND-A-HALF MILLION DOLLAR PIE FOR CONSERVATION PROJECTS.

FORT STEWART AND FORT BENNING WILL USE SOME THE MONEY TO HELP PROTECT LONGLEAF PINE FORESTS AND SOME ENDANGERED SPECIES.

TROOPS TRAIN ON THE 278 THOUSAND ACRES OF UNDEVELOPED LONGLEAF PINE FOREST AT FORT STEWART AND USE ANYTHING FROM SMALL GUNS TO BIG TANKS.

OTHER BASES IN MISSISSIPPI AND NORTH CAROLINA WILL CASH IN AS WELL.

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY TOM VILSACK MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT ON FRIDAY.



From February 14, 2016

ATLANTA FALCONS OWNER ARTHUR BLANK SAYS HE'LL UNDERGO SURGERY FOR A TREATABLE FORM OF PROSTATE CANCER.

BLANK POSTED A STATEMENT ON THE FALCONS WEBSITE ON TUESDAY SAYING HE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE DISEASE IN DECEMBER.

BLANK SAYS HE INTENDS TO BEAT CANCER AS HE HAS A LOT GOING FOR HIM IN THE NEXT YEAR.

BLANK IS SET TO OPEN THE NEW MERCEDES BENZ STADIUM WITH THE FALCONS AND THE M-L-S EXPANSION TEAM ATLANTA UNITED F-C IN 20-17.


From February 14, 2016  

THE STATUE OF HAMMERIN' HANK AARON WILL STAY IN THE CITY OF ATLANTA.

IT WILL NOT MOVE TO THE NEW HOME OF THE BRAVES WHEN THE TEAM MAKES ITS HOME UP IN COBB COUNTY NEXT YEAR.

THE BRAVES SAID ON FRIDAY THE WILL "NO LONGER CONTEST" THE LOCATION OF WHERE IT IS NOW, IN FRONT OF TURNER FIELD.

THE TEAM WILL WORK WITH SOMEONE TO MAKE A NEW STATUE FOR THE ONE TIME HOME RUN KING AT SUNTRUST PARK.

THE BRAVES WILL PLAY THEIR 20TH AND FINAL SEASON AT TURNER FIELD THIS YEAR.

From February 14, 2016

A GROUP OF MILLENIALS TRIED TO DO SOMETHING NO OTHER GENERATION HAS DONE IN A WHILE, EXPAND MARTA.

ON TUESDAY, THE NONPROFIT GROUP ADVANCE ATLANTA PUSHED STATE LAWMAKERS TO PASS A BILL FOR THE CHANCE TO ADD NEW MILES TO THE RAILS.

SENATE BILL 330 WOULD ALLOW VOTERS IN FULTON AND DEKALB COUNTIES TO ADD A HALF-A-PERCENT SALES TAX TO FUND THREE EXPANSION PROJECTS.

THOSE INCLUDE PUSHING ONE RAIL LINE UP FROM NORTH SPRINGS TO ALPHARETTA, ANOTHER FROM DECATUR TO LITHONIA, AND ADD A LIGHT RAIL LINE GOING TO EMORY UNIVERSITY AND THE C-D-C.

Journal Entry for February 25, 2016

I had more time watching Blake and playing with him today.  Kelly took Ben to preschool this morning.  She also picked him up from school today.  I saw this little guy begin to crawl.  He's taking steps (no pun intended) to get around on his own.  This day was the most time I ever gave him to get around on his own.  I had to make sure I gave him enough floor space for this exercise.

I had so much fun hanging out with Blake today.  He's such a fun baby when he's happy.

It's been a tough, draining day for me and it's not over yet.

Work was challenging at 6PM this evening due to a last minute project (a set full of VOs with graphics to open the show).

I'm trying to finish up an edit project for the 2016 Southeastern Emmy Awards tonight.  I have a Monday deadline to get this done.  In my case right now, it doesn't help that I'm going to be out of town this weekend.

I really need more coffee and water to get me through the night (at least get me through the shift).

I caught wind of a certain NBA score that piques my interest right now:  Suns vs. Nets in Phoenix.  Right now, the Brooklyn Nets are WAY out in front of the Phoenix Suns 66-45 near Halftime.  I can't believe I'm saying this:  IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!!!!  The Suns need to lose lose lose the rest of the way for the Number one draft pick in the NBA draft.

I got rushed here at work right before 11PM due to a bad auto accident on I-85 Southbound near Clairmont Road in Atlanta.

In keeping with today's tradition of being rushed, I'm signing off right now.

Zach Irwin Edit - February 24, 2016 - Top 5 Atlanta Braves Story lines for Spring Training

Journal Entry for February 24, 2016

Blake woke me up a couple of times overnight.  I felt bad for my wife because she was doing everything he could to help get him back to sleep.  As I tell my infant son, sleep is so good.   I practice it, and I hope Blake will learn by my example.

I finally woke up just after 8 AM this morning.  Everyone including the cat beat me to the punch.  The good news for me was that I didn't ingest any caffeine until I had a cappuccino at a quarter after 11AM.  That's a record for me for the month of February.

Last Night, my wife picture messaged me some termite damage near the front door.  This morning, I addressed the termite issue while watching the "Today" show.  I called my exterminator for someone to come on over later this week.

I ate an omlette with ham for breakfast and some peas, green beans, mashed sweet potatoes, and some ham for lunch.

I had to get a Coke Zero for the long, rainy ride to work today.  Soon, I won't be able to do that because I'llbe living on a strict budget.

I'm looking forward to my trip to see my wife's family with her this weekend.

I had an interesting afternoon with editing here at work today.

I'm working on a pet project on some Southeast Emmy Awards work here this evening.  Soon, I'll have to kill out some media so that I can free up some space for editing.

Good news video game fans:  I finally passed LEVEL 471 in Candy Crush Saga.  Now I'll spend more time getting stuck on another level (hahahahahaha).

For the 11PM show, I edited at least six videos.  At least half of them were 'killed' out of the show in an effort to make room for new video.  One of those 'new' videos was one I edited as breaking news.  The breaking news was of a Downtown Atlanta shooting near a J.R. Cricketts Restaurant near Georgia State University.

I'm about half-way done with my pet project as part of the SOUTHEAST Emmy Awards.  I have until Monday to complete the job.  I want to finish this so bad tonight, but I won't be able too.  I have too many interests to stay focused on this one thing.

Tonight was not the night for me to do writing samples.  I simply was not feeling it and I hope that I will again on Thursday.  See, I'm in news writing mode with that previous sentence.  I'll be ready to provide this blog with some writing samples tomorrow.

Good night my friends.  I'll be here tomorrow.

Daddy singing to Baby Blake on November 3, 2015

Distant Video Replay of 2016 #16: Larry Bird 60 Points vs Hawks (Hawks Bench Goes Crazy)(1985)

Writing Samples for February 23, 2016

For February 22, 2016

(NAT SOUND)
"It's illegal.  It's against the law.  Noooo.  Noooooooo."

(TAKE VO)
NEW TONIGHT, A CLAYTON COUNTY POLICE OFFICER IS VIOLATING A LAW HE'S SUPPOSED TO ENFORCE.

PEOPLE WILL "DISLIKE" WHAT HE IS DOING ON CAMERA WHERE HE'S DOING IT.






For February 23, 2016

A NEW BILL HAS RACED TO GEORGIA STATE SENATE TODAY.

SENATE BILL 414 WILL LIMIT THE SCOPE OF POLICE CHASES HERE IN THE PEACH STATE.

IT GIVES POLICE AGENCIES PERMISSION TO PURSUE SUSPECTS IN THE MOST SERIOUS OF CASES.

THOSE INCLUDE CASES OF MURDER, KIDNAPPING, RAPE, ARMED ROBBERY, OR ANY OFFENSE PUTTING A PERSON NEAR DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.

THIS COMES ONE MONTH AFTER A COLLEGE PARK POLICEMAN PURSUED A STOLEN CAR SUSPECT LEADING TO THE DEATH OF A GRANDMOTHER AND HER TWO GRANDCHILDREN.

A STATE LAWMAKER RECALLS THE TRAGEDY OF THAT DAY.

State Sen. Gail Davenpart/(D) Jonesboro
"It was horrible, and since then things haven't gotten any better.  We want to make sure that innocent people do not lose their lives, and that a police chase is called off if there would be danger to the public."

BY RULE, THE BILL HAS TO PASS IN THE SENATE BY MONDAY IN ORDER FOR THE HOUSE TO DEBATE THE BILL.

For February 23, 2016

POLICE UP IN DALTON NEED YOUR HELP IN SOLVING AN ATTEMPTED CARJACKING ON MONDAY NIGHT.

MOST OF THE INFORMATION CAME FROM THE DALTON POLICE DEPARTMENT FACEBOOK PAGE.

IT HAPPENED ON MONDAY NIGHT AFTER EIGHT P-M.

THE WOMAN SAID A BLACK MAN GOT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR AND LATER FLED WHEN HE HEARD A SCREAMING CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT.

POLICE SAY THE SUSPECT IS BETWEEN 5-9, 5-11 WITH A MEDIUM BUILD WEARING A DARK GRAY HOODIE AND JEANS.

IF YOU RECOGNIZE HIM, CALL 9-1-1 OR THE DALTON POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 706-370-4900



For January 1, 2016

WE'RE LEARNING NEW DETAILS ON A SHOOTING IN SOUTHWEST ATLANTA TONIGHT.

ATLANTA POLICE ARE ON THE SCENE WHERE A MAN AND WOMEN WERE SHOT ON AVON AVENUE.

BOTH VICTIMS WERE RUSHED TO GRADY HOSPITAL IN CRITICAL CONDITION.

Journal Entry for February 23, 2016

Ben went back to preschool for the first time in 12 days.  Last week Ben had "Winter Break" as he and all his preschool classmates followed the Cobb County school calendar.

I had a Mountain Dew for the first time in I don't know how long.  It tasted good.  It tasted good with my pretzel chips and my peanut butter granola bar.

I had fun giving Blake some daddy time while my wife was working on some leads today.

We caught up on the news, "The Price is Right", and some cartoons while Ben was in school today.

I had fun with Blake as I picked him up from preschool and took him home.  I was doing so well until I tried to take him out of his car seat.  I had to almost take away his toy and his doggy in order to get him out of his seat.  I made him cry and I didn't mean to.

I ended things with Ben on a high note before I went to work.  Ben and I got hugs and kisses before I left the door.

Work was a little bit difficult to start my day.  I had trouble with a couple of soundbites for a 'reality check' segment for the 5PM show.

Work is going slowly on the 11PM show again tonight.  I'm guessing we're waiting for that next great video to make it to our show on CBS46.

I'm hoping to be dazzled so that I can dazzle my viewing audience for our newscast.  I don't want to let them down.

Time to go home for the night.  I'm sleepy.

Journal Entry for February 22, 2016

This morning, I woke up twice.  Once I woke up before 7:30 because I thought I heard my sons stirring in their cribs in their room.

The second time, I woke up for good after my wife got Blake up.  Then I woke up to get Ben his cup of milk ready to go.

Ben got so mad from no apparent reason when I came in to give him his milk this morning.  He even kicked us as my wife and I were changing his diaper.

Eventually, Ben calmed down, drank some milk, and watched "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" on the TV with us.

Blake sat up and tried to move around a bit while being on his tummy.  A couple times before we left for our family adventure, he spit up a couple times on himself and on our carpet.  I said 'Awwww....Blake!'  I really felt bad for him.

My wife and I fed the guys their breakfast.  Ben sat at the table and Blake sat in his usual high chair strapped in for safety.  He would be strapped in again as we took the family to Town Center at Cobb to go take Ben to the indoor playground.  Boy did Ben have fun.

The hardest part of my day is leaving my family behind in order to go to work.  I wish I could be there with these beautiful faces all day long.  They deserve that from me.

Once I get into work, I get into a good groove.  I'm banging, I'm editing, I'm downloading video, I'm getting excited about writing, reading, researching, keeping up with the news on the wires and social media, and I'm excited about what's on "The Young and the Restless."

Here at work, I am bouncing between editing and watching the Golden State Warriors blowout the Atlanta Hawks on TV.  Golden State leads 56-39 at halftime from Philips Arena.  The Hawks came roaring back, even taking a brief lead in the 4th quarter.  However, the Warriors are so strong, the obliterated the Hawks late in the fourth quarter to win 102-92.  The Warriors became the fastest team in NBA history to win 50 games in a season (it took them 55 games to do it).

The GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS are 50-5.  50-5!!!!!

I must admit, I got behind in my print reading tonight.  I'll have to make amends for it tomorrow.  I promise to do better.  It is a must.

Peace out.  I'll be back for more tomorrow.

Writing Samples for February 22, 2016

For February 22, 2016

A MAN IS DEAD AFTER A SHOOTING IN GWINNETT COUNTY.

GWINNETT COUNTY POLICE SAY 43-YEAR-OLD VERNIE BURROUGHS WAS FOUND DEAD AT THE INDIAN TRAIL APARTMENT HOMES IN LILBURN SUNDAY NIGHT.

THE SHOOTING HAPPENED AT BUILDING 13 OF THE APARTMENT COMPLEX.

GWINNETT COUNTY POLICE DETECTIVES ARE ON THE SCENE INVESTIGATING.

IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MURDER, CALL GWINNETT COUNTY POLICE AT 770-513-5300.

For February 22, 2016

WE HAVE A CREW HEADED TO THE SCENE OF A LATE NIGHT FIRE OUT IN SOUTH COBB COUNTY.

IT IS HAPPENING AT HUMPHIRES HILL ROAD AND JOE JERKINS BOULEVARD IN AUSTELL.

WE WILL HAVE MORE INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE AS OUR CREW MOVES ONTO THE SCENE.

For February 22, 2016

ALL LANES OF THE 78 NEAR COLLEGE BOULEVARD ARE RE-OPENED AFTER A SERIOUS CRASH OVERNIGHT.

THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL SAID THE DRIVER OF A BLACK S-U-V WENT THE WRONG WAY, GOING WEST ON THE EASTBOUND LANES OF THE FREEWAY AROUND THREE A-M.

THE S-U-V DRIVER WENT FROM RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD ALL THE WAY NEAR OCEANSIDE, CRASHING HEAD-ON WITH THE DRIVER OF A TOYOTA TACOMA.

THE ACCIDENT SENT BOTH DRIVERS TO SCRIPPS HOSPITAL IN LA JOLLA.

BOTH DRIVERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE O-K.

For February 22, 2016

THE GOODYEAR POLICE DEPARTMENT SAYS IT HAS SOMEONE IN CUSTODY FOR A HIT-AND-RUN CRASH SERIOUSLY INJURING A TEENAGER OVER THE WEEKEND.

THE DRIVER REPORTEDLY HIT 14-YEAR-OLD RYAN SCALI ON HIS BIKE NEAR ESTRELLA PARKWAY AND ELLIOT ROAD ON SATURDAY.

GOODYEAR POLICE HAS NOT RELEASED THE SUSPECT'S NAME AND SAYS IT IS CONTINUING THE INVESTIGATION.

HE WAS RUSHED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL FOR SURGERY TO FIX A BROKEN LEG, SHOULDER, A BRUISE ON HIS HEAD AS WELL AS KIDNEY AND LIVER DAMAGE.

HIS MOM SAYS HE HAS A LONG TO RECOVERY.

Dreams come true: Ben and Blake were born

I thought I knew about love.  I really did.  I thought I knew what love was fully all about.  It turns out that I didn't.

Don't get me wrong, I love my wife Kelly with all my heart and soul.  I'd do anything in the world for her.  She is everything to me in my life.

However, over the last few years, we've added a couple of pieces to our family.  We've added Ben and Blake into the Irwin household.  The Irwin family as I see it is now complete.

I love Ben and Blake with all my heart and with hugs and kisses.  I'm happy when Ben is happy.  I'm hurt when Ben is hurt.  Same thing goes for Blake.

I love to see Ben run, speak, eat, sleep, and laugh.  I love to see Blake crawl, speak, smile, laugh, and eat.

I feel like I need to be the hero for all my boys.  I cry when I miss my boys and I smile and cry happy tears when I see my boys for the first time in a day.

I can't wait to see what is in store for my two boys today, tomorrow, and the future.  I can't wait to wake up to them each and every day and give all the love I have for them.

I will never not tell Ben and Blake that I love them each and every day.  That is my promise.

Zach Irwin Edit - February 22, 2016 - Bill Nigut Political Segment for C...

Journal Entry for the weekend of February 20, 2016

I had an awesome weekend with my friends and family.

Saturday Morning started out well.  I spent time with Ben and Blake while my beautiful wife went to Publix for groceries.  Ben and I played legos with Blake.  Blake sat up and played with some other toys.  I felt good about letting him have some tummy time for a while.  He got a little mad and I suspended tummy time for him.  I picked him up and held him.  I think he missed his mom.

Ben missed his mom right after she left.  He got a little mad for a short time after she left without him.  I told him that everything was going to be O.K.  It was.  She came back with a bunch of goodies.  I appreciate everything she does for our family.

After Kelly got home, I got to take Ben out for a ride on his airplane.  He got to run around with his little airplane and later on, he got to sit on his airplane and actually ride it.  There were times that I had to steer the plane in order to make sure he was having fun safely.

I headed off to lunch before the lacrosse game at California Dreaming.  I loaded up on rolls, chips and queso, wings, and just one shrimp.  I tried to drink a lot of water before the match.  I met a few people along the way and I met someone that I can mentor about the TV industry.

My goal in life is to help people break in the media industry and help my wife find a new job that she'll love.

After lunch, Jason, the Denver alumni group, and I went down to 5/3 Bank Stadium to watch Denver play Duke in a battle of 2 vs. 3 in Lacrosse.  I achieved some firsts at this event:  I attended my first ever lacrosse game and I went to my first event here at Fifth-Third Bank Stadium near the campus of Kennesaw State University.

Sunday was a funday too.  We all went to Sunday school and church for the first time in two weeks.  Prayers are coming our way for our family today and for the future.

Blake was a happy baby, when we were holding him.  If we weren't, he'd let us know loud and clear.

Ben loved to play with the lights all afternoon.  I'd let him stand on the stool part of the time.  Other times, I had to take the stool away.

I'd reinstate the stool so that he could brush his teeth.  I'd make sure he was serious about brushing his teeth or else I'd take the stool away from him.  I'm doing better at teaching him how to brush his teeth.

After both boys went to bed, Kelly and I sat back and had some wine to close out the night.  We watched some good TV and we got some good sleep afterward.

Onward to Monday Funday.

Distant Video Replay of 2016 #15: Francoeur homers for first Major League hit (2005)

Distant Video Replay of 2016 #14: Card Sharks featuring future DJ Richard Blade (1978)

Zach Irwin Edit - February 19, 2016 - SC and NV political preview

Writing Samples for February 19, 2016

From February 14, 2016

HIGH SCHOOL MURDER-SUICIDE

(ON CAM)
      A DAY AFTER TRAGEDY STRUCK A SUBURBAN PHOENIX HIGH SCHOOL, SOCIAL WORKERS AND COUNSELORS VISITED STUDENTS AND FAMILIES AT A SUBURBAN PHOENIX HIGH SCHOOL SATURDAY.

(TAKE VO)
      TWO STUDENTS WERE FOUND SHOT TO DEATH IN A MURDER-SUICIDE NEAR THE CAFETERIA OF INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL.
      GLENDALE POLICE SAY THE BODIES WERE DISCOVERED RIGHT BEFORE SCHOOL STARTED ON FRIDAY.
      A SCIENCE TEACHER TOLD A PHOENIX T-V STATION ONE OF THE TWO VICTIMS WAS HER YOUNGER SISTER.
      THE IDENTITIES OF THE TWO VICTIMS ARE BEING WITHHELD DUE TO THEIR AGE.



LOCAL DESIGNER GOING FOR GRAMMY GOLD

(ON CAM)
      A LOCAL DESIGN ARTIST IS SEEKING GRAMMY GLORY FOR THE THIRD TIME.
(TAKE VO)
      SUSAN ARCHIE IS SEEKING HER LATEST AWARD IN WHEN SHE VIES FOR THE AWARD FOR BEST BOXED OR SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION PACKAGE.
      SHE IS NOMINATED FOR HER WORK ON "THE RISE AND FALL OF PARAMOUNT RECORDS VOLUME TWO (FROM 1928 TO 1932).
      SHE WORKED WITH RECORD EXECUTIVE DEAN BLACKWOOD AND SINGER JACK WHITE ON THE PROJECT.
      ARCHIE SAYS HER WORK ON THIS SECOND VOLUME IS NOT ABOUT THE MONEY AND ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC.
     
     
(SOT)
      (Susan Archie/2016 Grammy Nominee)  "It's a history lesson.  It's not pop.  It's not current, but the misic is so gerat.  People are going back.  Music today is so bland, it's just a repeat of everything.  You go back to this and it's art.  It's different.  It's something you haven't heard before."
(CONTINUE VO)
      THE SIX-TIME GRAMMY NOMINEE HAS A WISH LIST OF WHO ELSE SHE WANTS TO WORK WITH.
      SHE MAY HAVE SOME CELEBRATING TO DO IN LOS ANGELES ON MONDAY NIGHT.
(FSG)
       YOU CAN CATCH THE GRAMMY AWARDS TOMORROW NIGHT RIGHT HERE ON C-B-S 46 BEGINNING AT EIGHT P-M.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From February 18/19, 2016

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES DUEL IN LAS VEGAS

      JUST BEFORE SATURDAY'S DEMOCRATIC CAUCUSES IN NEVADA, BERNIE SANDERS AND HILLARY CLINTON HAVE A WAR OF WORDS.

      BOTH REMAINING PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES FROM THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE FACED OFF IN A TOWN HALL IN LAS VEGAS THURSDAY NIGHT.

      SANDERS CLAIMED THAT RACISM WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRYING TO UNDERMINE BARACK OBAMA'S PRESIDENCY.

      CLINTON SAID ALL THE CANDIDATES EXCEPT FOR SANDERS GAVE SPEECHES TO BIG BANKS, INCLUDING HER.

      CAUCUSING BEGINS EARLY SATURDAY MORNING.

Journal Entry for February 19, 2016

I got to sleep in a little bit this morning.  Ben's mom got his milk ready to go.  I got to play with both Ben and Blake.  Blake was working on sitting up and doing tummy time.  I let Ben drag me around by my finger and take me places.  He even said something that sounded like 'go potty'.  So we attempted to see if he would go twice, which he did not do.  I'm encouraged that he's starting to want to learn how to go to the bathroom.  At least he's mastered the art of flushing the toilet.

After we dropped off the boys at daycare, my wife and I went out to lunch.  What a treat it was.  Overall, I think I ate too much today.  Too many yummies I say.

For lunch, My wife and I tried Daddy's Country Kitchen in Acworth for the first time, and I must say it was really good.

We had some catfish, hushpuppies, fried chicken, salad, potatoes, green beans, and I had even more hush puppies and some sweet tea.

For dinner, I brought a pork chop, cabbage, corn, and I mixed that in with some free rice from Moe's Southwest Grill up in the break room.

I also got my cock and coke zero fix throughout the day.  I might not need any more coffee tonight.  We'll see about that later on.  Well, it turns out that I had another cup of coffee to close out my night of work.

I'm now bouncing between editing, practicing my writing, watching Atlanta Hawks basketball, and more editing.

I'll be ready for the weekend really soon.  I can't wait for it.

I can't wait for some lacrosse action tomorrow over at Kennesaw State University.  It'll be a day of firsts for me.  It'll be my first trim to fifth-third Bank stadium and it'll be my first lacrosse game I've ever been to.

I want beer.  I typed that with my eyes closed.  I know that it was so random and completely disrupts the flow of this entry.

At the end of my shift, I'm editing a re-track package about Saturday's South Carolina Republican Primary and Nevada Democratic Caucus.  I almost never get to edit these kinds of things, so this is a treat for me.

That's it for me today.  It's time to go home, call it a night, and get ready for my weekend.

Writing Samples for February 18, 2016

For February 18, 2016 - ATLANTA DECEASED MAN

      WE'RE GETTING WORD OF A MAN SHOT TO DEATH IN SOUTHWEST ATLANTA EARLY THIS MORNING.
      IT IS BELIEVED TO HAVE HAPPENED ON PINEHURST TERRACE.
      THAT IS IN AN AREA SOUTH OF I-20 BETWEEN DONNELLY AVENUE AND CASCADE AVENUE.
      WE WILL HAVE A CREW ON THE SCENE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.


For February 14, 2016

      STARTING TOMORROW, SCHOOL WILL BE OUT FOR MARIETTA CITY AND COBB COUNTY SCHOOLS.
      MONDAY SIGNALS THE START OF THE WEEK LONG WINTER BREAK FOR THE TWO DISTRICTS.
      TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND STUDENTS GET A LONG BREAK BEFORE THEY ALL COME BACK TO THE CLASSROOM.
      SCHOOL STARTS AGAIN NEXT MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND.


For February 14, 2016

      SCHOOL MAY BE OUT IN COBB COUNTY, BUT THE STATE LEGISLATURE IS BACK AT WORK ON MONDAY.
       
      EARLIER THIS WEEK, STATE SENATOR LINDSEY TIPPINS INTRODUCED A BILL TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF END-OF-THE-YEAR TESTS GEORGIA STUDENTS MUST TAKE.
      HIS 13 PAGE BILL CALLS FOR LOWERING WEIGHT AND INFLUENCE THOSE TESTS HAVE ON TEACHERS FROM 50 PERCENT TO 30 PERCENT OF THEIR EVALUATION.
      PRINCIPAL EVALUATIONS WOULD DROP FROM 70 PERCENT TO 40 PERCENT.
       HIS BILL ALSO GIVES MORE FLEXIBILITY FOR DISTRICTS TO DECIDE IF STUDENTS ARE READY TO ADVANCE ANOTHER GRADE.
      SENATOR TIPPINS DOESN'T BELIEVE IN ELIMINATING ALL TESTING, BUT HIS BILL COULD BE A BIG HELP FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS.

      (State Sen. Lindsey Tippins/(R) West Cobb)  "Overall, our primary objective was to reduce the number of tests that are mandated in the state.  But you can't address just testing without addressing the relationship that changing the testing has to do with the teacher assessment, because by law, they're inextricably linked."

      STATE AND DISTRICT EDUCATION LEADERS SUPPORT SENATOR TIPPINS' NEW BILL, SAYING THE PROPOSED NEW STANDARDS WOULD TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TO SUCCEED IN THE CLASSROOM.

Dreams come true; my Suns trade Markieff Morris

In the world of some sports trades, there is such a thing as addition by subtraction.  In this case, My Phoenix Suns achieved exactly that.

The Phoenix Suns successfully executed a trade that sent the malcontent Morris to the Washington Wizards for fringe players DeJuan Blair, Kris Humphries, and a first-round draft pick.

To be honest, it didn't really matter who the Suns got for Morris.  A bag of balls and some sand would do.  They had to get rid of the coach-killer off our roster, and they did.

Here's the 'worst' of Markieff Morris from parts of the 2014-2015 season:



And here's more dirty play from Markieff:



And here's Markieff hitting a teammate last week:



He's not exactly who I ever wanted on my team.

When he went public in wanting a one-way ticket out of Phoenix (especially when the Suns traded his twin brother Marcus), they should have done it immediately.  Oh well, you know what they say, better late than never.

The good news now is that he's no longer a Sun anymore and we won't have him hanging over our heads during the offseason.  We will have a fresh change and a fresh start for 2016-2017.

His last two acts are a fitting end for him as a Phoenix Sun:

Markieff flipping off a fan:



Markieff hitting a speed bump on a hoverboard:



Hopefully Markieff Morris will be but a bump in the road for the Suns to rise once again.

Journal Entry for February 18, 2016

I woke up tired this morning.  I was able to get up early enough (8AM) so that I could get my day (and Ben's day) off to a good start.

Ben was still sleeping after I made his warm sippy cup of milk.  I went out to the couch to rest and relax before getting Ben up and ready to go.

After Ben's milk, we watched cartoons.  We saved the last recorded episode of "Special Agent Oso" after we saw it on TV.  We didn't watch anymore full episodes of cartoons after that one.

Ben and I played in his sandbox for a half-hour.  I got to move the sand around the box and smooth it over.  He was determined to dump it out onto the grass, and near the patio.  Boy didn't he have fun thought?  He even got his little hoodie full of sand.  I stayed relatively clean, except for the bottom of my tennis shoes.  I even sat outside with Blake out in the patio.  We had the umbrella up and everything.  It was a beautiful sunny day to be outside.  Ben is good at saying 'outside'.

Ben also said 'turn off the light' a bunch of times.  He even did that a lot.  He can say 'brush teeth', and we did that too.

We all had a big family lunch before I had to get ready for work.  I had half-a-chicken-nugget, chicken leg, ham, baked beans, and broccoli.  It was all glorious.  My plate was literally full and so was my belly.  Blake had some baby food, and Ben had chicken nuggets along with the same vegetables I ate.  He even got some fritos too.

The hardest part of the day was leaving home for work.  I really didn't have a chance to say goodbye to the guys (not even Gandalf P. Cat).  I had to get my Coke Zero fix at the RaceTrac before work.

I got to edit both 8 elements for a Friday interview segment and about half the 11pm show tonight.  Thank God tomorrow is Friday and I can get the weekend underway.

Work is over for the night.  Time to go to the post show meeting.

Journal Entry for February 17, 2016

I had no dreams to speak of.  Instead, I had a good wake up call without my alarm clock.

My son Ben woke after Blake woke up for at least the third time in the morning hours.  The fourth time was for good.

I got Ben's milk ready and he was ready to go after he had some to drink.

Ben, Blake, and I played some legos while we watched some "Special Agent Oso."  We all heard Ben say "OSO" while he was on the TV.  It's all part of the plan, more or less.

Ben ate well at breakfast as did Blake.  Ben had a good snack of goldfish crackers and fritos scoops.  Lunch was an entirely different matter for him.  I picked Ben up from his time playing with legos.  He got mad when I picked him up, and he got mad when he sat down for lunch.  Poor boy.  I felt really bad for him.  I wish I could have been able to do more  to make him feel better.  In the end, we took him down so that he could calm down.

In the end, for sure this time, the three things that made him feel better were some hugs from his mama, a cup of warm milk, and a nap with his 'doggy.'  I had o say goodbye to him as I was about to get ready for work.

Before I left home, I caught up on some shows from DirecTV's DVR, "The Chew", and "Atlanta Plugged In."

Here at work, I'm editing, catching up on "The Dan Sileo Show" on The Mighty 1090, the Jeff Kuhner Report from WRKO (thanks to Youtube), and "The Big Bang Theory" on Peachtree TV here in Atlanta.

I'm about to cook up some dinner and then watch the season premiere of "Survivor" on CBS.  I haven't eaten anything since I had an orange for a snack at 2:20PM.

This just in:  Ben took a dump in the toilet at home.  I missed it because I'm here at work.  My wife texted me with the glorious news.  Ben is starting to want to potty train!!!!!

I'm blessed with what I have, with what my wife has, and what our children have.  I'm going to pray about these things as soon as I get home.

I'm going to listen to my Boston "Walk On" CD on the way home and get me going.  I'm going to feel better about myself and look tomorrow squarely in the eye.

Zach Irwin Edit - February 17, 2016 - Top 5 NASCAR Rule Changes for 2016

Distant Video Replay of 2016 #13: Going the Wrong Way - "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" (1987)

Journal entry for February 16, 2016

Today started out as a good day.  I got to sleep in a bit late this morning and rest up for what is in store for me today.

I got to see Blake and play some legos with him.  I got to look up some key information about Legoland Atlanta for our family.  Good news is that Ben and Blake get in free.  I'm even considering getting an annual pass for my entire family.  Ben would love to see the duplo exhibit.

I love to play logos with the boys.  Right now, they "share" the Batman set as well as a bank/cops/robbers set.  I had no trouble putting together the paddywagon and bank that made up the 15 pieces in that small set.  Pictures will come in a future blog post.

I had a great time feeding Ben his lunch.  I gave him some bak bak (Chicken), mac and cheese, and some peas.  I even threw in some ketchup with his chicken.  Before I knew it, he needed chicken with his ketchup.

He let me wipe him off so well, I didn't even have to hose him down afterward.  The best part of my job here is that I can preserve his friend 'doggy' and not getting doggy dirty.

I'm in the process of finishing up "Faith of my Fathers" by John McCain and I'm also finishing up a 1999 Christina Aguilera CD to and from work.

I still dig watching "The Big Bang Theory" reruns on TV.

This Just In:  I JUST PASSED LEVEL 470 in CANDY CRUSH SAGA!!!!!  I FINALLY DID IT!!!!!

Yesterday, I got my writing sample practice from some articles in the Atlanta Journal Constitution.  Today, I'll get some articles from the Marietta Daily Journal.

I'm struggling with a VO/SOTVO here at work.  In every man's terms:  I'm having trouble putting some video together for a story to run at 11pm.  I have 'editor's block'.  I'm running into a virtual brick wall when it comes to trying to do great work here at CBS46.

Soon, I'll watch "The People vs. O.J." on FX.  I can't wait.  It's as if I'm almost reliving the murder trial of O.J. Simpson.  I completed the third of 10 episodes and I'm excited to see what is in store for the next episode.  I hope they finally get into the trial portion of the miniseries.

Time for me to go home now.  I'll be back to make more TV magic here at CBS46 tomorrow.

Writing samples for February 16, 2016

JUSTICE SCALIA OBIT

(OTS)

ONE OF THE MOST CONSERVATIVE JUSTICES ON THE U-S SUPREME COURT HAS DIED.

ANTONIN SCALIA PASSED AWAY ON SATURDAY AT A WEST TEXAS RESORT IN THE BIG BEND AREA.

(VO)

THE U-S MARSHALS CONFIRMED THAT HE WAS FOUND DEAD IN HIS ROOM HOURS AFTER HE DID GO TO BREAKFAST.

THE CAUSE OF DEATH IS UNKNOWN RIGHT NOW.

PRESIDENT REAGAN NOMINATED HIM IN 1986 AND SERVED ON THE NATION'S HIGHEST COURT FOR NEARLY THREE DECADES.

HE WAS A CHAMPION FOR GUN OWNERS AND GUN RIGHTS, LETTING STATES OUTLAW ABORTION, AND ALLOWING STATES TO CARRY OUT EXECUTIONS.

ANTONIN SCALIA, DEAD AT THE AGE OF 79.



HELPING HAND TO MUST MINISTRIES

(OTS)

COBB COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES GOT OFF THE BENCH AND STEPPED UP FOR A LOCAL CHARITY.

(VO)

JUDGES REUBEN GREEN AND ROB LEONARD WENT TO A LOCAL WALMART TO BUY FOOD, AND WARM WEATHER CLOTHES FOR MUST MINISTRIES.

THOSE GOODS WILL HELP WOMEN AND CHILDREN AT THE WINTER WEATHER SHELTER IN MARIETTA DURING THE COLDEST TIME OF THE YEAR.

THE MARIETTA CHARITY ALSO RUNS A WINTER WEATHER SHELTER WHEN TEMPERATURES GO BELOW 32 DEGREES.

WORD SPREAD THROUGHOUT FACEBOOK THAT THE MINISTRY NEEDED DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS. 

THE JUDGES TALKED ABOUT THEIR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE AND WHAT THEY LEARNED.

(TAKE SOT)
Rob Leonard/Cobb County Judge, Volunteer "We're just really blessed to be in the position we're in as public servants.  We feel like you lead by example."

Reuben Green/Cobb County Judge, Volulnteer "When it's cold, there's a much greater need on folks that are less fortunate than most of us."

(CONTINUE VO)
THE JUDGES AIM TO GET MORE PEOPLE INVOLVED, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WEATHER GETS COLDER.

Journal Entry for February 15, 2016

I had some strange dreams before I woke up this morning.  I woke up twice, both without an alarm clock attached to my cell phone.

Baby Blake was my little alarm clock today.  He stirred and rolled around the crib for good around 6:30AM, and that's when I officially woke up.

Blake needed a baby diaper and a bottle by 7AM.  I felt good knowing that I could feed my baby thanks to all the prep work my wife put in to get me going.

Ben didn't get up until almost 8AM.  Once he was up, he got his customary sippy cup of milk and he was happy.  Blake was on the exersaucer when I got Ben up.  Blake liked it for a while before he started crying.

Today's theme would probably be 'Blake is Crying' pretty much all throughout the day I was home with the boys.

I hate to see and hear Blake suffering when I'm with him.  I want to see my happy little baby as much as I can.

Sometimes, we have to help our little babies when they are in distress.

Some days I don't accomplish anything when I'm home alone with my boys.  Other days, all I need to do is take good care of my boys and I've done enough.

I caught up on my laundry and watching a CNN special report on "The Secret Life of 'G.I. Joe'" while Blake was napping.

Today was weird in the sense that I got out of the house and to daycare late but got here to work on time.

This is who I leave behind each and every day when I go to work.

When I got here, I learned of a life altering move for my family.  I'll explain at another time.  Today I had to focus on being on my best work behavior today.  My future depends on it.

Life is good and I'll be back for more again tomorrow.

Writing Samples for February 15, 2016

CLINICS FIGHT TO DENY ABORTION INFORMATION
(VO)
     THIS YEAR A NEW LAW IN CALIFORNIA INSTRUCTS PREGNANCY CLINICS TO GIVE PREGNANT WOMEN INFORMATION ON WHERE TO GET FREE OR LOW COST ABORTIONS. 
     ONE CLINIC IN THE SAN DIEGO SUBURB OF EL CAJON (KUH-HONE) IS FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHT TO NOT GIVE OUT THAT INFORMATION.
      THE CLINIC INSTEAD WANTS TO OFFER PREGNANT WOMEN DIAPERS, CAR SEATS, PRENATAL CARE, AND COUNSELING IN PLACE OF ABORTION.
      IT WANTS TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN TOWARD BEING A PARENT OR ADOPTING OUT THE CHILD.
      THE DIRECTOR OF THE CLINIC SAYS IT DOES NOT BELIEVE IN ABORTION.

(SOT/VO)
      (Josh McClure/East County Pregnancy Care Clinic director)  "I don't want to put up a sign telling you where you can go for an abortion.  The sign is not up here now because it's unconstitutional."
     EARLY IN THIS NEW YEAR, SOME CLINICS IN THE GOLDEN STATE, INCLUDING THE ONE IN EL CAJON, HAVE NOT YET COMPLIED WITH THE NEW LAW.  
     THE CLINIC WILL LIKELY FIGHT THIS IN COURT FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT YEAR.


BRITAIN WILL NOT USE VELLUM ANYMORE
      LAWS IN BRITAIN WILL HAVE A NEW LOOK TO THEM SOON.
      THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AGREED TO CHANGE THE MATERIAL THEY PUBLISH THEIR NEW LAWS ON.
      THEY'LL USE CHEAPER ARCHIVAL PAPER INSTEAD OF THE ANIMAL SKIN PARCHMENT PAPER COMMONLY KNOWN AS VELLUM.  
      THAT MATERIAL IS MORE EXPENSIVE AND HAS BEEN USED TO ARCHIVE NEWLY CREATED LAWS FOR CENTURIES.
      ONE OF THE OLDEST SURVIVING DOCUMENTS ON VELLUM IS THE "MAGNA CARTA" DATING BACK TO 12-15.
     THE CHANGE IN MATERIALS WILL BEGIN NEXT MONTH.

Journal Entry for the weekend of February 13, 2016

I had an interesting weekend.  Saturday was much calmer than Sunday was, for me.

Saturday, I gave my beautiful wife a 'mommy day'.  I gave her some time off away from the house so that she can get her hair done.  Man!  She looks beautiful!!!

I had some time to spend with my two boys as we played, I chased Ben around as he was playing with the light switches, and was holding Blake and giving him some daddy time.

I had a good idea to go to COSTCO on a Saturday afternoon.  The one good thing about my travels to the Kennesaw location is that I get to listen to the "CIGAR DAVE" show on 640-AM WGST in Atlanta.  He and his show give me good ideas that I can't use that have to do with pleasures and entertainment.

I think I walked about a mile inside the store before checking out with my 6 items in my cart.  It's not uncommon to see people take 50 or more big items from the store and out to their cars before leaving the cramped parking lot.  I see mass quantities of drinks, cookies, chips, milk, eggs, meats, and frozen foods being loaded into the car.

One of my favorite things about being inside the costco is sampling a lot of the goodies some of the people are selling.  Some of my favorites were the eggo waffles, cuban coffee, chocolate truffles, avocado spread on bread, and some lemon muffins.

I got Ben some more chicken nuggets for his meals.  He'll love them.

When I got home, Ben was in full blown screaming mode, and we didn't know what to do.  After a while, we gave him some tylenol and he got better instantly.

Ben got a nice surprise by going to Walmart and Publix with his mama.  He seemed to be in much better spirits.  We had a nice rotisserie chicken dinner and we had a ball at dinner time.

After dinner, I got to give Ben bathtime; something I don't get to do too often due to my late work schedule.

Saturday Night was special because we got to watch movies, TV, eat chocolate, and drink wine.  I got to see "Fear" for the first time and I thought it was silly and creepy.  The song "Wild Horses" really talked to me.  As I got ready for bed, I could not wait to see what was in store for me on Valentine's Day.

SUNDAY

Valentine's Day was a little different than what we had intended.  We didn't feel at our best, so we skipped Sunday School and Church.  Big mistake.  We'll be paying for that for a while.

Ben and Blake were exceptionally cranky on this day.

We lifted Ben's spirits by taking a trip to Lowe's to get some sand, and it was 'dirt' cheap.  Two bags for $8.

We put sand in the new sandbox for Ben to play in.  See, he had a good time and everything.

After we played outside, we had some fun inside.  Of course Ben got sand on some things and he got his doggy dirty (just a little bit).

I had to corral Ben so much as his mama was cooking our Valentine's Day feast.  I had to get Ben away from the kitchen over and over again.  It was wearing me out.  I felt bad for his mama too.

After dinner and after we got Ben and Blake to bed, I conked out first on the couch and later to bed.  I haven't been that tired or defeated in a long, long time.  I felt bad for all of us.

Next year, Valentine's Day will be even more special.

Writing Samples from October 4th, 2015

(FADE UP FROM BLACK)
DESPITE THE GLOOMY WEATHER OUTSIDE, PEOPLE TOOK IN THE FOOD, FESTIVITIES, AND FAIR AT THE NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR IN MARIETTA.

MORE RAIN IS EXPECTED IN THE FORECAST FOR THE FINAL DAY OF THIS YEAR'S FAIR TODAY.

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE ATTENDED THE FAIR TO SEE SOME NEW ATTRACTIONS, LIKE THE HUMAN CANNONBALL, KEITH KING B-M-X BIKE STUNT SHOW, AND A NEW EXOTIC PETTING ZOO.

PATRONS WOULD NOT LET THE WET WEATHER 'DAMPEN' THEIR SPIRITS.


(MALCOLM ROUAN/FAIR ATTENDEE) "You gotta kinda just take the good with the bad.  I'm glad I'm here."

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY AT THE AFIR.

CHILDREN UNDER 18 GET IN FREE AND RIDE SOME RIDES FREE AS WELL FROM 12-30 P-M UNTIL TWO THIS AFTERNOON.


(DDR/VONAT)
EARLY THIS MONTH, SUNTRUST PARK IS TAKING THE SHAPE OF A BIG LEAGUE PARK.

CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY ON THE CENTER FIELD SCOREBOARD.

THE STEEL HOLDING UP THE SCOREBOARD IS BUILT AND WORK ON THE FOUR LIGHT TOWERS IS UNDERWAY.

WORK CONTINUES ON BUILDING THE ELECTRONICS INSIDE.

BRAVES' EXECUTIVE MIKE PLANT SAYS PEOPLE CAN SEE THE CONSTRUCTION TAKE SHAPE.

(SOT/VO)
Mike Plant/Braves Executive Vice President
"It really gives people a little bit of an understanding of the scale and the creation of the ballpark more than just looking at it on paper."

CONCRETE WILL BE POURED AND COMPLETE BY NOVEMBER.

THE BRAVES WILL MOVE IN AT THE START OF THE 2017 SEASON.


(ON CAM)
PRESIDENT OBAMA DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR SOUTH CAROLINA.

(VO)
THIS COMES AFTER A WEEK OF HISTORIC RAIN FLOODED AND DESTROYED PARTS OF THE STATE.

HEAVY RAIN FLOODED CHARLESTON WHILE CLOSING DOWN SOME DOWNTOWN STREETS.

THE ALREADY SOGGY EAST COAST WILL GET MORE RAIN STRETCHING FROM CHARLESTON TO NEW JERSEY.

DRIVERS WHO TRIED TO CROSS THE ROAD GOT STRANDED.


(VO)
RAIN UP IN NORTH CAROLINA THREATENED FARMERS' CROPS.

GREENVILLE'S AIRPORT TRIPLED IT'S RAIN RECORD WITH TWO-POINT-THREE INCHES.

THAT SMASHED THE OLD RECORD SET IN 19-61.

FLOOD WARNINGS REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR SOME STRETCHES OF THE COAST TODAY.

(OTS)
FORMER TEEN IDOL AND "PARTRIDGE FAMILY" STAR DAVID CASSIDY IS CHARGED WITH LEAVING THE SCENE OF A CRASH.

(VO/NAT)
POLICE IN FLORIDA SAY HE SIDESWIPED A TRUCK AND TRIED TO COVER UP HIS LICENCE PALTE BEFORE TRIYING TO DRIVE AWAY.

HE GAVE HIS LICENCE AND REGISTRATION TO THE OFFICER AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

CASSIDY FACES A HEARING ON OCTOBER 27TH.


(OTS)
ACTOR AND COMEDIAN ROBIN WILLIAMS CAN FINALLY REST IN PEACE.

(VO/NAT)
HIS WIDOW AND THREE CHILDREN FROM PREVIOUS MARRAGES REACHED A DEAL IN HIS ESTATE, PENDING COURT APPROVAL.

THIS COMEAS A YEAR AFTER HE COMMITTED SUICIDE.

WE KNOW THAT SUSAN WILLAMS WILL KEEP HER HOME SHE SHARED WITH THE LATE ACTOR AND RECEIVE SOME MONEY TO MAINTAIN IT.

HIS THREE CHILDREN WILL GET AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT OF MONEY.


COMING UP NEXT IN SPORTS.
-GEORGIA SHOWS IF IT IS FOR REAL (WIPE)
-GEORGIA TECH TRIES TO GET BACK ON TRACK (SWISH)
-BRAVES HAD TO BATTLE MOTHER NATURE (ZOOM)
-NATIONALS ACE MAX SCHERZER FLASHES THE MAGIC AGAIN (SWISH)
-AND THE FALCONS GET READY FOR THE TEXANS (FADE TO BLACK).

Distant Video Replay of 2016 #12: The Sundays - Wild Horses (1992)

Dreams over the weekend

Dreaming of CNN (AGAIN)

I had a dream where I was back working for CNN, again.  I was back at my old stomping grounds up in Media Operations where I was an on the rise editor.  I was getting my sea legs back again while I was working on some assignments and getting re-acclimated to the goings-on of CNN again.

For some reason, it felt right to me to be back up on the fifth floor inside the CNN Center.  I don't remember all of what I did, but I was talking to some of my former co-workers whom I was acquainted with before my November 2011 departure.

In reality, I have had these dreams many times before.  I've even wanted to come back to CNN in order to show people that I can make a comeback.  Well guess what, I'm NEVER going back there again.  They laid me off and rejected me countless times.  I'm not coming back again.

FREEWAY DREAMS

I had a dream where I was on a freeway in Jacksonville, Florida, and I saw junction signs for I-8, I-35, and a third, unidentified interstate.

I was having fun being in an automobile out of state of a clear blue sunny day.  I had fun seeing new freeway sings in a new place for the first time.

In reality:  I've been to Jacksonville several times.  I got married there.  I've been there to go on a few cruises there.  I've been to the beaches there.  I know for a fact that the only interstates in Jacksonville are I-10, I-95, and I-295.

SODA

I had a dream where I was in Savannah, Georgia, and I was at a convenience store having trouble filling two soda fountain drinks while my wife was waiting in the car.

I was going to get a small soda for my wife and a large one for me.  I had no trouble filling up a small sprite in a small clear plastic cup.  I had ever fewer problems putting the plastic lid on that one.

I on the other hand had all kinds of problems filling up my large cup of Pepsi and even worse time putting a big lid on there.  I can't remember how many times I tried to put a lid on it.  I think I stopped at 10.  I felt bad for my wife (and for myself) that a simple two minute task took 20 minutes to try to complete.  I gave up in my dream.

AN ENEMY FROM MY PAST

Finally, I had a scary dream where I was about to get beat up by an old high school classmate, Jeff Attwell.  I could remember it clear as day.  I think I was in my bedroom, and he was coming closer and closer to me as he was getting ready to cock his fist towards me.  I stood there motionless as he was about to beat me.

In reality:  I finally woke up at 4:20AM.  I never want to remember that son of a bitch again.  I wish I never attended Hendrix Junior High School in Chandler, Arizona or Dobson High School in Mesa, Arizona.

Journal Entry for February 12, 2016

I'm excited for Valentine's Day this Sunday.  I love spending this special day (or any other day) with my sweet wife.  I just now have to finish strong here at work before I can rightly begin the weekend.

I woke up in good spirits.  I got Ben up with a good bit of milk and doggy.  Before that, I tested out my new FIRE tablet.  It was one of the best birthday presents I ever had.

This weekend, I will read chapter three of "NOT A FAN", a book about being a follower of Jesus Christ.  I have not started chapter three by the way.

When Blake, Ben, and I got up, we caught up on some baby shows, 'Card Sharks', 'Special Agent Oso', and 'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood'.

For the second time in three days, I fed Ben and Blake breakfast and lunch at the same time.  I gave Ben my old standby of Chicken Nuggets for lunch.  This time, I remembered to give him some ketchup to dunk his chicken in.  He also dunked some goldfish crackers in there too.  Ben's so funny.

I gave Blake some Pears for lunch and then a bottle afterward.  I think he was mad because he was getting tired before I put Ben down for his nap.

I took out the trash, dumped one of the bathroom trash cans into the main trash can while Blake was sleeping a bit in his swing.  I feel bad that I kept Blake in the swing for so long.  He deserves better from me.  He deserves some mobility along the way.  Once he becomes more mobile and that he can crawl and later walk, I'm in for it boy.  Let me tell you.

Tonight, when work was slow, I caught up on the Sunday Edition of the Marietta Daily Journal.  I love reading newspapers, but my time is taken up by my boys.  That's O.K. because I love my boys so much.

I got a late start here at work due to heavier than usual traffic and trucks going in and out of SB I-75 this afternoon.  I didn't get going at work until 2:50PM.  If it weren't for my fellow staff of editors, we wouldn't have had a great 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm set of shows today.  I owe it all to them.

Time to go to the store and work on my pet project.

Distant Video Replay of 2016 #11: Richard Marx - Endless Summer Nights (1988)

Distant Video Replay of 2016 #10: Full Metal Jacket - Pyle's beating (1987)

Distant Video Replay of 2016 #9: Padres openers, 1987

My dream for my Phoenix Suns

I have this dream that my Phoenix Suns are going to win an NBA Championship someday.  That's my dream for my Suns.  When I was a teenager in Arizona, that's what I wanted more than anything in this world.

My grades, wanting a girlfriend, my future, none of that mattered as long as my Suns were contending for an NBA title each and every year.  From 1990-1995, that's exactly what they did.  They fell short for whatever reason each and every year.  John Paxson broke my heart in 1993, and Mario Elie broke my heart in 1995.  Even Charles Barkley broke my heart when he said he didn't want to play for the Suns anymore in 1996.

Here in Atlanta where I still live, Steve Nash gave me great hope from 2004-2010 that he could deliver my Suns an NBA title all by himself.  He damn near did if it weren't for the San Antonio Spurs in '05, '07, and '08.

Fast forward to 2016, my Suns are going NOWHERE FAST.  They've lost nine straight, five in a row under Interim Head Coach Earl Watson.  The Suns got swept in their five game homestand under Watson.  They didn't beat anybody, except their own teammates.  Markieff Morris hit Archie Goodwin during a timeout because Morris thought Goodwin wasn't playing well enough.

What crap that is.  My Suns need to get rid of Morris as soon as possible.  DO IT!!!!!

Now, here comes the hard part.  Here's what I have to say that nobody wants to read or hear.  This is how my Suns get better in the years to come.  LOSE BABY LOSE!!!!!  That's right, my Suns need to lose as many games as possible so that the Ping Pong Balls in the NBA Draft Lottery go the Suns way.  They need to go on and draft Ben Simmons out of LSU ASAP.  That's right.  LOSE BABY LOSE!!!!!

As the owner of the Cleveland Indians once said in "Major League", 'We've been losing, what we need to do is finish dead last.'  That's right.  The Suns need to finish Dead F-in Last in the NBA in 2015-2016.  Lose now so that you can win later.  DO IT!!!!!

The Suns once saw a great view near the mountaintop.  Right now they reside in the lowest of 'Valleys' while playing in the Valley of the Sun.

My fellow Suns fans, embrace the losing so that we can all have a bright future ahead and that the string of 50-win seasons and chances for an NBA title can come back to Phoenix once again.

JUST LOSE BABY!!!!!