I draw my inspiration from two sources for this entry. I look back at my 2010 year of working for CNN and I watched "Wall Street" on SundanceTV a couple of days ago. It was my dream to be something bigger than an Editor/Producer for CNN and its family of networks as early as 2009. It mushroomed into something of an obsession in 2010 and started to fade away the following year.
I looked up to someone who was both an assignment editor and a Tech junkie. I wanted to be like him. We are both San Diego Chargers fans, so I figure that's a good place to start having something in common with someone.
I attended as many Tech Tuesdays as I could and I soaked up as much tech knowledge as I could in the remaining years in my CNN tenure. I read as much news online, in newspapers, and in e-mail as well as went all in on watching CNN as I could in my spare time, and even when I was at work I watched as much news as I could.
In short, I wanted to transition from being a video editor to an assignment editor on the CNN National Desk.
The things that I learned throughout my 2010 and 2011 years at CNN were I didn't handle pressure or yelling very well. I got down on myself or defensive when I faced criticism. I didn't push myself hard enough to get a job on the CNN National Desk. I was not persistent enough to fight for myself.
As a matter of fact, I made a weak effort in wanting to work as a fill-in on the CNN National/Affiliate Desk late in 2011. The leader of that department said that they were already short staffed and that they didn't have the time or resources to integrate me in or train me to do the job. Maybe they didn't want me to be there in the first place.
I wanted to be something better than I was. I wanted to be someone that I wasn't. I won't use any real names in this situation.
I go back to "Wall Street" once again for my example. To paraphrase: 'I wanted to be Gordon Gekko, but I'm just Bud Fox.' I wanted to be like my hero, but I'm Zach Irwin. I'll always be Zach Irwin. That will never change. I have to better to be something good for my family going forward. I'll always strive to get there.
Until I get there, the work on me by me continues.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Journal Entry for March 31, 2016
Today was a pretty good start to the morning. My wife was generous in waking up with my baby boy Blake. I slept in and watched some TV before waking up for good around 8AM. I was still sleepy as I was getting myself up and around for the day.
I think I remember getting Ben's milk ready for the morning. I would have had to because I warmed up Blake's water so that I could make his formula mix for his bottle. I woke up Ben for his sippy cup. I soon made his breakfast and his lunch for preschool shortly thereafter. I packed up a lunchables in his lunch box. I love the fact that I can make his meal and make him feel well during the day.
I on the other hand was still in a state of sleepiness. I had to get better fast so that I could Ben to school and get my mind up and running. Once I got out the door and into the Rogue, I felt much better. I felt more energized once I got home and saw my wife and baby son Blake.
My wife and I really hammered down on the budget at home today. We crunched some more numbers and we found at least one way to cut back on some expenses. I decided to lower our data plan down to 1 shared GB between the two of us. Thank goodness for free wi-fi so that we can access a lot of the goodies our apps provide us.
My wife gave a taste of what is to come in our house at the dining table. It was a lot of beans and vegetables. I honestly don't mind that at all. We ate some veggie tacos for lunch today. I wish I could feed Blake some tacos. I know he would love them once he has some teeth.
Speaking of teeth, Blake has a couple top teeth coming in. He's feeling the pain of growth there right now, but it will be worth it in the end. He's going to have a beautiful smile like his mama and his big brother Ben.
I got to pick up Ben from preschool again today. I got to see him walk in the Rogue after school was out. He wanted to turn the light on and off. I think I let him do that before I had to strap him in his car seat. I saw one of his classmates' moms there as we were set to leave school for the day. Her mom invited us to her daughter Caroline's 2nd birthday party.
Once we got home, Ben got his milk and wanted to turn off the lights again. I wanted to get my hugs before making the mad dash down I-75 Southbound to Midtown Atlanta for work.
The one big thing that got me through the 30 minute drive is listening to the Dave Ramsey Show on 640-WGST. The show had some guest hosts today as Dave Ramsey had the day off. I was inspired yet again to pay off my credit card debt. Soon, we are going to pay off the Rogue. It will be a celebration indeed when it becomes official.
Once I got in to work today, it was go go go here in my edit bay. I don't think I took much of a break from 2:30PM until sometime after 6PM. I didn't have time to pee or get coffee we were so busy. We had three editors in total during the afternoon shows. Overall, I felt like I performed a good service here at work today.
One of my favorite parts of the day was helping an executive producer learn how to edit with AVID. She even taught me how to be a better video producer when it comes to telling stories with my editing. I learned not to just take the first and only video source a producer gives me. I have to fight through my laziness and search for more, better video to help tell the story to our audience. I am determined to teach my EP how to edit and make her a good editor. Heck, she might be a better editor than me.
I'm winding down my shift here at work getting caught up on backing up newscasts on DVDs and on what the Atlanta Braves are doing. So far, I'm reading up on my Braves on AJC.com and on Braves.com. I'll keep digging for more sources to read from as the season gets underway.
When I get home, I'll catch up on some old basketball games and movies on my DirecTV DVR. I'll have to discipline myself to go to bed earlier tonight when I'm home. I don't want to wake up groggy and sleepy on Friday.
I'll be back for more fun tomorrow. More TV magic is on the way and I will help create it for you. Until then, have a great night.
I think I remember getting Ben's milk ready for the morning. I would have had to because I warmed up Blake's water so that I could make his formula mix for his bottle. I woke up Ben for his sippy cup. I soon made his breakfast and his lunch for preschool shortly thereafter. I packed up a lunchables in his lunch box. I love the fact that I can make his meal and make him feel well during the day.
I on the other hand was still in a state of sleepiness. I had to get better fast so that I could Ben to school and get my mind up and running. Once I got out the door and into the Rogue, I felt much better. I felt more energized once I got home and saw my wife and baby son Blake.
My wife and I really hammered down on the budget at home today. We crunched some more numbers and we found at least one way to cut back on some expenses. I decided to lower our data plan down to 1 shared GB between the two of us. Thank goodness for free wi-fi so that we can access a lot of the goodies our apps provide us.
My wife gave a taste of what is to come in our house at the dining table. It was a lot of beans and vegetables. I honestly don't mind that at all. We ate some veggie tacos for lunch today. I wish I could feed Blake some tacos. I know he would love them once he has some teeth.
Speaking of teeth, Blake has a couple top teeth coming in. He's feeling the pain of growth there right now, but it will be worth it in the end. He's going to have a beautiful smile like his mama and his big brother Ben.
I got to pick up Ben from preschool again today. I got to see him walk in the Rogue after school was out. He wanted to turn the light on and off. I think I let him do that before I had to strap him in his car seat. I saw one of his classmates' moms there as we were set to leave school for the day. Her mom invited us to her daughter Caroline's 2nd birthday party.
Once we got home, Ben got his milk and wanted to turn off the lights again. I wanted to get my hugs before making the mad dash down I-75 Southbound to Midtown Atlanta for work.
The one big thing that got me through the 30 minute drive is listening to the Dave Ramsey Show on 640-WGST. The show had some guest hosts today as Dave Ramsey had the day off. I was inspired yet again to pay off my credit card debt. Soon, we are going to pay off the Rogue. It will be a celebration indeed when it becomes official.
Once I got in to work today, it was go go go here in my edit bay. I don't think I took much of a break from 2:30PM until sometime after 6PM. I didn't have time to pee or get coffee we were so busy. We had three editors in total during the afternoon shows. Overall, I felt like I performed a good service here at work today.
One of my favorite parts of the day was helping an executive producer learn how to edit with AVID. She even taught me how to be a better video producer when it comes to telling stories with my editing. I learned not to just take the first and only video source a producer gives me. I have to fight through my laziness and search for more, better video to help tell the story to our audience. I am determined to teach my EP how to edit and make her a good editor. Heck, she might be a better editor than me.
I'm winding down my shift here at work getting caught up on backing up newscasts on DVDs and on what the Atlanta Braves are doing. So far, I'm reading up on my Braves on AJC.com and on Braves.com. I'll keep digging for more sources to read from as the season gets underway.
When I get home, I'll catch up on some old basketball games and movies on my DirecTV DVR. I'll have to discipline myself to go to bed earlier tonight when I'm home. I don't want to wake up groggy and sleepy on Friday.
I'll be back for more fun tomorrow. More TV magic is on the way and I will help create it for you. Until then, have a great night.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Writing Samples for March 29, 2016
A HUGE HONOR IS COMING FOR THE SENIOR PASTOR OF EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH ON WEDNESDAY.
THE REVEREND RAPHAEL WARNOCK IS GIVING THE SERMON DURING THE WHITE HOUSE EASTER PRAYER BREAKFAST.
THE CHURCH RELEASED PART OF HIS SERMON FOR TOMORROW AND IT READS IN PART:
“When the great Jewish cleric, Abraham Joshua Heschel, marched with Dr. King he said he felt like his feet were praying. This is a prayer breakfast. And I do believe in the power of prayer. But what we need when we leave this place are some praying feet. In this moment in our nation, when naked bigotry pushes its agenda in public policy and raises its voice in the public square, unashamed and unabashed, we need some hands and feet, heads and hearts praying and working together. And together, we can rise up and fly!”
THE PRAYER BREAKFAST STARTS JUST AFTER EIGHT A-M.
(ON CAM)
NEW FROM OVERNIGHT.
CREWS ARE CLEANING UP WHAT'S LEFT OF A FOUR CAR ACCIDENT IN COBB COUNTY.
(VO)
IT HAPPENED AT DISCOVERY BOULEVARD AND MABLETON PARKWAY IN MABLETON.
YOU CAN SEE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE CARS WITH ONE OF THEM BE SEVERELY CRUSHED.
ALL THE VEHICLES HAD TO BE LOADED ONTO A COUPLE OF WRECKERS.
WE'LL KEEP YOU POSTED ON THE STATUS OF EACH OF THE VICTIMS.
(OTS)
A WOMAN IS DEAD FOLLOWING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN MABLETON LAST NIGHT.
(VO)
AUTHORITIES PRONOUNCED 51-YEAR-OLD PAMELA SITTON DEAD AT THE SCENE OF THIS ACCIDENT.
THE DRIVER OF A DODGE MAGNUM IDENTIFIED AS 20-YEAR-OLD SHANIECA WATERS SLAMMED INTO MS. SITTON AND HER 2005 TOYOTA SEQUOIA AT THE INTERSECTION OF MABLETON PARKWAY AND DISCOVERY BOULEVARD.
THE TOYOTA ROLLED ON ITS SIDE BEFORE COLLIDING WITH A FORD MUSTANG.
THAT SAME DODGE LATER COLLIDED WITH A MERCEDES G-L 450.
ALL FOUR CARS HAD EXCESSIVE DAMAGE AND WERE TAKEN AWAY ON WRECKERS.
FOUR OF THE REMAINING FIVE SURVIVORS WENT TO AREA HOSPITALS FOR TREATMENT.
(FSG)
ANYONE WHO HAS INFORMATION INTO WHAT CAUSED IT IS ASKED TO CALL 770-499-3987.
UP NEXT IN SPORTS, THE BRAVES ARE LESS THAN A WEEK FROM OPENING DAY, AND A HOMETOWN BOY MAKES GOOD.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Journal Entry for March 29, 2016
I'm feeling good even though I only had 5.5 hours of sleep from the night before. I got to wake up early and get my son Ben ready for the day. I warmed up his milk in the microwave and poured it into a blue sippy cup. When I walked into the boys' room, both Ben and Blake were asleep.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I could not believe that I woke up before both of my sons did. They looked like they were both out cold. I wish that I had taken a picture of both of them in their cribs. They looked so peaceful, so innocent, and so sweet. Nothing was going to disturb their sleep for a good long while.
Here at work, I've spent more than an hour listening to Monday's episode of JT The Brick. I've missed this show for quite some time. I hope to get back into listen to it more and more some day. I'll listen to to sooner than later next time. I love the voices of JT and Thom Looney when they work together.
Soon, I'm going to get my writing chops back. I've practiced with an AJC story online earlier today. Soon, I will find some video that my station shot and start writing to it on my blog. I'm excited and nervous at the same time when it comes to me writing stories.
Earlier when I was home, I got to see Blake stand up and power his way around the house. He crawled a lot. He crawled from the living room all the way to the kitchen and the laundry room. There was a time when I wondered how he got to where he was from the living room. I thought to myself 'boy, he's fast!'. I won't be able to keep up with him much longer.
After lunch, I got to pick Ben up from preschool. I got to see him crawl all the way up front to near where I drive. I picked up my sweet little toddler and put him firmly in his car seat. He had doggy with him all the way home. I keep doggy in the Rogue so that doggy is safe and sound (and clean too).
The hardest part of my day is leaving my family behind at home. I know that I'm doing the right thing by going to work, but I still miss my family. I even said goodbye to Gandalf P. Cat on the way out.
Speaking of going out, I'm going home for the night. I'll be back for a busier day here at work tomorrow.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I could not believe that I woke up before both of my sons did. They looked like they were both out cold. I wish that I had taken a picture of both of them in their cribs. They looked so peaceful, so innocent, and so sweet. Nothing was going to disturb their sleep for a good long while.
Here at work, I've spent more than an hour listening to Monday's episode of JT The Brick. I've missed this show for quite some time. I hope to get back into listen to it more and more some day. I'll listen to to sooner than later next time. I love the voices of JT and Thom Looney when they work together.
Soon, I'm going to get my writing chops back. I've practiced with an AJC story online earlier today. Soon, I will find some video that my station shot and start writing to it on my blog. I'm excited and nervous at the same time when it comes to me writing stories.
After lunch, I got to pick Ben up from preschool. I got to see him crawl all the way up front to near where I drive. I picked up my sweet little toddler and put him firmly in his car seat. He had doggy with him all the way home. I keep doggy in the Rogue so that doggy is safe and sound (and clean too).
The hardest part of my day is leaving my family behind at home. I know that I'm doing the right thing by going to work, but I still miss my family. I even said goodbye to Gandalf P. Cat on the way out.
Speaking of going out, I'm going home for the night. I'll be back for a busier day here at work tomorrow.
Writing Samples for March 28, 2016
PRESIDENT OBAMA
IS SET TO ARRIVE IN ATLANTA ON TUESDAY.
HE’LL LAND
AT HARTSFIELD JACKSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER THE BRUSSELS
TERROR ATTACKS.
AIRPORT
OFFICIALS WILL INCREASE SECURITY TO ENSURE OBAMA IS SAFE IN LEAVING THE AIRPORT
FOR A DATE DOWNTOWN THAT AFTERNOON.
WE TALKED
TO PASSENGERS ABOUT HOW THEY APPROACH TRAVELING DURING A TIME OF TERROR.
“I’m just
kind of resigned to it. Cause like if it’s
going to happen, it’s gonna happen. And,
like, I don’t want to stop doing what I’m doing out of fear of that you know
because it’s, I don’t know, it’s not really any way to live your life.”
PASSENGERS
SHOULD ALLOW FOR EXTRA TIME TO PICK UP YOUR BOARDING PASSES AND TO GET THROUGH
SECURITY, ESPECIALLY ON TUESDAY.
EVEN THOUGH GOVERNOR NATHAN DEAL SAID HE WOULD VETO H-B 757, BETTER KNOWN AS THE 'RELIGIOUS FREEDOM BILL', THE DAMAGE IS BEING DONE HERE IN THE METRO AREA.
TECHNOLOGY FIRM 373-K IS LEAVING THE STATE AND MOVING TO DELAWARE.
COMPANY OFFICIALS SAY THAT IT IS MOVING OUT OF GEORGIA BECAUSE THE STATE LEGISLATURE PUT WHAT THEY BELIEVE WAS A BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW LEGAL DISCRIMINATION AGAINST GAY PEOPLE.
THE COMPANY SAYS IT WANTS TO ATTRACT TALENTED PEOPLE IN A STATE THAT IS FRIENDLY AND TOLERANT TO WHO ARE PART OF THE L-G-B-T COMMUNITY.
THE STATE LEGISLATURE COULD CALL FOR A SPECIAL SESSION TO OVERRIDE THE GOVERNOR'S VETO.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS SET TO VISIT DOWNTOWN ATLANTA FOR A MAJOR SPEECH ON TUESDAY.
HE WILL BE AT THE WESTIN PEACHTREE PLAZA TO BE PART OF A DISCUSSION ON OPIOID ABUSE.
HE'LL BE PART OF THE PANEL DISCUSSION AT THE NATIONAL R-X DRUG ABUSE AND HEROIN SUMMIT.
THE PRESIDENT WILL DISCUSS HOW TO END THE SPREAD OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG AND HEROIN ABUSE.
NOW OBAMA'S VISIT WILL MEAN SOME TRAFFIC TIE-UPS AND DETOURS THROUGH DOWNTOWN, AND THAT INCLUDES MORE TIME TO YOUR RUSH HOUR DRIVE HOME.
ONLY ONE CAR ON THE DOWNTOWN STREETCAR WILL BE RUNNING AND THERE WILL BE FEWER STOPS ALONG THE ROUTE.
OFFICIALS WILL CLOSE STREETS NEAR THE WESTIN HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA.
THERE ARE LIKELY DELAYS ON THE DOWNTOWN CONNECTOR IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.
PRESIDENT OBAMA IS SET TO SPEAK AROUND TWO-30 P-M.
THE PRESIDENT IS EXPECTED TO LEAVE THE AREA SOMETIME AFTER THE PANEL DISCUSSION ENDS WHICH IS AROUND 3:45 IN THE AFTERNOON.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Journal Entry for March 28, 2016
I had a good chance to sleep in this morning. The only thing that could wake me was was Blake, and he did it. Blake was scratching around a bit, but he was still sleeping. It was not until I heard him talk and cry that we both got up for good.
I was so happy to hold him and to see my wife and son Ben, I didn't get around to changing Blake's diaper. I got to love on everyone, including Gandalf P. Cat. We all watched some old cartoons on TV and I got myself more and more awake by sitting down and doing very little on the living room floor.
Ben did good in getting a haircut this morning. I bribed him with some cheesy poofs in order to get the job done. Before we went into Famous Hair, I held his hand into Publix. We got some coke zeroes and a bag of cheetos before we went to the haircut place. I didn't want him running around too much and him getting away from me.
I had fun taking Ben to his latest haircut by myself. I would love to continue to be able to give my son some more one-on-one fun time. I Have maybe a couple of days left before my wife starts up her new job next week. My new dream now is to give my son Ben a breakfast happy meal.
I had to leave my boys behind with my wife in order to get to work today. I feel blessed that I had a relatively smooth day here at work. I had a lot of edits done for me before I came in here.
I did a good service by passing out free candy in the newsroom to any co-workers who were interested. They were. As of 6:30PM, it was all gone. I collected a 'finders fee' of free sour patch kids. The blue ones are my new favorites.
It's now time for me to go now. I have to finish up some of my writing samples before bed time. I miss you all and I'll be back for more fun tomorrow.
I was so happy to hold him and to see my wife and son Ben, I didn't get around to changing Blake's diaper. I got to love on everyone, including Gandalf P. Cat. We all watched some old cartoons on TV and I got myself more and more awake by sitting down and doing very little on the living room floor.
Ben did good in getting a haircut this morning. I bribed him with some cheesy poofs in order to get the job done. Before we went into Famous Hair, I held his hand into Publix. We got some coke zeroes and a bag of cheetos before we went to the haircut place. I didn't want him running around too much and him getting away from me.
I had fun taking Ben to his latest haircut by myself. I would love to continue to be able to give my son some more one-on-one fun time. I Have maybe a couple of days left before my wife starts up her new job next week. My new dream now is to give my son Ben a breakfast happy meal.
I had to leave my boys behind with my wife in order to get to work today. I feel blessed that I had a relatively smooth day here at work. I had a lot of edits done for me before I came in here.
I did a good service by passing out free candy in the newsroom to any co-workers who were interested. They were. As of 6:30PM, it was all gone. I collected a 'finders fee' of free sour patch kids. The blue ones are my new favorites.
It's now time for me to go now. I have to finish up some of my writing samples before bed time. I miss you all and I'll be back for more fun tomorrow.
Journal Entry for the weekend of March 26, 2016
Saturday was off to a tough start. I had to wake up pretty early in order to make our trip on time to see my wife's family. It was a good thing we were all gassed up to get ready for our trip. I took good care of that on Thursday morning.
I had a late night in getting Easter ready for my wife on Friday. We all did Easter on Saturday morning while we were all still at home. Ben and Blake got all their goodies from us/the Easter Bunny. Kelly got a lot of yummy candy and a "fizzy". I got the three best presents of all: My family members.
Part of our Journey took us through the Top and East End Perimeter (I-285) en route to I-20. See my lovely old file picture of Spaghetti Junction.
Ben and Blake were both good passengers in the back seat inside their car seats. Blake recently graduated into a car seat without an accompanying carrier. Ben was getting a little upset in the back, so we stopped one exit before the Flying J and fed him some crackers and some fruit snacks. I bought him some apple juice to tide him over.
We got to Kelly's mom's house to the delight and smell of some Pizza Hut pepperoni pizza. I tell you what, the sauce tasted great, the Cheese was awesome, and the crust was tasty. I got my 2nd slice after I brought our luggage inside. I can't believe my son Ben isn't ready for pizza yet. I hope he'll love pizza as much as I do, if not more.
Ben had some fun doing the Easter egg hunt on Saturday. I had to gear him in the right direction so that he could fill up his Elmo basket full of eggs. Instead he wanted to go back to his old wheelhouse, turning on and off the lights.
I had a late night in getting Easter ready for my wife on Friday. We all did Easter on Saturday morning while we were all still at home. Ben and Blake got all their goodies from us/the Easter Bunny. Kelly got a lot of yummy candy and a "fizzy". I got the three best presents of all: My family members.
Part of our Journey took us through the Top and East End Perimeter (I-285) en route to I-20. See my lovely old file picture of Spaghetti Junction.
Ben and Blake were both good passengers in the back seat inside their car seats. Blake recently graduated into a car seat without an accompanying carrier. Ben was getting a little upset in the back, so we stopped one exit before the Flying J and fed him some crackers and some fruit snacks. I bought him some apple juice to tide him over.
We got to Kelly's mom's house to the delight and smell of some Pizza Hut pepperoni pizza. I tell you what, the sauce tasted great, the Cheese was awesome, and the crust was tasty. I got my 2nd slice after I brought our luggage inside. I can't believe my son Ben isn't ready for pizza yet. I hope he'll love pizza as much as I do, if not more.
Ben had some fun doing the Easter egg hunt on Saturday. I had to gear him in the right direction so that he could fill up his Elmo basket full of eggs. Instead he wanted to go back to his old wheelhouse, turning on and off the lights.
Ben is an excellent driver too. He loves riding on the golf cart around my mother-in-law's property. Someday, I will teach him how to drive a golf cart, and I won't make him feel awkward about it. He's gonna be a better driver than I am. He'll have no fear in getting around to where he wants to go. He will be my future pilot.
Sunday was a bit more low key. I still tried to ween Ben off the light switches to no avail. I had to try to stop him at my mother-in-law's, my father-in-law's, and in my own house. Ben still wants to turn and off the lights.
My night ended with me seeing North Carolina keep their NCAA Championship hopes alive in going to the Final Four. I capped off the night sleeping to "Dirty Dancing" on TV. I wish for a relaxing vacation like the Houseman's did in that film.
I'm about to finish my blog for Monday now, so it is time for me to sign off. Peace out.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Journal Entry for March 25, 2016
I work up early and on time this morning. I had a little scratcher in Blake while he was in his pack and play. He scratched so loud, I didn't need to have an alarm clock waking me up. Once again, I forgot about what I was dreaming about as I was in my deep early morning slumber. I didn't even get woken up by Blake's nightly overnight diaper change.
I had the pleasure of making Ben his breakfast and Blake his puffs while they were sitting near each other in the dining area. I didn't feel that I had enough time to make Ben a heated breakfast like I usually do. Instead of giving him either a waffle or a piece of sausage, I got him some cereal and an applesauce pouch. I felt pretty good about giving Ben something yummy to give him.
I got to write a couple of scripts for the late 11PM newscast tonight. One was about the Rolling Stones coming to Cuba for a free concert while the other one was about President Obama coming to Atlanta for a prescription drug abuse conference.
Before I came into work, I encountered some traffic coming down I-75 from Acworth. I took some side streets to Barrett Parkway and came down I-575 before coming down the 75 to get to work here in Midtown Atlanta.
Life is good and I have to get home so that I can be ready to meet my family for our trip to see my wife's family for Easter Weekend.
Peace out and I'll see you again soon.
I had the pleasure of making Ben his breakfast and Blake his puffs while they were sitting near each other in the dining area. I didn't feel that I had enough time to make Ben a heated breakfast like I usually do. Instead of giving him either a waffle or a piece of sausage, I got him some cereal and an applesauce pouch. I felt pretty good about giving Ben something yummy to give him.
I got to write a couple of scripts for the late 11PM newscast tonight. One was about the Rolling Stones coming to Cuba for a free concert while the other one was about President Obama coming to Atlanta for a prescription drug abuse conference.
Before I came into work, I encountered some traffic coming down I-75 from Acworth. I took some side streets to Barrett Parkway and came down I-575 before coming down the 75 to get to work here in Midtown Atlanta.
Life is good and I have to get home so that I can be ready to meet my family for our trip to see my wife's family for Easter Weekend.
Peace out and I'll see you again soon.
Writing Samples for March 25, 2016
A DRIVER LOSES CONTROL OF HER CAR ON A CURVY ROAD IN JONESBORO TONIGHT.
THIS HAPPENED AT WOOD KNOLL WAY AND FOREST KNOLL DRIVE.
SHE DROVE THROUGH TWO FRONT YARDS, BOUNCED OFF A HOUSE, AND HIT TWO CARS IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA.
CLAYTON COUNTY POLICE SAY SHE'LL BE CHARGED WITH WRECKLESS DRIVING AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN HER LANE.
SHE WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED.
AND IN SPORTS, BRIAN GREGORY LEARNS HIS FATE AT GEORGIA TECH.
THE HAWKS LOOK TO "BUCK" A TREND AGAINST MILWAUKEE.
AND LAST SECOND DRAMA HEATS UP IN THE N-C-DOUBLE-A TOURNAMENT.
COMING UP NEXT, A COMIC BOOK STORE OWNER NEEDS SOMEONE TO GIVE A SUPERHERO EFFORT IN FINDING THE PEOPLE WHO RIPPED OFF THIS STORE.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Writing Samples for March 24, 2016
A PLANE CRASH TAKES THE LIFE OF A GEORGIA MAN IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
A SHERIFF SAYS 59 YEAR OLD WALKER HESTER OF MARIETTA CRASHED INTO A REMORE PORTION OF THE PEE DEE RIVER.
THAT IS UP IN CHESTERFIELD COUNTY UP IN THE NORTHERN PART OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
ONLY THE PILOT WAS ON BOARD THE ROCKET TWO EXPERIMENTAL AIRPLANE.
HE WAS A PILOT FOR THE MILITARY AND FOR DELTA.
THE N-T-S-B IS INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH.
HEAVY STORMS HIT PARTS OF THE CITY HARD TONIGHT.
A TREE FELL ON A CAR ON NORTH COLONIAL HOMES CIRCLE IN BUCKHEAD.
NOBODY WAS INSIDE THE CAR AT THE TIME.
A TREE LAYS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET ON SAINT JAMES AVENUE NEAR NORTHWEST DRIVE.
CHAPPELL ROAD IS CLOSED AS A TREE IS ACROSS THE STREET.
AND NORTHWEST DRIVE IS BLOCKED OFF AS WIRES ARE DOWN ON TOP OF A HOME THERE.
FORTUNATELY NOBODY WAS INJURED IN ANY OF THESE INCIDENTS.
THE ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS MAY BE "CHASE"ING THEIR NEW FIELD OF DREAMS IN THE FUTURE.
DIAMONDBACKS PRESIDENT AND C-E-O DERRICK HALL SAID THE TEAM WANTS OUT OF CHASE FIELD AND INTO A NEW BALLPARK.
THE TEAM CONTENDS THAT THE MARICOPA COUNTY STADIUM DISTRICT HAS NOT KEPT THE 18 YEAR OLD STADIUM AS STATE OF THE ART AND THAT THEIR CURRENT HOME NEEDS 187 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE.
THE TEAM ALSO WANTS A CHEAPER RENT FROM THEIR LANDLORD, MARICOPA COUNTY.
RIGHT NOW THE D-BACKS PLAY FOUR-POINT-TWO MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR THEY PAY TO THE DISTRICT.
TEAM OFFICIALS SAY THEY WANT TO STAY IN DOWNTOWN PHOENIX, BUT WILL SEEK OTHER AREAS AND OTHER POTENTIAL CITIES AS PARTNERS.
Journal Entry for March 24, 2016
I had to wake up twice this morning in order to get myself going for the day. I didn't get to sleep until 2AM and I felt it today.
One of the highlights of my day was playing with Blake and taking his pictures. Soon, he's going to have some front teeth on the upper part of his mouth. I felt little holes where some teeth might be some day. Some of his teething may explain why he felt so miserable this morning. That could also explain some of the coughing he was experiencing today.
See some of the last gummy smiles he'll ever have.
I truly love that smile. It shows me the optimism a little boy has and the hope for a brighter future. It's these smiles and the laughs that he shows us that makes being a parent all the more worth while.
I picked up Ben from preschool today. He got from the back seat all the way up to the steering wheel in the Rogue. I had to get out of the car and pick Ben up from the driver's side back to his car seat. I gave him hugs and kisses before I had to put him back in. I gave him his doggy back, but I couldn't give him the two teddy bears that Blake usually plays with.
I'm not happy here at work today. Work has been a little frustrating for me for the early part of my day. I had trouble bringing in video that was e-mailed to me. It was video from a McDonald's camera where suspects went to and from the restroom. The story was where the suspects robbed a McDonald's in South Fulton County.
I need more coffee to get me through the evening. I'm really, really tired tonight. After my cup of coffee, I got going for my second wind.
Tonight, we're airing the 11PM News on CBS46 at about 12:08AM. It's a full show mind you. It's a full 35 minutes as always at 11PM.
My right knee and leg both hurt tonight. I'm not sure why they do. I don't think I slept in an unusual position last night. I suspect that Blake stepped on me a lot and crawled all over me today. I shouldn't be mad about that. He is at least getting around on the floor of our home.
It's (early) FRIDAY!!!!! I'm going to leave for home soon. I have one more stop for the night: It's a trip brought on by the Easter Bunny.
One of the highlights of my day was playing with Blake and taking his pictures. Soon, he's going to have some front teeth on the upper part of his mouth. I felt little holes where some teeth might be some day. Some of his teething may explain why he felt so miserable this morning. That could also explain some of the coughing he was experiencing today.
See some of the last gummy smiles he'll ever have.
I truly love that smile. It shows me the optimism a little boy has and the hope for a brighter future. It's these smiles and the laughs that he shows us that makes being a parent all the more worth while.
I picked up Ben from preschool today. He got from the back seat all the way up to the steering wheel in the Rogue. I had to get out of the car and pick Ben up from the driver's side back to his car seat. I gave him hugs and kisses before I had to put him back in. I gave him his doggy back, but I couldn't give him the two teddy bears that Blake usually plays with.
I'm not happy here at work today. Work has been a little frustrating for me for the early part of my day. I had trouble bringing in video that was e-mailed to me. It was video from a McDonald's camera where suspects went to and from the restroom. The story was where the suspects robbed a McDonald's in South Fulton County.
I need more coffee to get me through the evening. I'm really, really tired tonight. After my cup of coffee, I got going for my second wind.
Tonight, we're airing the 11PM News on CBS46 at about 12:08AM. It's a full show mind you. It's a full 35 minutes as always at 11PM.
My right knee and leg both hurt tonight. I'm not sure why they do. I don't think I slept in an unusual position last night. I suspect that Blake stepped on me a lot and crawled all over me today. I shouldn't be mad about that. He is at least getting around on the floor of our home.
It's (early) FRIDAY!!!!! I'm going to leave for home soon. I have one more stop for the night: It's a trip brought on by the Easter Bunny.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Writing Samples for March 23, 2016
GEORGIA IS SET TO PUT A KILLER TO DEATH NEXT MONTH.
KENNETH FULTS IS SET TO GO BY LETHAL INJECTION ON APRIL 12TH.
A JURY CONVICTED FULTS IN THE 1996 MURDER OF HIS NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR CATHY BOUNDS IN SPALDING COUNTY.
THAT SAME JURY LATER DECIDED HE SHOULD DIE FOR HIS CRIME.
FULTS IS SET TO BECOME THE FOURTH MAN TO DIE BY EXECUTION SO FAR THIS YEAR.
NEXT WEEK, JOSHUA BISHOP IS SET TO BE EXECUTED FOR THE 1994 MURDER OF A MILLEDGEVILLE MAN.
CHECK OUT THIS AMAZING PHOTO.
HE MAY LOOK LIKE AN ORDINARY MAN, BUT IF YOU KNOW WHO WENT TO BALL STATE UNIVERSITY AS THE T-SHIRT SAYS, YOU'LL KNOW THAT HE WAS A FORMER FAMOUS TALK SHOW HOST.
IT IS NONE OTHER THAN DAVID LETTERMAN.
THE 30 YEAR T-V VETERAN IS SPORTING THE BALDING BEARD LOOK IN THIS RECENT PICTURE.
IT HAS BEEN SHARED ALL OVER FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
THE 68-YEAR-OLD SAYS HE DOES NOT MISS WORKING IN T-V AS MUCH AS HE THOUGHT HE WOULD.
HE STEPPED DOWN FROM HIS C-B-S SHOW LAST MAY.
NEW AT 11.
CHAOS AND CONFUSION AT THE AIRPORT.
WE TAKE YOU INSIDE THE TERMINAL WHERE PEOPLE WERE RUNNING FOR SAFETY.
ALL THIS BECAUSE SOMEONE SAID 'THERE WAS AN ACTIVE SHOOTER' INSIDE HARTSFIELD-JACKSON.
WE DIG DEEP INTO WHAT MOTIVATED SUCH SPEECH AND IF ANYONE WILL FACE ANY CHARGES.
OVER THE WEEKEND, SOMEONE LEARNED THE HARD WAY ABOUT THE DANGERS OF THE EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCE OF TANNERITE.
A WALTON COUNTY MAN SHOT THROUGH SOME TANNERITE WITH A RIFLE, SENDING SHRAPNEL HIS WAY.
THE SHRAPNEL WENT THROUGH ONE OF HIS LEGS, TAKING IT OUT COMPLETELY BELOW THE KNEE.
WALTON COUNTY OFFICIALS TELL PEOPLE TO BE AS CAREFUL AS POSSIBLE WHEN BEING AROUND TANNERITE OR EVEN CHOOSE SAFER HOBBIES.
THEY SAY THAT THE CHEAP THRILL OF A LOUD BOOM IS NOT WORTH THE RISK.
KENNETH FULTS IS SET TO GO BY LETHAL INJECTION ON APRIL 12TH.
A JURY CONVICTED FULTS IN THE 1996 MURDER OF HIS NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR CATHY BOUNDS IN SPALDING COUNTY.
THAT SAME JURY LATER DECIDED HE SHOULD DIE FOR HIS CRIME.
FULTS IS SET TO BECOME THE FOURTH MAN TO DIE BY EXECUTION SO FAR THIS YEAR.
NEXT WEEK, JOSHUA BISHOP IS SET TO BE EXECUTED FOR THE 1994 MURDER OF A MILLEDGEVILLE MAN.
HE MAY LOOK LIKE AN ORDINARY MAN, BUT IF YOU KNOW WHO WENT TO BALL STATE UNIVERSITY AS THE T-SHIRT SAYS, YOU'LL KNOW THAT HE WAS A FORMER FAMOUS TALK SHOW HOST.
IT IS NONE OTHER THAN DAVID LETTERMAN.
THE 30 YEAR T-V VETERAN IS SPORTING THE BALDING BEARD LOOK IN THIS RECENT PICTURE.
IT HAS BEEN SHARED ALL OVER FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
THE 68-YEAR-OLD SAYS HE DOES NOT MISS WORKING IN T-V AS MUCH AS HE THOUGHT HE WOULD.
HE STEPPED DOWN FROM HIS C-B-S SHOW LAST MAY.
NEW AT 11.
CHAOS AND CONFUSION AT THE AIRPORT.
WE TAKE YOU INSIDE THE TERMINAL WHERE PEOPLE WERE RUNNING FOR SAFETY.
ALL THIS BECAUSE SOMEONE SAID 'THERE WAS AN ACTIVE SHOOTER' INSIDE HARTSFIELD-JACKSON.
WE DIG DEEP INTO WHAT MOTIVATED SUCH SPEECH AND IF ANYONE WILL FACE ANY CHARGES.
OVER THE WEEKEND, SOMEONE LEARNED THE HARD WAY ABOUT THE DANGERS OF THE EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCE OF TANNERITE.
A WALTON COUNTY MAN SHOT THROUGH SOME TANNERITE WITH A RIFLE, SENDING SHRAPNEL HIS WAY.
THE SHRAPNEL WENT THROUGH ONE OF HIS LEGS, TAKING IT OUT COMPLETELY BELOW THE KNEE.
WALTON COUNTY OFFICIALS TELL PEOPLE TO BE AS CAREFUL AS POSSIBLE WHEN BEING AROUND TANNERITE OR EVEN CHOOSE SAFER HOBBIES.
THEY SAY THAT THE CHEAP THRILL OF A LOUD BOOM IS NOT WORTH THE RISK.
EIGHT PEOPLE ARE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO THE STABBING DEATH OF AN AUGUSTA AREA TEEN.
IT ALL STARTED WITH A FIGHT BETWEEN TWO HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS IN A NEIGHBORHOOD SOUTH OF AUGUSTA.
THEN IT ESCALATED WHEN 30 TO 50 PEOPLE WANTED TO WATCH THE FIGHT ONLY FOR SOME OF THOSE PEOPLE TO BEGIN FIGHTING EACH OTHER.
SOMEONE REPORTEDLY VIDEOTAPED THE INCIDENT INSTEAD OF TRYING TO BREAK IT UP.
18-YEAR-OLD DEMAJHAY BELL WAS INSIDE THE HOUSE WHERE THE FIGHT TOOK PLACE.
HE WAS STABBED IN THE NECK WHEN HE CAME OUT AND DIED AT A HOSPITAL TWO DAYS LATER.
THE RICHMOND COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DECIDED TO TAKE DRASTIC STEPS FOR WHAT IS BEING CALLED A SENSELESS MURDER.
(Richard Roundtree/Richmond County Sheriff)
“That’s why we’re taking an aggressive stance and charging everyone with murder. With everything they do, (teens think) it has to be elevated so the world will take note.”
21-YEAR-OLD DEMETRIUS HARRIS JUNIOR IS ACCUSED OF STABBING BELL WHILE SEVEN OTHERS ARE BEING CHARGED WITH MURDER AND AGGREVATED ASSAULT.
AUTHORITIES HAVE WARRANTS OUT FOR TWO ADDITIONAL SUSPECTS.
Journal Entry for March 23, 2016
Today has been a good day so far. I had a short turnaround for sleep as I failed to turn in until 1:45AM. I was summoned to be up by 7:30 so that I could be ready to be with both Ben and Blake. During the time I am in bed, Blake will sometimes need a diaper in the early morning hours. There are times that I have to hold baby Blake as Kelly gets a baby diaper ready for him. I have to make sure I'm not asleep when I hold Blake. I don't want him to get away as he is more mobile than ever.
We all got ready to go to Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw by 10AM this morning. It just so happened that we saw some of the parents of Ben's preschool classmates out there. Ben was focused on play. I was focused on watching and monitoring Ben at play. I made sure he was safe and sound while Kelly hung out with the other moms out there. We all had a marvelous time. As always, there is a time to go home and poor Ben didn't like it. I didn't want to have to pick Ben up, but I did. I did it for the good of the family so we could all go home.
Before we went home, Kelly and I had to go make a pit stop. I got tempted to getting each of us a 'fizzy.' She got a Coke and I got a Coke Zero. We were thirsty. It might not be the best way to quench a thirst, but we wanted it anyway. Boy did those drinks taste good and hit the spot.
Ben, oh Ben. He played a lot when he got home. He finished off his blue dum dum sucker. He didn't have much of the munchies soon after. I tried to get Ben to eat after Kelly made a great lunch for all of us. Ben had a chance to eat some yummy grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. I ate all those things while Ben said no.
See below: Ben sucking his thumb as I attempt to get selfies of him watching "Special Agent Oso." That is one of his favorite cartoons on Disney Junior. I wish I had luck finding a Special Agent Oso bear at a store somewhere. I need three special steps in order to locate one.
On my way to work, I listened to "The Kimmer, WMLB-AM/CBS NEWS, and "The Dave Ramsey Show". I did so all while driving down on I-75, and I didn't sing to anything in my car.
I got some of my writing chops back tonight. I wrote several sample scripts from some of the things I read online tonight. I'll do so again tomorrow.
I had a positive day editing some videos and editing a TOP 5 by Fred kalil and David Ries. I love to do those once a week. The hardest thing is to balance editing that while editing the news videos of the day in the afternoon. Check out my TOP 5 edit on this blog and on Youtube.
I'll be back for more fun again tomorrow. Peace.
We all got ready to go to Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw by 10AM this morning. It just so happened that we saw some of the parents of Ben's preschool classmates out there. Ben was focused on play. I was focused on watching and monitoring Ben at play. I made sure he was safe and sound while Kelly hung out with the other moms out there. We all had a marvelous time. As always, there is a time to go home and poor Ben didn't like it. I didn't want to have to pick Ben up, but I did. I did it for the good of the family so we could all go home.
Before we went home, Kelly and I had to go make a pit stop. I got tempted to getting each of us a 'fizzy.' She got a Coke and I got a Coke Zero. We were thirsty. It might not be the best way to quench a thirst, but we wanted it anyway. Boy did those drinks taste good and hit the spot.
Ben, oh Ben. He played a lot when he got home. He finished off his blue dum dum sucker. He didn't have much of the munchies soon after. I tried to get Ben to eat after Kelly made a great lunch for all of us. Ben had a chance to eat some yummy grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. I ate all those things while Ben said no.
See below: Ben sucking his thumb as I attempt to get selfies of him watching "Special Agent Oso." That is one of his favorite cartoons on Disney Junior. I wish I had luck finding a Special Agent Oso bear at a store somewhere. I need three special steps in order to locate one.
On my way to work, I listened to "The Kimmer, WMLB-AM/CBS NEWS, and "The Dave Ramsey Show". I did so all while driving down on I-75, and I didn't sing to anything in my car.
I got some of my writing chops back tonight. I wrote several sample scripts from some of the things I read online tonight. I'll do so again tomorrow.
I had a positive day editing some videos and editing a TOP 5 by Fred kalil and David Ries. I love to do those once a week. The hardest thing is to balance editing that while editing the news videos of the day in the afternoon. Check out my TOP 5 edit on this blog and on Youtube.
I'll be back for more fun again tomorrow. Peace.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
May 25, 2015 writing samples (I previously wrote these in my notebook)
COLUMN ONE
I have to stop and take a step back from myself. I have to think of one of the most overused phrases of all time. "The [FILL IN THE BLANK] experience. When I worked for CNN.com, I have heard the phrase "The Video Experience" when it came to giving viewers a way to watch our newly over-produced pieces. Right away, I wanted to vomit. I wanted to vomit then and I want to vomit now after hearing that phrase over and over again.
Why does EVERYTHING have to be an experience? Today we have the viewer experience, the fan experience, the movie-going experience, and the buying experience. Everything is going to be an experience before too long. Why don't we call things what they are like watching TV, going to a game, going out for a meal. Oops, I forgot one more phrase, "The Dining Experience."
I want to touch on the fan experience for a second. I'm a simpleton as far as going to a game goes. I like the part where I like to take pictures and videos with my smartphone. I love posting them to social media sites as soon as I can.
This is the last time I'm hoping to use that word "experience." My ideal experience at a game is where the weather is good, my home team is winning, and the hot dogs are warm and fresh (and the beer and soda is cold).
I'm sure the wi-fi hot spots are all getting faster and better. I'm not a big fan of paying for a $6 slice of pizza or a $10 cheeseburger. I'm not a big fan of fighting traffic to and from the game either.
I'm going to miss Turner Field for the central location it provided Metro Atlanta. SunTrust Park will take Turner Field's place for the Atlanta Braves after the 2016 season. Get ready: It's gonna be a fun and bumpy ride. Oh, and I leave you with this: SunTrust Park fans, traffic will suck beginning in 2017 (if not sooner). You've been warned.
COLUMN TWO
I remember Sandy Alderson as an executive for the Oakland A's and the San Diego Padres. I just read about his days as Bud Selig's right hand man when he was a MLB executive. Heck, he could have been the commissioner today.
I'm surprised that the New York Mets are competing with the Washington Nationals for supremacy in the NL East. Good for him and good for them. I'm a Braves fan and I wish they were more competitive this season.
Sandy Alderson built the Oakland A's late 80's pennant winning teams (including the 1989 World Series Champions) with great drafting of Canseco and McGwire. He also had the money to add pieces around them. The A's were fun to watch in the early 9-'s when I really started watching and following baseball. They never made it back to another world series since 1990 (when the Cincinnati Reds swept them).
Fast forward to the middle of the last decade. Alderson was CEO of the San Diego Padres from 2005-2009. To me, he didn't do it for me as a Padres fan. Sure, he got Chris Young, Adrian Gonzalez, and a slew of players from the Texas Rangers. Beyond that, he didn't make my team better.
He even let Manager Bruce Bochy walk, to the San Francisco Giants. for NOTHING. No compensation taken. BUPKUS. He let the best and most successful manager my team ever had go to a division rival. Three world championships later, that will give me nightmares for years.
So I guess you could say Sandy Alderson revitalized Bay Area Baseball, for the WRONG TEAM. It was not my team (past or present).
I have to stop and take a step back from myself. I have to think of one of the most overused phrases of all time. "The [FILL IN THE BLANK] experience. When I worked for CNN.com, I have heard the phrase "The Video Experience" when it came to giving viewers a way to watch our newly over-produced pieces. Right away, I wanted to vomit. I wanted to vomit then and I want to vomit now after hearing that phrase over and over again.
Why does EVERYTHING have to be an experience? Today we have the viewer experience, the fan experience, the movie-going experience, and the buying experience. Everything is going to be an experience before too long. Why don't we call things what they are like watching TV, going to a game, going out for a meal. Oops, I forgot one more phrase, "The Dining Experience."
I want to touch on the fan experience for a second. I'm a simpleton as far as going to a game goes. I like the part where I like to take pictures and videos with my smartphone. I love posting them to social media sites as soon as I can.
This is the last time I'm hoping to use that word "experience." My ideal experience at a game is where the weather is good, my home team is winning, and the hot dogs are warm and fresh (and the beer and soda is cold).
I'm sure the wi-fi hot spots are all getting faster and better. I'm not a big fan of paying for a $6 slice of pizza or a $10 cheeseburger. I'm not a big fan of fighting traffic to and from the game either.
I'm going to miss Turner Field for the central location it provided Metro Atlanta. SunTrust Park will take Turner Field's place for the Atlanta Braves after the 2016 season. Get ready: It's gonna be a fun and bumpy ride. Oh, and I leave you with this: SunTrust Park fans, traffic will suck beginning in 2017 (if not sooner). You've been warned.
COLUMN TWO
I remember Sandy Alderson as an executive for the Oakland A's and the San Diego Padres. I just read about his days as Bud Selig's right hand man when he was a MLB executive. Heck, he could have been the commissioner today.
I'm surprised that the New York Mets are competing with the Washington Nationals for supremacy in the NL East. Good for him and good for them. I'm a Braves fan and I wish they were more competitive this season.
Sandy Alderson built the Oakland A's late 80's pennant winning teams (including the 1989 World Series Champions) with great drafting of Canseco and McGwire. He also had the money to add pieces around them. The A's were fun to watch in the early 9-'s when I really started watching and following baseball. They never made it back to another world series since 1990 (when the Cincinnati Reds swept them).
Fast forward to the middle of the last decade. Alderson was CEO of the San Diego Padres from 2005-2009. To me, he didn't do it for me as a Padres fan. Sure, he got Chris Young, Adrian Gonzalez, and a slew of players from the Texas Rangers. Beyond that, he didn't make my team better.
He even let Manager Bruce Bochy walk, to the San Francisco Giants. for NOTHING. No compensation taken. BUPKUS. He let the best and most successful manager my team ever had go to a division rival. Three world championships later, that will give me nightmares for years.
So I guess you could say Sandy Alderson revitalized Bay Area Baseball, for the WRONG TEAM. It was not my team (past or present).
Journal Entry for March 22, 2016
Today was a good day so far today. I woke up just before 8AM and had a productive morning. I got Ben up from his sleep and gave him a sippy cup of milk. I even made Ben a yummy breakfast chock full of yummies. I got him some waffles, sausage, and strawberries. He loves sausage, and that was pretty much all he ate.
I also caught up on three TV shows that I had recorded on my DirecTV DVR. I finished up FOX's "Second Chance", A&E's "Born this way", and a rerun of "NYPD Blue" on the Audience Network. I think I did good watching some TV and taking care of Blake solo for a while.
My family and I had fun at the preschool Easter party today. Ben demolished a blue cupcake and he made a cute little bunny. Before that, he took the head off one of the paper bunnies I cut out on Sunday.
My goal was to be more social with the other parents at the party. I don't think I did too well there. I could always say that I was preoccupied with holding Blake and tending to Ben when he was doing the arts and crafts.
When Ben was hunting down some Easter eggs, I was holding Blake every step of the way. I took pictures all the while while holding Blake in my arms. I had to let Blake down even for just a bit. He's such a beautiful heavy little baby. He can wear me out after a while. I should enjoy all the times I get to hold him. Before you know it, he'll be too heavy for me to hold and I won't get to hold him anymore. That would make this daddy sad.
I had to leave the guys behind in order to get to work today. I missed them and I know that my hard work will pay off for them.
Today was a most challenging day at work. The big story of the day was he twin attacks in Brussels, Belgium. I was focused on the work and editing that needed to be done on it, and I tried to remember the victims of this vicious attack this afternoon.
I got a few stories written in my blog as part of my writing samples. I'll post them in the blog really soon. I still have a few more to go before I call it quits for the night.
I had a fun day with my family and I hope to find a way to duplicate that tomorrow. Most of the day will be spent in and around the house. I can't wait to hear Ben say "outside, outside." I think I'll hear him say "Turn the light off, turn the fan off" as well. That's my Ben.
Time for me to go for the night. I'll be back for more again on Wednesday.
I also caught up on three TV shows that I had recorded on my DirecTV DVR. I finished up FOX's "Second Chance", A&E's "Born this way", and a rerun of "NYPD Blue" on the Audience Network. I think I did good watching some TV and taking care of Blake solo for a while.
My family and I had fun at the preschool Easter party today. Ben demolished a blue cupcake and he made a cute little bunny. Before that, he took the head off one of the paper bunnies I cut out on Sunday.
My goal was to be more social with the other parents at the party. I don't think I did too well there. I could always say that I was preoccupied with holding Blake and tending to Ben when he was doing the arts and crafts.
When Ben was hunting down some Easter eggs, I was holding Blake every step of the way. I took pictures all the while while holding Blake in my arms. I had to let Blake down even for just a bit. He's such a beautiful heavy little baby. He can wear me out after a while. I should enjoy all the times I get to hold him. Before you know it, he'll be too heavy for me to hold and I won't get to hold him anymore. That would make this daddy sad.
I had to leave the guys behind in order to get to work today. I missed them and I know that my hard work will pay off for them.
Today was a most challenging day at work. The big story of the day was he twin attacks in Brussels, Belgium. I was focused on the work and editing that needed to be done on it, and I tried to remember the victims of this vicious attack this afternoon.
I got a few stories written in my blog as part of my writing samples. I'll post them in the blog really soon. I still have a few more to go before I call it quits for the night.
I had a fun day with my family and I hope to find a way to duplicate that tomorrow. Most of the day will be spent in and around the house. I can't wait to hear Ben say "outside, outside." I think I'll hear him say "Turn the light off, turn the fan off" as well. That's my Ben.
Time for me to go for the night. I'll be back for more again on Wednesday.
Writing Samples for March 22, 2016
DRIVERS WILL NEED A GO AROUND TO GET THROUGH COBB COUNTY TONIGHT.
G-DOT OFFICIALS ARE CLOSING THE SOUTHBOUND ONRAMP OF I-75 AT DELK ROAD.
THAT'S BECAUSE CONSTRUCTION WILL CONTINUE ON THE ELEVATED EXPRESS LANES ALONG SIDE THE FREEWAY.
WORK WILL BE DONE OVER DELK ROAD TO CONTINUE WORK ON THE NORTHWEST CORRIDOR TOLL LANES PROJECT.
DRIVERS WILL NEED TO TAKE 75 NORTH TO SOUTH MARIETTA PARKWAY AND THEN GO SOUTH FROM THERE.
THEY CAN ALSO TAKE COBB PARKWAY DOWN TO EITHER WINDY HILL ROAD OR I-285 TO THEN GO SOUTH ON 75.
CONSTRUCTION WILL STOP IN TIME FOR THE A-M RUSH HOUR COMMUTE.
THERE HAS BEEN A SHOOTING IN SOUTH FULTON COUNTY TONIGHT.
IT HAPPENED AT A MCDONALD'S ON OLD NATIONAL HIGHWAY IN RIVERDALE.
FULTON COUNTY POLICE SAY THREE BLACK MEN WALKED IN AND SHOT A WORKER IN AN ATTEMPTED ROBBERY.
THE VICTIM WAS MOVED TO GRADY HOSPITAL WHERE HE IS IN STABLE CONDITION.
AN OFFICER RESPONDING TO THE SCENE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AT BETHSAIDA ROAD AND OLD NATIONAL HIGHWAY.
THAT OFFICER IS GETTING TREATMENT AT GRADY WITH MINOR INJURIES.
A FEDERAL JUDGE WILL ALLOW U-S MARSHALS TO MOVE AMMON BUNDY AND FOUR OTHER MEN FROM OREGON TO NEVADA FOR AN APRIL HEARING.
THEY HAVE BEEN IN A PORTLAND JAIL SINCE JANUARY FOR TAKING PART IN A STANDOFF WITH GOVERNMENT AGENTS AT A STATE WILDLIFE REFUGE.
THEY WILL FACE A NEVADA JUDGE FOR THEIR PART IN AN ARMED STANDOFF AGAINST GOVERNMENT AGENTS AT THE BUNDY FAMILY RANCH TWO YEARS AGO.
ATTORNEYS FOR THE MEN SAY THIS IS BAD BECAUSE IT COULD JEOPARDIZE THEIR RIGHT TO A FAIR TRIAL IF THEY ARE TRIED IN OREGON AND NEVADA AT THE SAME TIME.
THEIR HEARING IN NEVADA IS SET FOR EITHER APRIL 14TH OR 15TH WITH A RETURN TRIP TO OREGON ON APRIL 23RD.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Monday, March 21, 2016
Writing Samples FROM October 18, 2015
COBB COUNTY'S REPUTATION FOR BEING MOSTLY WHITE EXTENDS TO THEIR POLITICAL LEADERS.
AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF OFFICIALS IN LOCAL, COUNTY, AND STATE GOVERNMENT FROM THE COUNTY ARE WHITE.
THERE HAS BEEN SOME IMPROVEMENT IN DIVERSIFYING POSITIONS FROM CITY HALL ALL THE WAY TO THE STATE CAPITOL.
15 NON-WHITE OFFICIALS HOLD POSTS IN GOVERNMENT, UP FROM JUST FOUR IN 2000.
COBB'S DEMOGRAPHICS ARE DIVERSIFYING, AND THERE ARE MORE SIGN OF CHANGE IN THE FUTURE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE.
(Kerwin Swint/Kennesaw State University Political Science Professor)
"You see a lot more minorities in the Southern half of the county. Minority groups are moving into the suburbs."
MARIETTA CITY SCHOOLS AND COBB COUNTY SCHOOLS HAVE A MAJORITY-MINORITY ENROLLMENT.
TODAY, LESS THAN HALF OF THOSE DISTRICTS STUDENTS ARE WHITE.
A "VOICE" CONTESTANT ADDS A LITTLE FLAVOR TO SATURDAY'S TASTE OF ACWORTH FESTIVAL.
ZACH SEABAUGH PERFORMED TO THE DELIGHT OF EVERYBODY SAMPLING FOODS FROM SOME OF THE CITY'S RESTAURANTS.
THE KENNESAW MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR SANG FOR SOME OF MUSIC'S ELI AND TO MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ON THE SHOW THIS WEEK.
HE ADMITS TO GETTING A LITTLE NERVOUS PERFORMING ON A SMALL STAGE.
(ZACH SEBAUGH/"VOICE" CONTESTANT)
"Being able to see people freaks me out more than being under the stage lights and stuff, but just having the crowd's reaction back at home is awesome."
SEABAUGH WAS ONE OF MANY LOCAL ARTISTS ON STAGE.
HE WILL CONTINUE PERFORMING ON THE N-B-C TALENT SHOT NEXT WEEK.
GRATEFUL DEAD BASSIST PHIL LESH SAYS HE HAS BLADDER CANCER.
THE 75-YEAR-OLD ANNOUNCED HIS ILLNESS ON FACEBOOK ON FRIDAY.
HE GOT DIAGNOSED EARLIER THIS MONTH AND IS NOW GOING THROUGH EARLY TESTS AT THE MAYO CLINIC IN SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA.
AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF OFFICIALS IN LOCAL, COUNTY, AND STATE GOVERNMENT FROM THE COUNTY ARE WHITE.
THERE HAS BEEN SOME IMPROVEMENT IN DIVERSIFYING POSITIONS FROM CITY HALL ALL THE WAY TO THE STATE CAPITOL.
15 NON-WHITE OFFICIALS HOLD POSTS IN GOVERNMENT, UP FROM JUST FOUR IN 2000.
COBB'S DEMOGRAPHICS ARE DIVERSIFYING, AND THERE ARE MORE SIGN OF CHANGE IN THE FUTURE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE.
(Kerwin Swint/Kennesaw State University Political Science Professor)
"You see a lot more minorities in the Southern half of the county. Minority groups are moving into the suburbs."
MARIETTA CITY SCHOOLS AND COBB COUNTY SCHOOLS HAVE A MAJORITY-MINORITY ENROLLMENT.
TODAY, LESS THAN HALF OF THOSE DISTRICTS STUDENTS ARE WHITE.
A "VOICE" CONTESTANT ADDS A LITTLE FLAVOR TO SATURDAY'S TASTE OF ACWORTH FESTIVAL.
ZACH SEABAUGH PERFORMED TO THE DELIGHT OF EVERYBODY SAMPLING FOODS FROM SOME OF THE CITY'S RESTAURANTS.
THE KENNESAW MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR SANG FOR SOME OF MUSIC'S ELI AND TO MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ON THE SHOW THIS WEEK.
HE ADMITS TO GETTING A LITTLE NERVOUS PERFORMING ON A SMALL STAGE.
(ZACH SEBAUGH/"VOICE" CONTESTANT)
"Being able to see people freaks me out more than being under the stage lights and stuff, but just having the crowd's reaction back at home is awesome."
SEABAUGH WAS ONE OF MANY LOCAL ARTISTS ON STAGE.
HE WILL CONTINUE PERFORMING ON THE N-B-C TALENT SHOT NEXT WEEK.
GRATEFUL DEAD BASSIST PHIL LESH SAYS HE HAS BLADDER CANCER.
THE 75-YEAR-OLD ANNOUNCED HIS ILLNESS ON FACEBOOK ON FRIDAY.
HE GOT DIAGNOSED EARLIER THIS MONTH AND IS NOW GOING THROUGH EARLY TESTS AT THE MAYO CLINIC IN SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA.
Journal Entry for the Weekend of March 19, 2016
Today was a great day. I got to sleep in after having to work extremely late for the past two nights. I got to wake up just after 9AM. I could have slept even longer, but I heard one of my sons either crying or screaming really loud. I was good for the rest of the day after sleeping for seven hours.
See below. Ben had a good ole time playing in the sandbox. We had some special bonding time together, and I even got to dig into the sandbox and smooth it out with him. I had to squat down while he had the luxury of standing up. Later on, Ben threw out some of the sand into the yard and into the bushes. All I could do or say was 'Awwwww.....Ben!'
We had a fun dinner out at Mellow Mushroom in Acworth. We tried a pulled pork pizza for the first time, and we all loved it. O.K. so Kelly and I loved it and Ben tried to warm up to it. He eventually would on Monday when we had pizza for breakfast.
Blake had some fun too. We gave him some sauces to eat so that he wouldn't be left out of our festivities. I feel guilty in the fact that he can't enjoy what we eat. He doesn't have enough teeth in him just yet. They'll pop up before you know it, and he'll let us know about it.
Sunday was another fun day. We went to church and then attended Palm-a-palooza after the 11AM service. We had such a fun time just being there with everyone. I got to be there with my family.
After we got back home, we all needed a nap in some form or fashion.
I rocked this little guy to sleep. He and I took a little nap in the rocking chair in my room. He looks so peaceful sleeping and not saying anything. The simplicity of a baby sleeping is so priceless.
Later on Sunday Night, I grilled some hamburgers for the first time this year. I was a little bit out of practice, but once I got going, I got my grilling wings back. I love to see meat get a little charred after it goes over the fire for a while. I love flipping burgers, and flipping meat in general.
I'll be back for more fun later in the week.
See below. Ben had a good ole time playing in the sandbox. We had some special bonding time together, and I even got to dig into the sandbox and smooth it out with him. I had to squat down while he had the luxury of standing up. Later on, Ben threw out some of the sand into the yard and into the bushes. All I could do or say was 'Awwwww.....Ben!'
We had a fun dinner out at Mellow Mushroom in Acworth. We tried a pulled pork pizza for the first time, and we all loved it. O.K. so Kelly and I loved it and Ben tried to warm up to it. He eventually would on Monday when we had pizza for breakfast.
Blake had some fun too. We gave him some sauces to eat so that he wouldn't be left out of our festivities. I feel guilty in the fact that he can't enjoy what we eat. He doesn't have enough teeth in him just yet. They'll pop up before you know it, and he'll let us know about it.
Sunday was another fun day. We went to church and then attended Palm-a-palooza after the 11AM service. We had such a fun time just being there with everyone. I got to be there with my family.
I rocked this little guy to sleep. He and I took a little nap in the rocking chair in my room. He looks so peaceful sleeping and not saying anything. The simplicity of a baby sleeping is so priceless.
Later on Sunday Night, I grilled some hamburgers for the first time this year. I was a little bit out of practice, but once I got going, I got my grilling wings back. I love to see meat get a little charred after it goes over the fire for a while. I love flipping burgers, and flipping meat in general.
I'll be back for more fun later in the week.
Journal Entry for March 21, 2016
I slept pretty well last night. I got 7.5 hours of nite-nite in bed. I could have slept even more, but both our sons woke up this morning at 7AM. My wife alerted me to their state of being awake. Not only that, she told me that both of them slept in their own cribs all night long. It was glorious for all of us.
See Below: Ben had a good old time playing at the indoor playground at Town Center at Cobb. Ben was running around, sliding, 'riding' inside some cars, and spinning a few wheels. He got to run around so much, he ran outside the play area a couple of times. I had to chase him and pick him up. I had to run and catch him so that he wouldn't venture too far from the play area and into the mall even further.
The best part of our day was seeing the Easter Bunny at the Mall. The boys were so good in getting their picture taken. Both my boys were far better dressed than I was. You don't need to see a picture of me from this day. No you don't.
We bought some better pictures after they got their pics. I gave the bunny a high five and a handshake for his good work for the guys. Thank you Easter Bunny.
Who knows, maybe the bunny will give my boys something special this weekend.
On a good note, I practiced with three sample scripts in this blog. On a down note, I had a VO and SOT/VO not connect on the Religious Freedom Bill in the 11PM news tonight. I have to do a better job in changing the beginning of a SOT/VO for next time when I have to do this.
To me, it felt slow in terms of editing news video tonight. We had a few too many VO and SOT/VO combos in this newscast. It may have felt fast for the viewer, but it felt too plodding and slow for us to get through. I'm hoping for a better tomorrow.
Good night everyone. I'll be back for more on Tuesday.
See Below: Ben had a good old time playing at the indoor playground at Town Center at Cobb. Ben was running around, sliding, 'riding' inside some cars, and spinning a few wheels. He got to run around so much, he ran outside the play area a couple of times. I had to chase him and pick him up. I had to run and catch him so that he wouldn't venture too far from the play area and into the mall even further.
The best part of our day was seeing the Easter Bunny at the Mall. The boys were so good in getting their picture taken. Both my boys were far better dressed than I was. You don't need to see a picture of me from this day. No you don't.
We bought some better pictures after they got their pics. I gave the bunny a high five and a handshake for his good work for the guys. Thank you Easter Bunny.
Who knows, maybe the bunny will give my boys something special this weekend.
On a good note, I practiced with three sample scripts in this blog. On a down note, I had a VO and SOT/VO not connect on the Religious Freedom Bill in the 11PM news tonight. I have to do a better job in changing the beginning of a SOT/VO for next time when I have to do this.
To me, it felt slow in terms of editing news video tonight. We had a few too many VO and SOT/VO combos in this newscast. It may have felt fast for the viewer, but it felt too plodding and slow for us to get through. I'm hoping for a better tomorrow.
Good night everyone. I'll be back for more on Tuesday.
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