No More Tornado Sirens?

I edited and posted this for The Weather Channel

So this is what Space looks like!!!!!

Tornado Survival Stories

I edited and posted this for weather.com

Record Heat: An Understatement

I edited and posted this.

Zachary J. Irwin 3.15.2012 sports update demo c

Zachary J. Irwin 3.15.2012 sports update demo b

Zachary J. Irwin 3.15.2012 sports update demo a

Dreaming of reading newspapers and magazines

Early this morning, I had a dream where I was in New York (or was it Long Island).  I was looking for an Atlanta Journal Constitution and a Creative Loafing to read.  At the same time in the dream, I met up with an old friend of mine, Eric Bordin.  He was just looking at me when I was rummaging through the stacks for something to read.

In reality:  I haven't been to New York since 2009.  I've never been to Long Island (unless JFK or Citi Field count).   I haven't had a hard copy of Newsday since 2009.  I read the Atlanta Journal Constitution and Creative Loafing here in Atlanta when I'm here most of the year.

Zachary J. Irwin 3.8.2012 sports update demo

Zachary J. Irwin 3.6.2012 Sports Update Demo b

Zachary J. Irwin 3.6.2012 sports update demo a

Getting ready for my next job

First to recap, I was laid off by CNN on November 11th, 2011.  Today would have been my 12 year anniversary with the company.  Late last year, I was hired by the Weather Channel as a Freelance Editor.  On January 17th, I started my first full day of freelance work as an editor.  Practicing my craft as an editor on Final Cut Pro has kept my skills sharp while I search for my next job.  In addition to keeping my editing skills up to date, I have practiced my on-air delivery with my custom made sports updates.

I applied for a Video Producer position with the Weather Channel in January.  I am still hoping to hear from TWC about getting an interview for that job.  I would even settle for freelance work in that role until something opened up on a full-time basis.  What I should do next time I am scheduled to work as a freelancer is to sit in with the producers and other personnel inside the newsroom and see how they all work.  That would give me a leg up on everyone else applying for that same job.


The easiest thing for me to do to get ready for a job is to be a news junkie.  I will read anything I can get my hands on.  I will pick up a newspaper at the local library or the nearby convenience store.  I'll read anything online or something that is sent into my e-mail.  I'll watch the local, national, and international news shows on television.  I will watch the Weather Channel to see what they air and how packages are edited.  Those things will give me inspiration to continue on my job search.


Finally, I pledge to do more research on companies that I will apply to or that I have applied to.  I will look at all the good things each company has done and I will see where I can help and bring my expertise into each position.  I will look at LinkedIn, company websites, Twitter, and Facebook for all my company information.  All of those ideas came from all of the classes I have taken since I was let go on November 11th.


I know that good things will happen for me and good times are just around the corner.  I have faith that good things will work out in the end.