Making MediaThe Virtual Producer

How Fast Those Decades Fly: Can't Believe This Day Has Come

2011-05-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

My entire life I never thought I would live to see myself as a 40-year-old man! I have worked hard, played harder and it's a small miracle that I am able to sit and write this today.

I am not one for keeping things around for years... But with turning 40 and all I went on a journey to see what I could find that I have kept around.

Here is the actual outfit worn in the picture above. Both are from 1972 when I was 1 year old. The picture was taken after my first haircut (yes I had hair!)... the outfit doesn't fit anymore but never fear, I am already working on an adult version.

The shoes worn in the picture were bronzed and put on a board with a little bronze plaque with the words: Robert Donald, 1971, Vancouver Wash. I have always had small feet..

The only other item I could find was my baby blanket. For those who are local Vancouver people.. it was purchased from a little baby shop down on Grand Avenue.. right where the hill starts to head down to the Columbia River... A thriving metropollis in 1971, i am sure.

Thank you to all my friends and family for making my first 40 years a true adventure. I look forward to many more good times, new friends and life experiences.

Reginald Riley, AKA: Reggie Dog

2010-10-31T23:49:00.000-07:00

February 1, 1993 - November 1, 2010
R.I.P. My Little Reggie Bear

I have not talked much about his condition for a while because it has been getting worse. It's a miracle he made it this far. Without the help of my family, specifically my mother, he would not be here. He required home cooked food and to be fed six small meals a day. This meant Reggie could not be left alone for more than three hours at a time..

A very special thank you to my mom for all her hard work and dedication, giving us all extra time with him.

Reggie was in fact a gift from my longtime friend Ryan Brown. He actually came up with the name... Reggie was named after my favorite musician of all time, Sir Reginald Kenneth Dwight (Elton John.) It just made sense, Reggie was black & white like a piano and something I could love as much as Elton himself. To date, Reggie is the best present I ever received.

Reggie4523: For the last almost 18 years my online identity has been Reggie4523. AOL Chat, IM, XBOX Live Gamertag, Over the years people would see the handle and guess at what its meaning was. It was a special meaning just for me.. I got Reggie April 5 and I was 23...(ok.. i was 22 but turned 23 in May).. So that's what Reggie4523 is all about.

So my friends.. If he ever made you smile or gave you a chuckle, please take a moment and remember him with me today. Tiffany H., please give Wally a special goodbye from Reggie.. They were best of buds.

It was not easy to make the decision to let him go but it is best for both of us.

Rest In Peace Little Guy, I love you very much.

Some Photos I threw together

A Very Impressive Headstone

2010-01-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

Click the picture to see a more detailed larger image.

Today I went to visit Jeff's grave because I wanted to see his headstone. I have never seen anything like this before... wow

Those who knew him know he would have really liked this a lot.

It's hard to tell in the smaller photo but his eyes on all the etchings are actually blue. Super cool to see Dozzer on there too.

Many friends on Facebook worked with Jeff so I thought I would share.

Goodnight Seattle & "Good Mental Health"

2009-06-16T04:02:00.000-07:00

After 7 years of working and living in Seattle, I am leaving the city. The people who know me best understand that this is my favorite place in the whole world. This decision has not been an easy one to make.

When life calls for change we can not resist but instead put our best-foot forward while knowing the whole time, that with change can come a bounty of great things.

I will be heading back to Vancouver, Washington to spend some long overdue time with my family. I have two of the most amazing parents in the world. I have spent most of the last 15-years traveling around for my career in television and look forward to being able to spend more time with them.

I hope to spend some time with old friends and as always, make new ones. I have a 20-year high school reunion in August and it will be great to see everyone and hear how their lives are going.

The extra time I've had has afforded me the luxury to get back in touch with my one true love... music. I have ideas and projects in the works already with plans to expand at a breaking news pace. Looking back it's hard to believe that with all the music scholarships I had on the table, I somehow wound up working in broadcasting. I am thankful for this time I've had to rekindle a flame I will not let the pilot light go out on ever again.

So to my Seattle friends I say goodbye for now. If you should need me I am only three hours away. You know how to reach me and I hope to be back soon.

To my Vancouver/Portland friends, look out because I am coming home!

T-Minus 5 days and counting till I leave Seattle.

Playing For Change: Song Around the World "Don't Worry"

A New Life Begins...

2008-12-03T21:37:00.001-08:00

Today was a very hard one for me. My position was eliminated at the company I work for. This means that after almost nine years I am back in the job market.

Over the last 16 years in television I have done everything from; be an on-air talent to producing three TV station websites at the same time. www.q13fox.com / www.myq2.com / www.portlandscw.com.

I have worked the entertainment side, the news side and all the other 'sides' of TV.

When someone leaves the online world with Tribune we do a virtual toast to that person. I got mine today and everyone said nice things about me, it made me feel good.

One of these posts brought me to tears and I thought I would share it with you. When I went to work for this company I was surrounded by people like Doug and we treated each other like Family. Check out what Doug wrote about me...

"robbie-

i remember walking into the tower in 2000 and meeting you for the first time at what was supposed to become our annual web convention... i think jeff sherb was there, dean wall & clark bender, and of course so many other ghosts... we truly believed that that bright new era of tech was gonna make us all rich, along with all the other corporate crap about how we "mattered" and were the company's greatest assets. well, we've learned a little since then, & most recently that really, it's just a spreadsheet game about fte's & expenditures & revenue & now with these current dunces, it's not even about being good anymore.

ironic thing is we do matter. maybe we only realize it when people leave, but we matter to all of us because really it's all of us who come through for each other, stay late for each other, go the extra mile so that we can go to sleep knowing we came through for... us. the rest is a lot of dogshit propaganda.

you, rob, are one of the most conscientious, kind, hard working, brilliant, funny, honest people i've known, and i look forward to knowing you for a long time. believe me, i'll remember you and all your good qualities far longer than i'll ever care about what ever becomes of this company.

stay cool, my brother!

doug"

Thanks Doug, you are tops in my book
rob

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." --Frank Lloyd Wright:

2008-11-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

When Amy came to visit we did lots of stuff around Seattle. We went up the Space Needle and visited the EMP (Experience Music Project) and saw a few neighborhoods around town.

Returning to my house Amy began to upload photos from day 1 of her trip. I went through them on Facebook and enjoyed seeing the Seattle icons I have grown to love over the past 8 years living here.

It was the next day when I saw these incredible images full of vibrant colors. Fall is the most beautiful season here in the pacific northwest! The evergreen trees stay green as all the leaves on the trees surrounding them transform creating a visual symphony of colors that words could not describe.

When I first clicked on the images I asked Amy where she had taken them. Imagine my surprise to learn she had merely stepped out the front door of my own home and snapped shots which should have looked familiar to me.

This whole experience has forced me to recognize that I have lost my passion for some of the simple things in life. To lose the ability to stop and enjoy simple beauty that occurs around me can not be a good thing.

I think it is time to stop, pause and remember to hold close to my heart the things I value and love.

If a kaleidoscope of colors all around me can go unnoticed, imagine what else I am missing!

Having S'more Fun

2008-11-01T23:09:00.000-07:00

Amy arrived in from Chicago last night. We got up early this morning and hit the local Starbucks. Amy had hot chocolate and I had Americano. We headed downtown and went up in the Space Needle, the EMP (Experience Music Project) and Science Fiction Museum. We headed to meet up with Reid to grab a bite of lunch at the Deluxe on Broadway (Capital Hill.)

After lunch Reid decided he had a craving for S'mores. You may be asking yourself, "S'mores in a condo?" The building has a roof deck with a beautiful view of downtown Seattle. I also learned that it has a mobile fire pit up there. Reid had cedar kindling and he started the fire.

Once we got some nice coals the roasting of the marshmallows began. I must admit I've never had S'mores on top of a building in downtown Seattle before. It was a perfect mix of all my favorite things: good friends, S'mores and the city of Seattle.

We all had our task: I tended fire, Reid roasted the white gooey goodness and Amy prepped a perfect mix of chocolate & graham crackers.

I will never forget the day I had S'mores on a roof in the middle of downtown Seattle as long as I live.

Thanks Reid for making such a fun, special and memorable moment for all of us.

Ron Howard's Call To Action [w/ Andy Griffith and Fonzie]

2008-10-29T11:32:00.001-07:00

Ron howard wants to talk about the election. So does Andy Griffith and Henry Winkler. It's great to see these guys still got it!

read more | digg story

DTV Transition 2009

2008-10-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

My boss sent this funny video around the other day. It made me laugh thinking about my own mother trying to make the transition.

This video made me laugh...hard so I thought I would share it.

Twitter, Flickr, Facebook Make Blogs Look So 2004

2008-10-23T16:38:00.001-07:00

Thinking about launching your own blog? Here's some friendly advice: Don't. And if you've already got one, pull the plug.

read more | digg story

Funeral for a Friend Today

2008-10-20T22:40:00.000-07:00

SPC Jeffrey Waggoner was born October 13, 1975, and passed away on October 10, 2008. He graduated from Puyallup High School in 1994 and from Bates Technical College in 1998. He worked as a control master at Channels 11 and 13. Jeff enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2006, and served with the 173rd Airborne in Afganistan. After being injured, he spent several months at Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, D.C. Most recently he was assigned to Fort Lewis, Washington. He is survived by his father, Greg (Millie) Waggoner, Puyallup; mother, Jeane Covey (Dr. Douglas), Sherwood, Oregon; brothers, Major Jason (Brianna) Waggoner, Clarksville, TN; Matthew (Marie) Waggoner, Surprise, AZ; Lincoln (LeAnne) Kopetski, Puyallup; sister, Kayla (Tim) Binnendyk, Portland, OR; and daughter, Paige Waggoner, Sammamish. He is also survived by his special friend, Karin Gudrin, Sammamish; step-father, Robert Thornburg, Portland, OR; grandmother, Anna Burchett, Stanfield, OR; aunts, Sue Fox, Granite Falls, WA; Eva (Dan) Inches, Minot, ND; Adila Gibson, Hermiston, OR; uncles, Jim (Tracy) Burchett, Stanfield, OR; Walter Burchett, Minot, ND; Robert Waggoner, The Phillipines; niece, Courtni Waggoner; nephews, Wyatt and Nathan Waggoner, and Jack Kopetski; and numerous cousins and friends.

I met Jeff seven years ago at work. There is a board inside the security door at work where all the photos of employees are displayed. This was Jeff's photo from that board. I got a picture of it before they took it down when he left the station about five years back.

Shortly after we stopped working together I moved in with him for a while. I have many good memories of backyard BBQ with friends. I got to know his family, they are a wonderful group of good people with big hearts.

Jeff died two days before his 33rd birthday. He was my friend and I will miss him very much. I am thankful for our friend Karl who went with me to his funeral. Jeff and Karl would both tell many stories about the week they spent together on vacation in Mexico.

Jeff and I would spend countless hours sitting at our computers in his house and comparing our music libraries. This is the memory that stands out most and I will treasure it forever. We would sit and share stories about the music as we listened, explaining the whole time why each specific song had impact on our life.

At the funeral they played: Queen "Who Wants To Live Forever" It was not listed on the program as a selection but I am glad they used this song, he liked it a lot.

Goodbye my friend, rest in peace.

Ever Receive A Gift & Immediately Wiki It?

2008-10-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

My 'partner in crime' at work is Christine Umayam. Together Christine and I launched the three station sites on the new platform I talked about in an earlier post. We did this in a week and it was an incredible amount of work. We locked ourselves up in an office with no windows and no outside communication for entire days. Although at this point we had worked together for better part of a year, this is when I got to know Christine.

Recently Christine found herself traveling to the Philippines. I will tell you more about why in just a bit. She was gone for three weeks and has been back a few weeks now.

Today she pulls me aside and says "I brought you back a surprise from my trip." So we step outside and she hands me this small carved wooden figure with a barrel around it. She tells me that everyone has one over there. She says just take the barrel off! Not wanting to break it, I was being careful. That is not how this works.. You have to just grab it and yank it off, which is what she did when she grabbed it from my hands. Well, you can see the pictures so I will not explain what happens when you do this.

Can you imagine the look on my face? I said "Thanks Christine?"

We both had a laugh and parted ways to continue our evening.

I go to a computer and, as best I can, describe my new treasure to Google. Of course there is a Wikipedia page dedicated to Barrel Man.

I love my gift, thank you Christine. :-)

Christine was in the Philippines doing work for her organization, Child United. She works to bring education to Filipino Children. You can check out her site to see pictures and video of her recent trip. I know she has tons of content and will be making frequent updates in the weeks to come. The work her organization does is admirable. She is very passionate about her cause and it is one of the things I admire most about her.

What A Fantastic Day!

2008-10-14T23:31:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke, planted my feet on the floor and put myself on track to the shower. I got out of the shower and while grabbing a tee-shirt noticed that I had a message on my phone. This usually means that some fire in the newsroom I work in needs to be put out or something is broke. As I picked up the phone I noticed that the message was from my good friend Amy Mowery!

Amy Mowery
I met Amy about eight years ago. She started working for Tribune Company about a month before I did. A Chicago native, she was at WGN-TV while I was in Dallas at KDAF-TV. Over the years Amy and I formed a friendship that felt like the ones I have had for a lifetime. Through working on projects together and talking on the phone I learned that Amy and I shared passions in similar areas... Internet, TV, Entertainment, Music, Arts..etc..etc..

Amy hit a point a year ago when she wanted to explore other options in her career. Amy left Tribune and started doing her own thing, taking on clients, freelancing and other internet guru stuff. At first I feared we may lose touch. At my work we use AOL Instant Messenger to communicate with other producers in other markets. Basically, Amy and I were online everyday together for seven years.

Jeez.. I really 'buried the lead' on this one....

So the message was from Amy and she was telling me that she is coming to see me! I am so excited to see her. She will visit me Halloween weekend! What a fantastic surprise! I saw Amy recently when I was in Chicago on business but this will be the first time she comes to Seattle to see me. I have so much planning to do now...YAY!

Some of the best blessings in my life have names :-) Tiffany, Amy, Cathy and Ile

I will tell you more about them soon...

Don't Click It!

2008-10-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

I have watched the web change over the years and I love thinking about ways to present a new web experience to site visitors/viewers.

My first experiences (age 13) on the Internet were not graphical ones. It was in a day when we sat at terminals and used text based browsers like Lynx to 'surf the web'. We were there for the information. We wanted to read articles on Litservs and we sent BOTS to travel the electronic lines and deliver us back loads of information from libraries and various government agencies. I recall the days when I was running a single line BBS (Bulletin Board System.) It's exactly what it sounds like, only one user at a time logged in and the network did not communicate with any other machines.

Today it is all about color and layout. Entire studies are done using eye-tracking technology to determine where a users eye goes first on a page, where did they click, scan left to right or right to left? We create templates with little compartments where content lives based on many variables.

Tonight I found myself on this website: www.dontclick.it

At first I was irritated, navigating an entire site and not clicking. As my mind wrapped itself around the concept and the techniques of mousing without my finger poised to click...well the concept grew on me. I felt like I was having to pay more attention to what was on the page and where my mouse was. This is a huge positive when you are addressing user engagement.

Check out the site and let me know what you think. I am curious to hear your thoughts on this experience.

I pose the question, "Can you imagine an internet without clicking?"

Back To The BLOG!

2008-09-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

I have been away for a while and it is way past time for me to start doing a daily update. What have I been doing you may ask?

Work has been taking all of my time lately. I had to move content from an old site and into a content management tool (for the geeks out there we moved to a .NET environment.) You can see the new sites here:
http://www.q13fox.com
http://www.myq2.com
http://www.portlands32.com
The Portland site was just taken over by a very talented (local in Portland) graphic designer/internet guru and my new friend Natalie Williams. She owns the sharp look of that site in its current form.

It was a BIG project and there will be many changes and improvements in the coming months. That's my excuse for not blogging for the last 4 months.

Tiffany came to see me for a quick visit two weeks ago and it was awesome! I wish she could have stayed longer. We went and watched a hockey game, had good food and great conversation. We saw our dear friend Reid and shared many old memories over a quick lunch. I could count on one hand the number of friends I talk to that I knew in childhood but Tiffany is for sure one of those gems. I wish she lived closer so we could spend time together more often. More on Tiffany over at DA BLOG!

My goal is to post one cool link with every entry. Ever see line art make rhythm?
http://uploads.ungrounded.net

Today's song of the day is: The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony

A Beautiful Sunny Day in Seattle!

2008-05-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

So our one day of summer has arrived!

I am of course just kidding but sometimes that's what it feels like here in Seattle.

Yesterday we did a cool promo shoot for work and here are some of my work friends on location. You may recognize Ile (Tiffany says she is always throwing a gang sign) gettin' on with her bad self!

Then there is Jana who is an awsome person as well. I admire Jana most for her ability to take whatever comes at her in stride and never loses her temper.. it's amazing!

A fun day had by all and I will share whatever genious that Jana and Ile come up with as soon as it is produced!

Funny Birthday Story

2008-05-10T20:16:00.000-07:00

Today is my 37th birthday. So i thought it would be fun to do a blog entry about my day.

My mom and dad came up Thursday night. It is nice to see them and that means mom is here for me to give her a card and a kiss for Mothers Day.

So I asked my friend Cathy to get me a Baskin Robins ice cream cake. What flavor did I ask for you ask? I wanted one, if possible, with mint chocolate chip. Cathy was concerned that since Baskin Robins has been running ads for Mothers day cakes that they might have been sold out but she didn't order one and instead went today to get one.

The only cake they had in that flavor ice cream was this, obviously a little boys cake, one shaped like a train.

Do you think i let that slow me down? Of course I got the end piece with the little train face on it! and I started to eat away at it.

Slowly I watched the face disappear until all that was left was one little eyeball. Once I consumed that it was all over and I am very full of cake now :-)

I thought you would find this story funny

Robert, The 37 year old man who will be 8 years old inside forever.

New Puppy!

2008-01-30T22:47:00.000-08:00

When friends and family get new puppies, it makes me want one so bad.. Don't get me wrong, i already have two perfect dogs in my life (Reggie and Wally) and I love them both.. but something about a puppy brings out the little boy in me.

The picture is of my newphew Justin's girldfriend and their housemates new puppy. Very cute!)

My dog, Reggie will be 15 years old on Friday. He is an awsome dog!

Dating & Fashion Update

2008-01-28T19:16:00.001-08:00

Ok so, I forgot to tell everyone. I had to have my eyes checked and found out I needed glasses. So during the holiday break I grabbed Reid and we went shopping for eyeglasses. What did I wind up with you ask? Reid picked this really cool pair of steel/chrome Dolce & Gabbana glasses. I have not worn glasses since I was 16 years old. I have needed them all along, I just got vain and refused to get them. The problem became ... I can't see! Now I can. -Thanks Reid

I signed up for three dating sites..well two dating sites and what wound up being a 'hook-up' site. Let's just say that was not the place for me... I am a relationship oriented person... always have been, always will be. Can't teach an old dog new tricks I guess.

I did Chemistry.com (which I like because of the interface and how you meet people and are introduced.)

I also signed up over at gay.com to see what that's all about. I made some fun friends there but interest in a realtionship has been slim.

I have decided that, for me, this process is too black and white. If you put down in writing exactly what you are all about and then are only matched with people who have also set what they want... it's too rigid... I think I am missing out on a lot of people who would appriciate me. I have decided that meeting someone the old fashioned way may be best.. It's too hard to explain what I am about in two paragraphs on a website. So I give up, but sitll remain hopeful that I will meet someone in real life.

Brrrrrr... it's so cold!

2008-01-23T00:12:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying sorry to have been gone so long. The last two months just seem to blur together for me. Work has been keeping me very busy. I launched the new frontpage http://www.q13fox.com/. Being a TV station webmaster is getting old (it's been almost 15 years now in broadcastng.) My new year's resolution is to tackle my job with renewed interest.

I expect rain here but instead the last few days have been sunny during the day and cold at nght. Now there is snow in the weekend forecast :-( This is a bummer because my friend Cathy is movng this weekend. Labor is booked, truck is rented, leases to be signed Thursday.. No stoppng now.. wi sh us luck. It's not me who can't drive in snow/ice (I was born in this state) it's the other drivers that make it bad to drive in snow/ice here.

So short entry for tonight.. I will have more to say in upcoming updates Here's a tease

"Wednesday: Find out how many dating sites I signed up for. Will I throw in the towell on love and write off men? Tomorrow on 'Making Media, The Virtual Producer"

;-) Night

Song of the day:
Richard marx-Satisfied

The Rain Brings Floods To Washington State

2007-12-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

Our Governor has proclaimed a state of emergency now.

Here are some of the images viewers have sent in to the TV station.

Whittington Tile and Stone is about to float away since the river behind our building has become part of the bay!!! See attached pictures.

Flooding in the area of the Belfair State Park.

EWWWW This would suck

Snow, Wind and Rain OH MY!

2007-12-02T13:30:00.001-08:00

So the last couple of days I have been in weather coverage. I thought I would share some of the photos sent in by viewers from around western Washington.

First of all can you say DIE HARD?!

Here's the snow report from Lake Stevens. As of 8:30pm about 4 inches. Here is our local snow women on duty!! Holly Lian and Allison

A Light Dusting
Snow in Everett Marina

Ahhh Winter is here....

You can see all the photos as I add them to the online gallery here.

Pet Feature Content

2007-10-23T00:31:00.002-07:00

Halloween Petwalk Gallery

It's that time of year again! We asked and you answered with your pets all dressed up for Halloween. We have put together an online gallery of pets dressed in their favorite costumes.

Dogs, Dogs, Dogs: Update October 2007

Who can get enough of looking at these adorable, loving creatures? Everyone's best friends, these photos of great Local dogs are just waiting for you to ooh and ahh over. Enjoy! We do. And be sure to check back often as we add even more of these precious pups from the Northwest!

Meeeeow! Cats: Update October 2007

"Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this." - Anonymous. Check out these local cats as they pose and play for the camera. New images appear daily so be sure to check back often to see some of the cutest cats in the Northwest!

Small & Loved Pets: Update October 2007

Bunnies, Ginea Pigs and Squirrels oh my! Adorable, small and definitely worth their own photo gallery. So enjoy these smaller but hugely loved pets and critters. And keep checking back as we add more Northwest critters submitted by our viewers.

Q13 FOX News - Petwalk PhotoGallery

Here is our Q13 FOX News Gallery of dog pet images. Some were on TV but we are posting them all here. Enjoy the three new galleries. NOTE: new images will be added each day so visit often.

Archive Galleries
DOG ARCHIVE GALLERY 1

Q13 FOX News - Petwalk PhotoGallery

Here is our Q13 FOX News Gallery of cat pet images. Some were on TV but we are posting them all here. Enjoy the three new galleries. NOTE: new images will be added each day so visit often.

Archive Galleries
CAT ARCHIVE GALLERY 1

Where Have I Been?

2007-09-27T23:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry to have dropped off the face of blog sphere. I was in a time crunch at work. We re-designed the front page of our website. Now the focus is on video
Check it out!

PHOTOS: Missing Woman Found In Car Down Ravine
This is an incredible story. I sure do hope she makes it through this... She deserves to live a long life after going through 7 days without food water or heat.

Song of the Day:
Elton John - "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore"
The title of the song says it all...

Home Sweet Home

2007-09-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

You know it is so nice to come back home. Although I live in Washington State in Seattle, I was born in this little town called Vancouver, Washington. It's not so little anymore. I have been away for almost 8 years. I have come home for short visits now and then but I am amazed at the growth this city has seen.

I was born here and didn't leave this town till I was 27 years old. It's nice to have Portland right across the Columbia River.

27 years is along time to live in one place and I have a lot of mixed memories of this town. It's always an emotional roller coaster when I come to visit. I always have a reason to visit as long as my parents continue to live here.

I love that every night before bed my 73 year old mother plays a couple of games of solitaire at the dining room table.

I love that my dad finds solace in a room a lot like one that I work in when I am at home, surrounded by computers at all times. Just look at this picture of my 72 year old father working on dual platforms (mac/pc!) I guess we know where I get my knack for computers.

Look Ile! Today when i was standing outside I found a Daymoon and thought of you!

Song of the Day:
"Summer of 69" - Brian Adams
I can't come home without thinking of this song. You see when I was 17 years old i was driving my car across the I-205 bridge (103mph) in a 55. I was not drunk, just a young person pushing the limits. Anyway.. I can't drive I-205 without thinking about that moment and this was the song that was playing on the radio when I was pulled over.

Medical Marijuana Theft

2007-09-20T23:15:00.000-07:00

Song of the Day:
Steve Miller - "The Joker" (I could not resist)
He lives on the San Juan Islands up here. We did a in studio with him the same day this was shot but I could not find the video I posted from then. He did the same song on our morning show which was fine with me because it is my favorite by them. (June 13, 2006)

74-Year Old Woman Shoots Neighbors Puppy

2007-09-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

What a horrible thing to do....

Song of the Day:
Huey Lewis and The News - "Jacob's Ladder"

New ADHD Patch Study

2007-09-18T22:55:00.000-07:00

There is a patch for everything now...

Song of the Day
Sarah McLoughlin - "In The Arms Of The Angels"

Seattle Crime Spree

2007-09-17T23:23:00.000-07:00

Every time we do these robbery stories it reminds me of when I was working my way through college as a bank teller. A guy walked through the door and came straight to my window. He says "No dye packs, bait or alarms, give me all your 100's, 50's and 20's.. NOW!" Of course I do exactly as he says except I pull the bait so as to trigger the silent alarm to alert others I am being robed.

At that time procedure called for all doors to be locked after the robber left. This secures everyone involved inside so the FBI can do their interviews. What we didn't know was that this particular robbery was a double! It was like a circus!

So as one runs out the door, we secure it. The second robber didn't see this and heads straight for the door running full force into it. You just could not script this kind of thing.

The two of them were later caught and sentenced to 15 years in prison. All the one that robbed me got was $1,600. Hm mm.. $1600 or my life as a free man? Decisions, decisions... duh!

I am going to skip song of the day to share with you a little gem I found tonight. I am a dog person but how could you not love this kitty?

Lazy Sunday...

2007-09-16T23:42:00.000-07:00

The most production thing I did today was go to the grocery store. I got tired of searching for something to eat in my kitchen so I hit the store and filled my fridge. I always feel so organized when i have purchased meals to prepare for a few days in advance. I did laundry also. I guess the short of the long is, I can eat and don't have to go to work naked.

While I was surfing tonight I found a couple funny things on one of my favorite websites, cracked.com:

From Cromulent to Craptacular: The Top 12 Simpsons Created Words

The 5 Most Obviously Drug-Fueled TV Appearances Ever

Song of the Day:
"Home Sweet Home" - Motley Crue
I am meeting a very good friend next weekend down at 'home' in Vancouver, WA. This song kept repeating in my head all day long.

Trip To Volunteer Park In Seattle, WA

2007-09-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Park is right up the road from Reid's condo and we thought it would be fun to make a trek up the hill and take some pictures of the park. We walked up and up then up a little bit more, whew!

One cool little feature at the park is the water tower. They have built steps that wind up and down two sides of it. You can walk all the way to the top. From there the view is beautiful. You can see the city from one side and Lake Washington from the other. I like it up here, it's a cool place to just stand and observe. You can look down around the whole park. I think the city view side is my favorite.

From there we walked down by the Seattle Asian Art Museum. There are two ponds with what I believe these are koi fish, not sure though. There are more of all of these still images in the Flikr gallery i put in the rail.

I thought this would be a great time to test out the video feature on my new digital camera. So I shot two videos of the fish swiming in the pond. I posted the video just a little lower on this page.

We headed down through the hills of the park and found some people playing in the grass (i think it's play karate) and of course some dogs. I love to watch people play with their pets in the park.
I love the houses that surround the park. It is my dream to one day be so rich that I can afford one of these types of homes. I never see anyone around these houses. Sometimes there are cars in the driveway. If I owned a house in that location i would be out on my deck watching people walk to and from the park all the time. But then, I love to people watch.

Well, that's about it for the visit to the park. Now we are back at the condo and Reid is making some fabulous pasta dish for dinner. YUM!

Fish in a pond at Volunteer Park in Seattle, WA

The other fish pond at Volunteer Park in Seattle, WA

Song of the Day:
Simply Red - "Holding Back The Years"

Interview With Seth McFarland

2007-09-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

More blog to come, just wanted to start my update for today.

Fun Friday Stories:
Freshman Shows Up At School In Pink & Gets Teased and Called 'Gay'.
Days later, half the student body shows up in pink!

Girlfriend Flushes Guy’s iPod After Finding Porn - Then Goes To Jail Over It

As a musician, this cracked me up! Check out the sheet music!

Song of the Day:
The Killers "Somebody Told Me"

Final Week: "From The Front Line"

2007-09-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

Soldiers Return To Fort Lewis (Welcome Home)

Song of the Day:
Mary J Blige - "No More Drama" (Remix)

Stolen ATM

2007-09-12T23:35:00.000-07:00

Song of the Day:
Wave On Wave - Pat Green

Seattle Home Prices!

2007-09-11T23:11:00.001-07:00

Check this story out about the price of owning a home in Seattle these days.

Song of the Day:
Seal - "Crazy"
It was one of those kind of days :-

Monday: Indian Tribe Denounces Whale Killing

2007-09-11T00:13:00.000-07:00

I know, i am a little after midnight but i am counting this as a monday entry :-)

Always this time of year there is whale news up here.

Song of the Day:
The Dream Academy - "Life in a Northern Town"

Adventure To Anderson Island

2007-09-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

I do not have a lot of time for side projects but I have a few select clients that I do their sites.

This weekend i had a meeting on a little island up here called Anderson Island. I like meeting with this client because it's always an adventure in scenic views.

I start out heading 35 miles south toward Tacoma, WA. Right around Ft. Lewis you cut off I-5 and head west toward a little town called Steilacoon.

At this point you get on a ferry and ride to the island. I love this part! There is something about being in the midele of the Puget Sound in your vehicle that i just love.

Here is a shot from their place on the island. Beautiful view! I could spend some extended time here on this island. Wish I could afford a little place down there, it would be a good escape on the weedends for me. 'No man is an island man" :-)

I put together a photo gallery of the day. It's over in the right rail.

Song of the Day
Melanie C - "If That Were Me"

Friday: Yay! Looking For Laughs

2007-09-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

I made it to Friday, WooHoo

I went online in search of a good laugh. Working in broadcast media takes its toll. One of my favorite sites to read for a good belly laugh is The Onion. Now they have a myspace page.

I found my laugh in this video: Know: The Widening Gap Between America's Rich And Super-Rich

I busted out at the line "even though you're not looking for pity, I PITY YOU!"

This caught my eye while I was surfing for fun.

If you know of any good sites that bring a laugh, please share.

Song of the Day
"Conviction of the Heart" - Kenny Loggins

Thursday: Check These Stories Out

2007-09-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

"From The Front Line" Week Three Update

Wild Animal Wednesday - Sloth

Pet of the Week: Bailey

Song Of The Day
Eve 6-"Inside Out"

Good Food & Friends!

2007-09-06T00:21:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to discover and appreciate the little things more in my life. Today at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, Ile and i decided to have a little BBQ diner for Cathy, her and myself.

Ile, our master of flame, was at the grill (as always.) Mmmmmmmmm, it was really good.

Steak, Potato and no veggie! HA, take that mom :-)

Good time had by all and yes, Reggie got steak treats. -night

Luciano Pavarotti Dies At 71

2007-09-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

A dark day for music. Goodbye my favorite tenor.

Luciano Pavarotti Dies At 71

Song Of The Day
"Live Like Horses" (Luciano Pavarotti and Elton John)
(audio is low, worth turning it up.)

2nd Song:
Luciano Pavarotti - "Ave Maria" - Schubert

Stormy Seattle Weather!

2007-09-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

We had thunderstorms last night. The lightening was incredible! I stood outside, mesmerized by it for almost 20 minutes. Sometimes I am still 12 years old inside. I live for these moments.

My friend Jimmy who I used to work with, captured some video from his place over by the Space Needle.

Ile has a great entry over at The Chambers about the Jones Soda Company and a campaign they are running. A cool video also :-)

Song Of The Day
BT - "Flaming June"

A Project Finished...

2007-09-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

So today was a relaxation day for me. I didn't really do or accomplish anything. I sat around checked out some websites, watched tv. the most productive thing i did was wash my good clothes and get them hung up.

However, remember my friend Cathy? She finished a huge project tonight!I have watched her crochet this baby blanket for months now.

Isn't it nice? Cathy made this for a friend at work who had the baby 3 months ago. This piece will be a comforter in the crib of this new little baby girl come winter.

I love how intricate the stiches are. I think this is her best baby blanket yet. Cethy tells me this is a one of a kind. She said she will not be making this one again anytime soon.

It is really heavy and snuggley warm. I just thought it would be fun to share the completion of such a huge project.

Song Of The Day
Sting feat. Cheb Mami - "Desert Rose"

Happy Birthday Cathy!

2007-09-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

Someone I have not mentioned yet in the blog is my friend Cathy. We have been freinds for over ten years now.

Ile joined us for Cathy's big birthday dinner! Here they are behind Ile's Rav 4.

For her dinner Cathy decided she wanted Japanese food. So we headed to Mashiko's on California in West Seattle. They were closed for a private event! So we had to decide somewhere else to eat.

This mexican restuarant is right next door so we ate there. We have had it before so it was not a new dining experience. Good food, better friends = good time.

I built a Flickr gallery in the right rail so you can see all the pictures.

This is one of Ile's spots she created for our FOX station "Drawn To Deviance". Ile was nominated for an emmy on this this one.
Drawn 2 Deviance

Song Of The Day
Rob Thomas "All That I Am"

Fashion Update: Changes, Changes Changes

2007-09-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

It was not my intent to have a fashion day, but it turned out that I had to make a big decision today. Reid and I had a very difficult conversation today about the ring in my ear.

Not sure I have mentioned it or not but i am not comfortable with aging. Reids point today was that "we are too old for ear rings." I think his exact words were "we don't want to look like Mr. Clean" a reference to me with my shaved head and ring hanging from my left ear.

Reid took his 4 rings out when he was 30, so from his point of view, I am far overdue.

This may seem to be no big thing but it was for me. I agree that the look is cleaner. In fact, i have felt for a long time that i look lop sided. I even considered having the other one pierced to equal out the image.

I have a couple of concerns now... See this picture of the hole? Will this ever close or will i be walking down the street in a brisk wind and whistle through the hole in my ear? Check it out!!! Yikes.

< >
Reid Got some new plants for his place. It just looks better and better in here! He has read the blog now and saw all of your nice comments.

I created my Flickr account and snapped some pictures from my backyard at sunset tonight. I think that's all i got for today. I added the gallery to the right rail.

Song Of The Day
TIESTO - WORLD NO: 1 DJ - LOVE COMES AGAIN
It's Saturday night and I was in the mood for a little dance music! -night

Friday: Commutercast...

2007-08-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

Each day Monday - Friday we do a webcast that sits on my site from 4-7P pacific time. This is not like 'Wrap Session.' This is more of a mid-day update before you head home. It takes an entire control room staff to produce this, even though it only posts to the web, it's created just like what we put on-air.

VP's Random Pick - Happy Friday!

Song Of The Day
Jamiroquai - "Virtual Insanity"

Where Were You When...

2007-08-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

Q13 FOX News 'Wrap Session'
Part of my job is trying to come up with new ideas of doing things on the web. Taking traditional media and finding some way to make it interactive or give it a unique presentation.

The concept is simple, after the show we keep the cameras rolling and do 5 minutes off-air just for the web. This is a feature that allows the anchors to express opinion and how they feel about some of the top stories of the day. (something you should never see on-air on any news broadcast.) The Wrap Session will come in handy when we have another Paula Abdul moment. It was hard to watch our news clip do 2 million + page views on You Tube.. my interview, my numbers! grrrrr oh well.

Listening to them chat today made me think... I have always been in newsrooms when these things happened. Princess Diana, Sept 11 among other various national news stories. So today, I ask.. Do you have a major news event that you remember where you were? Lennon, Elvis, Diana, Phil Hartman or O.J.? Floors open, anyone or anything.

Song Of The Day
Elton John - "Empty Garden"

I am a HUGE Elton John fan. I never miss a concert no matter where I am. Talking about John Lennon made me think of this song.

This song is a tribute to John Lennon, who was shot to death in 1980 by a deranged fan. Elton had performed on several Lennon songs and even appeared onstage with him at his final concert in 1974. Elton is the Godfather of Lennon's second son, Sean. When he performed this at a sold-out Madison Square Garden show in August 1982, Elton was joined onstage by Lennon's wife Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon.

John joined Elton onstage in November 1974 to sing "I saw her standing there" which Lennon said was from "an old, estranged fiance of mine called Paul". Ah that Lennon humor, gotta love it...

10-Year Anniversary Tomorrow:
Princess Diana Death
Song: Elton John & Bernie Taupin "Goodbye England's Rose"

Wednesday: Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

2007-08-29T22:05:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of our FOX animation shows. On King of the Hill there was an episode where Hanks neighbor, Dale Gribble, breeds and raises Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. I thought this was an imaginary thing, until today when they brought them to the studio for "Wild Animal Wednesday" on Q13 FOX News This Morning.

NOTE: IF YOU DON'T LIKE BUGS, DON'T WATCH THIS.. It is close up explanation of what they are while they crawl all over (not for anyone who can't stand cockroaches.)

Other News:
City Worker Charged With Attempted Rape

Mayor Nickel's Son To Plead Guilty To Casino Cheating

Teens Missing On Rafting Trip Found Safe

I didn't spend much time in the newsroom today. The creative department had an off-site meeting. We did brainstorming and had lunch (Ile and I had the burger and it was burned..yuk.) It is kind of fun to be with co-workers in a place you would not normally be. It was interesting to see what certain people were into. The idea was to get into a highly creative environment to stimulate us into new ideas of how to promote the entertainment and news products.
After the meetings we went to the Seattle Art Museum. There were some cool things to look at but right now they don't have any special exhibits. I wanted to go see the Bodies one but didn't make it before it left town.

Song Of The Day
Fastball - The Way

Again, sometime it's just the words... "Where were they going without ever knowing the way?" is my favorite line in this song. - night

Tuesday: New Mulilteo Sounder Train Station

2007-08-28T23:39:00.000-07:00

Slower than molases, Seattle continues to expand our public transit system. Mukilteo is about 20 miles from downtown Seattle. I lived there for two years when I returned to Washington State. The name means 'good camping ground' (it's native american ground.) I also love the lighthouse they have there.

Other News:
Craig Says He Did Nothing Wrong, Isn't Gay

I was over reading The Chambers, my friend Ile's blog and realized I have not shared by very best friend with you all. This is Reggie (Reginald, when he's in trouble.) He is 14 years old and i have had him since he was a lttle puppy. He is my buddy, been my company through all the moves to Dallas, LA and back to Washington state. He likes long walks on the beach and rolling into a small puppy ball for naps. He is named after Elton John - Sir Reginald (black and white like a piano.) He is the best dog I have ever had.

I got a new digital camera, now there is no excuse for not having pictures to post. I need to get a flickr account going so I can start putting up galleries. It s Sony DSC-H9, I am very happy with it.

Song Of The Day
Santana ft. Rob Thomas - Smooth

This one because I love Santana... and Rob Thomas even more! I cant' listen to this song without swaying back and forth to the beat (in my mind I am doing a medium salsa or mambo. -night

Monday: Bush Visit Nets Reichert; State GOP $500K

2007-08-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

The big story today was President Bush visiting.

President Bush, deeply unpopular in Washington state, still raised more than $500,000 Monday for U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., and state Republicans just hours after the resignation of Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez. Read the full story here.

Other News:
Two Alaska Airlines Planes Bump At LAX

'Pedophile Blogger' Says He'll Leave L.A.

Fruit Vandalism
This would make me so mad if it was my car!

BLOG Plug:
One quick plug for a new blog. I converted my friend Ile, a producer/writer/editor where I work, to move from the darkside (myspace) and start blogging here! Ile is awsome and a very dear friend of mine. We hang out and make fajitas.. Ile is from New Mexico and makes the best steak fajitas I have ever had. If you have a minute, please stop by and say hello, she is a very talented writer and I have enjoyed reading her on myspace since she arrived in Seattle.

Song Of The Day:
Natalie Merchant/Carnival

A Little About Reid...

2007-08-26T22:41:00.001-07:00

I will make this entry about Reid so you can all know him a little better. He wasn't in the mood for pictures this weekend so let's use his true love to represent his image. Reid loves him some Volvo. When we ride together he always points them out on the road. Have you ever had friends who name their cars? Meet Olaf, Reid's Volvo.

That was my big outing this weekend. I headed up to the hill and hung out with Reid at his place. I always take my computer and we just listen to music and hang out on his terrace. He is only 1 block off Broadway (the main drag.)
Being so close to where people are heading proves for interesting people watching.

Reid just bought this condo! It's the first time he has owned his own home and he is very happy with it. I have enjoyed watching him buy little things for his place. Reid has been transforming his surroundings like I have been working on my outer image. His place shows how proud he is. What's cool about this is it's the same neighborhood he has lived his entire time in Seattle, I think 12 years now.

Let me get to the good stuff. Check out his closet. Oh NO, he's not gay.. LOL Only a gay man would have a chandelier in their closet.

What I admire most about this closet is his ability to organize all those clothes by style and color.. dark to light, slacks/pants on the bottom. When they told Reid that 'Closets are for clothes' it would appear he took it to heart.

The floors in the kitchen are a nice tile and the hard woods are bamboo. Speaking of the kitchen, all the appliances are new and I love his marble counters.

We need to talk about his laundry room... When you open the door, it's like walking into the bedroom he had when we were in school together. You can see all of his passions on the walls here. This is where Reid goes to escape back to the 80's a time of which he is very fond. Some of the things on these walls are from when he traveled.
Reid has worked for Seattle's Best and Starbucks for almost the entire time he has lived here. He has done everything from open stores and run them to working in the field servicing large territories. Currently he is in charge of the entire Microsoft account and that is keeping him very busy.

At one point it was his job to fly to exotic ports, board cruise ships and ride the cruise to it's destination. The whole time he would train crew and lead seminars where he would educate them on the world of excellent coffee. I will say one thing, he knows his coffee. It's very serious to him and I never joke about it. He will start talking about free trade brew and taxation and how the import/export works.. Sumatra, Americana..... it makes my head spin! I am not a coffee drinker but I do try to enjoy a cup when with him. The sweeter the better and yes i bury the flavor in syrups and frothy milk.

When he stopped traveling we sat down and watched all his video he shot while at these locations. He had bought a Mini-DV camera and created his own little documentary. Italy, Europe, Amsterdam and Mexico.. you name it and he has at least been at the port.

Featured Video:
I took all those clips digitized them and made him a little movie to "Maria" by Blondie/Deborah Harry. Reid is her #1 Fan... She actually know him, he has followed her on tour and through friendships with other musicians he has had the opportunity to meet her and chat with her many times. I threw this together about 4 years ago for him and never have had the time to go back and fix it proper.

I did not intend for this to be public. It was not created with the purpose of broadcast in mind. The quality is not very good but hey, you saw moving pictures of him.

Song of the Day:
"Miss" by Everyone but the Girl

For some reason when I was over on DABLOG and saw Tiffany had choose Better Than Ezra for her song of the day it made me think of Everything But The Girl. Now I am spending too much time 'Missing' someone I should not even be thinking about... ::sigh::... -night

Fashion Emergency 07: My Friend Reid

2007-08-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

Fashion Project 07:

Some of you may have read on Tiffany's blog about my fashion project. You see, i have learned that apparently I am a gay man, born without the fashion gene. I am very lucky to have my friend Reid, a gay man born with said gene, to help me re-work my wardrobe.

When I moved back to Washington State and arrived in Seattle, I was so excited to connect with my Friend Reid. We have known each other since grade school but I had not seen him since high school graduation. We met for lunch up on Capitol Hill (the Boys Town/West Hollywood of Seattle) and Reid started hounding me about my clothing... to say hounding is being nice.

Eventually (that was six years ago) I came to realize that he was right, wearing tatered shirts and worn-torn out jeans was not helping my external/self image. I am a single gay man in Seattle, WA and it would be nice to meet someone.Reid is of the opinion that if I change how I dress, it will have an impact on my self image and attitude. I was skeptical to say the least.

This quest turned out to be a blast! We went on shopping sprees and Reid started setting fashion rules for me.

Robs' Fashion Rules
1. Never wear a shirt without a tee underneath
2. NO MORE LEVIS! - One pair allowed to use for mowing the lawn.
3. No High Top Tennis Shoes - Again, one pair for yard work.
4. No Coats/Clothing With Logos ie: Q13 FOX News or shirts with show logos on them.

I am allowed to wear some of the branded shirts but only for workout purposes.

Reid has told me that if he catches me in Levis jeans he will make me take them off on the spot and burn them. Apparently he feels that they do not fit my body well. He says they are too baggy. He says that 'my ass was made for gap jeans' ... whatever!

I had to clear out everything in my closet (shoes and clothing) and we headed to the stores in search of a new look. It was at this time that I realized i was still wearing some clothes that I wore in high school, some 17 years ago.

We had a blast and once I was able to laugh at myself and admit that I was a fashion misfit, my attitude did start to change a little.

We have bought Slacks, Pants, Jeans, Shoes, Shirts, Tee shirts, dress shirts, belts and ties. My poor wallet. But I love everything we have bought and i like that I am opening up my mind to some new styles. Shoes is the hardest part.. Reid is big on Italian shoes and i am not a huge fan of square toe mens shoes.

As we bought the clothing, Reid would have me put each outfit on and he would take pictures. He then printed them out (4 thumbnails on each 5x7 print) These went on the wall of my closet as a constant reminder of what I should be wearing. I thought it would be fun to share a few of my new outfits with you here. You can click on a picture to open a larger one in a new window.

I thought, being a little on the 'thick' side, that wearing a tee shirt would be horrible for me. I have gotten so used to it that I even wear one to bed at night now. It's the weirdest thing but it actually makes you feel cooler dressing in layers like that. Who knew? That's your tee shirt update Diane :-)

Today's Song Of The Day:
James Blunt - Tears And Rain (Live)

It was one of those dark grey days here in Seattle and that always makes me think of this song. I like the reference to Dorian Gray. I guess it speaks to my quest for eternal youth. I also think James Blunt is cute ;-)

So Tiffany, did I meet the expection? Is this entertaining enough? I am sure you are having a laugh or two since you, Reid and i have all been friends since grade school.

Lights.. Camera and ACTION!

2007-08-24T21:55:00.000-07:00

"Standby..... Fade up, track and roll 13. Open mic and cue talent!"

This is my first attempt at publishing my own BLOG. Don't get me wrong, I am no stranger to publishing on the internet. I have worked in television and tv news for going on 12 years now.

I hope that this blog will be a place where I can feature some of the local stories I work on and to have a little opinion. So Monday through Friday you will see posts about features (a mix of video, text and multimedia.) On the weekends I will try to give some insight into my personal world. You will see things like where I live and what fun things I do in my spare time.

Let's get on with it!

NOTE: I am the webmaster for Q13FOX.com the Seattle, Washington FOX affiliate.
Yes, i did breath a sigh of relief when 'Achorwoman' was cancelled the day after it aired. :-)

This week I have been working with our PM Anchor for our prime broadcast, her name is Lara Yamada. I enjoy working with the anchors/reporters who are true journalists and Lara is certainly one of those.

We were working on her most recent feature segment "From The Front Line." Here is what it's about...

Lara Writes:
We are proud here at Q13 FOX News to share with you a special series of reports on the soldiers of Fort Lewis . It's a project we call: "From The Front Line."

In June, I met Pierce County College Professor and Freelance Photographer John Simpson. Back then, I interviewed him on his extraordinary efforts to capture the stories of our men and women overseas. For the past 3 years, he's been traveling to Iraq , embedded with the 1st Brigade in 2005, the 2nd Brigade in 2006 and now the 4th Brigade--all out of Fort Lewis .

He is sending us, from Iraq , his amazing pictures along with the names of the soldiers he photographs and personal notes and observations. It is an inspiring, and at times intimate look, at the soldiers who are risking their lives to protect our country

To all of the men and women in uniform, we here at Q13Fox News wish you the best and a safe trip home.
-Lara

My take on this is, no matter how you feel about the war, these pictures will make you feel something for these men and women. For me it was a Strong sense of appreciation. I will continue to publish this feature over the next 4 weeks.

Here is a direct link "From The Front Line" - Q13 FOX News.

I was inspired by my dear friend, Tiffany Hauck to start this BLOG. I admire and respect her very much, so i am going to steal an idea from her blog. She posts a song of the day. I am going to post a music video each day but it's kind of the same thing... thank you Tiff. Check out Tiffany's blog here.

Song of the Day
"Unwritten"
by: Natasha Bedingfield

I tend to like songs that i relate to. If it 'speaks' to me or my heart I love it.

The video and editing makes this work so well. When I listened to it without watching it didn't move me as much. Just another fine example of music and video lending themselfs to each other.

I love the sound of her voice and when I found this live version my love of this song was rejuvinated. I must spend some more time looking thought the music library on You Tube! :-)

Have a good one everyone,

Comments always welcome, of course!