Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
A Gripe About the Obama Event
During the Obama event, Aubrey and I went down at about 8:00 AM to set up our video camera and take some photographs of the entire downtown area. We walked up to a group of Obama volunteers and asked about media credentials. We were told credentials would not be passed out until 11:00 Am, but that we were free to set up in our designated area. We went to the iron fence surrounding the Old State Capitol on the south side and found signs hanging that said "Press Viewing Area." Our media credential confirmations that we had received via e-mail had informed us that we would be allowed to set up in the "Press Viewing Area" and that cameras would be allowed.
We set up, walked around taking pictures, and went home at 9:00 when Secret Service kicked everyone out to sweep the grounds.
We came back at 11:00, waited in line until 11:35 to get our press credential, and then made our way back to the "Press Viewing Area." No big deal. There was a water station right outside the gate, as well as bathrooms. It was a perfect setup.
We enjoyed the perfect setup until about 1:00. At that point, I left the "Press Viewing Area" to get some ice cold water for myself and the Mrs. When I returned to the iron fence, I was stopped by some Obama volunteers who told me that I would not be allowed back inside.
"But I've been in there all day," I said. "I have a camera set up, and I have people in there."
"Okay, we'll let you through this last time, but you can't come out any more for water or to use the bathroom. If you do, we can't let you back in."
This just pissed me off. "Wait," I said. "I don't want any trouble, but you're telling me that if I need water, or my wife needs water, that we can't come out and get it without fear that we won't be allowed in?"
"I'm sorry," the man said, "I'm just doing what I'm told."
"But I have a media credential for the 'Press Viewing Area'" I said.
"Yes," the man said.
"And there's a sign right there that says this is the 'Press Viewing Area,'" I said. "Why wouldn't you let me back in here?"
"I'm sorry, sir, but I won't be able to let you in any more," the man said, obviously unwilling to listen to reason.
"If anyone I know gets sick from the heat because they can't leave, this is on your head," I told him and walked off to join Micah and Aubrey.
Shortly thereafter, I grabbed another volunteer who was working the entrance to the main riser. She, it turns out, is a fan of "Just Two Guys." I explained the situation to her, and she told me she would talk to Matt, the man in charge of the "Press Viewing Area." She did, and she was told that as long as she ushered us through the gate, we would be fine.
We breathed a sigh of relief. Until, that is, twenty minutes later, when our friend came to us and told us that we would no longer be able to leave for water or to use the bathrooms with her help or not. She told us that people with the lowly "Press Viewing Area" media credential were being targeted for removal. It seems the area had gotten more full than they anticipated or something stupid like that.
Luckily, they never rounded us up. And luckily we didn't need much more water. I peed as soon as the thing was over and we were on our way out. Aubrey developed a migraine later in the day from heat and dehydration, and Micah suffered from a heat-induced headache as well.
Thanks a lot asshole Obama volunteers. Way to put logical thinking in front of stupid ass rules.
Just FYI, "Press Viewing Area" credentials were the same credential given to Jim Leach of WMAY and Catie Sheehan of WICS along with the traveling press corps. So, we weren't alone among public access weirdos or something.
We set up, walked around taking pictures, and went home at 9:00 when Secret Service kicked everyone out to sweep the grounds.
We came back at 11:00, waited in line until 11:35 to get our press credential, and then made our way back to the "Press Viewing Area." No big deal. There was a water station right outside the gate, as well as bathrooms. It was a perfect setup.
We enjoyed the perfect setup until about 1:00. At that point, I left the "Press Viewing Area" to get some ice cold water for myself and the Mrs. When I returned to the iron fence, I was stopped by some Obama volunteers who told me that I would not be allowed back inside.
"But I've been in there all day," I said. "I have a camera set up, and I have people in there."
"Okay, we'll let you through this last time, but you can't come out any more for water or to use the bathroom. If you do, we can't let you back in."
This just pissed me off. "Wait," I said. "I don't want any trouble, but you're telling me that if I need water, or my wife needs water, that we can't come out and get it without fear that we won't be allowed in?"
"I'm sorry," the man said, "I'm just doing what I'm told."
"But I have a media credential for the 'Press Viewing Area'" I said.
"Yes," the man said.
"And there's a sign right there that says this is the 'Press Viewing Area,'" I said. "Why wouldn't you let me back in here?"
"I'm sorry, sir, but I won't be able to let you in any more," the man said, obviously unwilling to listen to reason.
"If anyone I know gets sick from the heat because they can't leave, this is on your head," I told him and walked off to join Micah and Aubrey.
Shortly thereafter, I grabbed another volunteer who was working the entrance to the main riser. She, it turns out, is a fan of "Just Two Guys." I explained the situation to her, and she told me she would talk to Matt, the man in charge of the "Press Viewing Area." She did, and she was told that as long as she ushered us through the gate, we would be fine.
We breathed a sigh of relief. Until, that is, twenty minutes later, when our friend came to us and told us that we would no longer be able to leave for water or to use the bathrooms with her help or not. She told us that people with the lowly "Press Viewing Area" media credential were being targeted for removal. It seems the area had gotten more full than they anticipated or something stupid like that.
Luckily, they never rounded us up. And luckily we didn't need much more water. I peed as soon as the thing was over and we were on our way out. Aubrey developed a migraine later in the day from heat and dehydration, and Micah suffered from a heat-induced headache as well.
Thanks a lot asshole Obama volunteers. Way to put logical thinking in front of stupid ass rules.
Just FYI, "Press Viewing Area" credentials were the same credential given to Jim Leach of WMAY and Catie Sheehan of WICS along with the traveling press corps. So, we weren't alone among public access weirdos or something.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Barack Obama and Joe Biden Event
Look for a more thorough post later when I've collected some more bodily fluids and energy. We recorded roughly one hour worth of video, including our brief introduction and a few closing remarks from Micah and Aubrey managed to shoot almost 600 photographs. Look for the photographs to become available sometime either tonight or tomorrow. I'm going to get the footage to Access-4 and see if they will run it sometime this week.
As for our experience at the event, right now my thoughts are, "Wow, I can't believe we were able to get media credentials." We had a spot along one of the barricades, right next to Channel 20, which gave us an amazing view of the stage. It was not only a great vantage point from which to record the event, but also to personally stand close to history in the making.
The event was huge, hot, and interesting. More details to follow.
As for our experience at the event, right now my thoughts are, "Wow, I can't believe we were able to get media credentials." We had a spot along one of the barricades, right next to Channel 20, which gave us an amazing view of the stage. It was not only a great vantage point from which to record the event, but also to personally stand close to history in the making.
The event was huge, hot, and interesting. More details to follow.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Covering the Obama Event
Okay, we have all of our information for setup times in the morning and how to get our press credentials from the media sign in station.
We have a camera and a tripod. We have a digital photography camera for some nice still images. Micah and I are going to be brushing up a little on some talking points tonight. We're very excited about the event tomorrow, and from a historical standpoint, I think this is a big day for Springfield. It's not everyday that an event of this magnitude rolls through town.
We have a camera and a tripod. We have a digital photography camera for some nice still images. Micah and I are going to be brushing up a little on some talking points tonight. We're very excited about the event tomorrow, and from a historical standpoint, I think this is a big day for Springfield. It's not everyday that an event of this magnitude rolls through town.
Newsmen?
Micah and I have both just been issued media credentials by the Obama campaign. Our wives have also received credentials and will be working as our camera operators and sound technicians. We will be covering the event for Access-4 and for the local blogosphere from inside the press pool.
More updates to follow.
More updates to follow.
Why Bryan Cranston Is Super Cool
Many of you probably don't know off the top of your head who Bryan Cranston is. Most of you would know him as the hapless ne'er-do-well of a dad on Malcolm in the Middle. Cranston was great as Hal on the Fox sitcom that stepped out of the norm by using a single camera, shooting on film, and foregoing the cheesy laugh track or studio audience track for sound effects and music.
But Bryan Cranston really caught my attention when he signed on to play the role of Walter White, the milquetoast high school chemistry teacher who decides to start making and selling methamphetamine in order to secure his family's financial future when he gets diagnosed with terminal cancer. At first I had a hard time seeing Cranston make the leap from such over-the-top humor of Malcolm in the Middle to the much darker, much more visceral Breaking Bad. After the first five minutes of the first episode, I was sold.
Walter White gives Cranston the ability to show off his acting chops, and the whole production of Breaking Bad is a phenomenal study in the contrasts of life and the blurring of lines between right and wrong.
Then, I saw this article about Cranston and his Breaking Bad cast mates attending a film festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Breaking Bad is filmed. The actors emceed the event and participated in handing out the awards. I'm always impressed when I see actors (and other celebs) take a little time to show that they care about the communities where they work. It's one thing to throw a little money at a cause. It's an entirely different thing to roll your sleeves up and get involved. In a world where our celebrities tend to dissappoint, Cranston shows himself to be one of the good guys. And he's a great actor to boot. Kudos to you, sir. May you and Breaking Bad continue to find great success.
Clooney and Damon are Coming Back
Just got a text from my boy George Clooney. He said that he and Matt Damon had just been talking and they decided to head to Springfield for the big Obama announcement. It seems they had such a good time last time they were in Springfield that they decided to do it again. George told me he's been really craving some Walleye Wagon, and I told them I'd get some High Lifes on ice.
Should be a great weekend!
Should be a great weekend!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Take that Phil Collins!
Take him for all he's worth. Not that he's worth the dirt under his own devilish finger nails. If there are laws in place warning parents of vulgarity on albums, why isn't there a law that requires a warning for adults that a Phil Collins song is about to be played on the radio?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
On Taking Two Shots in the Meat of Your Buttocks
Here I am. Sitting in the St. John's Emergency Room. It's been a sliver under a week since I was bitten by a pregnant beagle in the middle of the street. My wound is healing nicely. It's stopped oozing, and I've stopped wearing bandages around it all the time. I can type again, and that disgusting corpse white color is beginning to dissipate.
My doctor at Priority Care told me that Walgreen's could administer the rabies vaccination. Turns out they can, but they can't administer the immune globulin shot, which needs to be taken prior to receiving the actual five rounds of rabies vaccination. The only place to get the immune globulin shot is at the emergency room. St. John's has it in stock, so here I am. Waiting.
The attending physician comes in. I forget his name. He closes the door and sits down next to me. He explains that the immune globulin shot needs to be administered as closely to the wound as possible. Since my bite is on the middle finger of my right hand, he wants to put as much of the shot in the meaty palm side of my finger as possible.
Here's the hitch. The amount of shot is determined by your weight. According to my weight, I need 11 CCs of fluid. The doctor tells me that he only feels safe putting 3-5 CCs of fluid in my finger. The rest has to go into my butt cheeks. In the whole scheme of things, 3-5 CCs is no big deal. 3-5 CCs in your finger? That's a different story. "Much more than that," he tells me, "and your finger could rupture."
Well, a ruptured finger does not a good thing make. "Unfortunately," he tells me, "we can't numb the finger before the shot. We can't afford to put any more fluid into your finger than we have to already. You're going to have to take the shot with no pain killer."
No biggie, I thought. A shot is just a shot. The doctor looks around, then he looks at me seriously. "I'm going to shoot straight with you here, man. This shot . . . it's going to fucking hurt. You're going to be in a world of pain. I've got to stick the needle into your fingertip, and into the beef on the palmar side of your finger in between each knuckle. The amount of fluid we're shooting in there is going to cause swelling and just lots and lots of pain."
"I'm not trying to scare you," he continues. "I just want you to know that this is going to fucking hurt."
I nod. In all honesty, I just think it's pretty cool that the doctor said the f-word twice. The pain, yeah, that sucks, but I don't really have a choice. The doctor leaves and promises to be back in a few, with the immune globulin.
When he comes back, he has this young athletic looking doctor with him. "This is Dr. Duscherer," he tells me. "He's a plastic surgeon. He's going to help me give you a nerve block at your wrist. Your whole hand is going to go numb, but you won't have to deal with all the pain."
"That's cool," I tell him. Dr. Duscherer hooks me up, working a needle tenderly between my veins and tendons in my wrist. He actually has me wiggle my fingers so the tendons will move and he can thread the needle through them. Pretty badass stuff.
A few minutes later, and my hand has been turned to stone. I sit there imagining myself as a superhero with a stone hand, delivering big pimp smacks to all of my evil foes. A nurse enters the room, and I have to slip my pants down. She injects me, once on each side, in the buttocks and drops 7 CCs of immune globulin in my trunk. It takes a while, and we talk about how, the last time I was in the St. John's Emergency room, way back in 1981, I had to get shots in my buns for an allergic reaction I had to a cheap winter coat.
The cool attending physician returns after 15 minutes or so, and goes to work on my finger. I watch him plunge the needle into my finger, and I can literally watch it swell. It gets puffy, like the arm muscles of a bodybuilder. It actually starts to look like I've been pumping iron with that one finger. Lucky for me, I don't feel a thing.
The doctor makes me wait another 20 minutes to make sure I don't have a reaction. My stone hand is still as numb as ever, and now my middle finger is swollen and stiff. It really looks like stone. I can't bend it at all. I could now pimp smack my adversaries, or thump them on the head with my swollen middle finger like it was a blackjack. I really have options now.
While I'm waiting, the doctor makes me call the pharmacist at Walgreen's to make sure they have ordered the rabies shot and that it will arrive the next day. "It's important that you follow up with the first rabies shot as soon after as possible," the doctor tells me. "If not tomorrow (Tuesday), then definitely the next day (Wednesday)."
The pharmacist reassures me that she has all of the paperwork in order and that the shots should arrive the next business day. She'll call me when they get in.
I'm close to the end of this adventure. Or am I? Stay tuned to find out.
My doctor at Priority Care told me that Walgreen's could administer the rabies vaccination. Turns out they can, but they can't administer the immune globulin shot, which needs to be taken prior to receiving the actual five rounds of rabies vaccination. The only place to get the immune globulin shot is at the emergency room. St. John's has it in stock, so here I am. Waiting.
The attending physician comes in. I forget his name. He closes the door and sits down next to me. He explains that the immune globulin shot needs to be administered as closely to the wound as possible. Since my bite is on the middle finger of my right hand, he wants to put as much of the shot in the meaty palm side of my finger as possible.
Here's the hitch. The amount of shot is determined by your weight. According to my weight, I need 11 CCs of fluid. The doctor tells me that he only feels safe putting 3-5 CCs of fluid in my finger. The rest has to go into my butt cheeks. In the whole scheme of things, 3-5 CCs is no big deal. 3-5 CCs in your finger? That's a different story. "Much more than that," he tells me, "and your finger could rupture."
Well, a ruptured finger does not a good thing make. "Unfortunately," he tells me, "we can't numb the finger before the shot. We can't afford to put any more fluid into your finger than we have to already. You're going to have to take the shot with no pain killer."
No biggie, I thought. A shot is just a shot. The doctor looks around, then he looks at me seriously. "I'm going to shoot straight with you here, man. This shot . . . it's going to fucking hurt. You're going to be in a world of pain. I've got to stick the needle into your fingertip, and into the beef on the palmar side of your finger in between each knuckle. The amount of fluid we're shooting in there is going to cause swelling and just lots and lots of pain."
"I'm not trying to scare you," he continues. "I just want you to know that this is going to fucking hurt."
I nod. In all honesty, I just think it's pretty cool that the doctor said the f-word twice. The pain, yeah, that sucks, but I don't really have a choice. The doctor leaves and promises to be back in a few, with the immune globulin.
When he comes back, he has this young athletic looking doctor with him. "This is Dr. Duscherer," he tells me. "He's a plastic surgeon. He's going to help me give you a nerve block at your wrist. Your whole hand is going to go numb, but you won't have to deal with all the pain."
"That's cool," I tell him. Dr. Duscherer hooks me up, working a needle tenderly between my veins and tendons in my wrist. He actually has me wiggle my fingers so the tendons will move and he can thread the needle through them. Pretty badass stuff.
A few minutes later, and my hand has been turned to stone. I sit there imagining myself as a superhero with a stone hand, delivering big pimp smacks to all of my evil foes. A nurse enters the room, and I have to slip my pants down. She injects me, once on each side, in the buttocks and drops 7 CCs of immune globulin in my trunk. It takes a while, and we talk about how, the last time I was in the St. John's Emergency room, way back in 1981, I had to get shots in my buns for an allergic reaction I had to a cheap winter coat.
The cool attending physician returns after 15 minutes or so, and goes to work on my finger. I watch him plunge the needle into my finger, and I can literally watch it swell. It gets puffy, like the arm muscles of a bodybuilder. It actually starts to look like I've been pumping iron with that one finger. Lucky for me, I don't feel a thing.
The doctor makes me wait another 20 minutes to make sure I don't have a reaction. My stone hand is still as numb as ever, and now my middle finger is swollen and stiff. It really looks like stone. I can't bend it at all. I could now pimp smack my adversaries, or thump them on the head with my swollen middle finger like it was a blackjack. I really have options now.
While I'm waiting, the doctor makes me call the pharmacist at Walgreen's to make sure they have ordered the rabies shot and that it will arrive the next day. "It's important that you follow up with the first rabies shot as soon after as possible," the doctor tells me. "If not tomorrow (Tuesday), then definitely the next day (Wednesday)."
The pharmacist reassures me that she has all of the paperwork in order and that the shots should arrive the next business day. She'll call me when they get in.
I'm close to the end of this adventure. Or am I? Stay tuned to find out.
Looking to Explode Your Head?
If you like to learn about mind-blowing scientific theories while having a good chuckle, check out this article from Cracked.com.
It's All Cover Now
"Sales of this book without a front cover may be unauthorized. If this book is coverless, it may have been reported to the publisher as 'unsold or destroyed' and neither the author nor the publisher may have received payment for it."
I've been reading this warning on the insides of books for a long time, and I've always just assumed that this is a rampant problem somewhere. But today it struck me as incredibly odd. Just how often do books without front covers change hands for money? I could certainly see this being a problem for books like the Harry Potter books? People are just dying to know what happens when a new title is released. But for the overall total of books sold, how likely is it that there's a market for coverless books?
Anyone know? I did my best googling this morning and couldn't locate any statistics or information about this "problem."
I've been reading this warning on the insides of books for a long time, and I've always just assumed that this is a rampant problem somewhere. But today it struck me as incredibly odd. Just how often do books without front covers change hands for money? I could certainly see this being a problem for books like the Harry Potter books? People are just dying to know what happens when a new title is released. But for the overall total of books sold, how likely is it that there's a market for coverless books?
Anyone know? I did my best googling this morning and couldn't locate any statistics or information about this "problem."
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
All in a Day's Work
Today Aubrey and I were on our way out to run an errand at lunch. We pulled up to the intersection of Illinois St. and Lawrence Ave, and we saw the cutest little girl. She was wearing pink shorts and pink shirt, and she had her hair in the cutest little ponytails. And here's the kicker . . . she was wandering around in the northernmost lane of Lawrence Avenue. Not an adult to be seen.
Aubrey said, "John, go get her."
I jumped out of the car and raced across the street, arms flailing to keep traffic from running us down. I swept the little girl up and stepped over to the sidewalk. As I picked her up, the little girl said, "Where's my mommy?" and I said, "Well that's what I want to know."
Just then a man came running around the corner of the house. "Oh my god," he said. "Oh my god, thank you so much." I placed the little girl in his arms and ran back over to the car. Part of me wanted to say something to him. Part of me wanted to scream at him. But mostly I think I understood from the shakiness in his voice and the horror in his eyes that he understood what could have happened. I know that accidents happen, doors get left open, gates get left unlatched. Toddlers can sneak away in a flash. I know that.
I didn't feel like this little girl was part of a system of neglect. I think she just slipped away and wandered into dangerous territory. It's times like that when you just try to be grateful for the "right time, right place" phenomenon. And you feel good about doing the right thing.
Aubrey said, "John, go get her."
I jumped out of the car and raced across the street, arms flailing to keep traffic from running us down. I swept the little girl up and stepped over to the sidewalk. As I picked her up, the little girl said, "Where's my mommy?" and I said, "Well that's what I want to know."
Just then a man came running around the corner of the house. "Oh my god," he said. "Oh my god, thank you so much." I placed the little girl in his arms and ran back over to the car. Part of me wanted to say something to him. Part of me wanted to scream at him. But mostly I think I understood from the shakiness in his voice and the horror in his eyes that he understood what could have happened. I know that accidents happen, doors get left open, gates get left unlatched. Toddlers can sneak away in a flash. I know that.
I didn't feel like this little girl was part of a system of neglect. I think she just slipped away and wandered into dangerous territory. It's times like that when you just try to be grateful for the "right time, right place" phenomenon. And you feel good about doing the right thing.
Monday, August 11, 2008
I Started a Joke
A few days ago, we were in Walgreen's, trying to track down a rabies vaccination (more on that saga to follow), when suddenly over the intercom came the soft sounds of "I Started a Joke," an old song by the Bee Gees. I said, "Oh man, this is my favorite Bee Gees song," to which Aubrey looked at me and said, "Who are you?"
I have to admit, I'm not a big Bee Gees fan. In fact, I only know "I Started a Joke" because of the excellent remake by Faith No More, released as a bonus track on some versions of the King for a Day . . . Fool for a Lifetime album. I've long been a big fan of Mike Patton, lead singer of Faith No More, and currently band leader for Tomahawk, Fantomas, and Peeping Tom. He's got an amazing voice, and an equally amazing interest in using his voice in a variety musical genres.
Here's an interesting video that was done at some time around the release of the single. I can't really figure out why a video would be made for a bonus track, but here it is. This is a great video for a number of reasons. First reason, the ugly sonofabitch singing. If you like Steve Buscemi (or locally Dan Naumovich), then you'll love the video. Then there's the whole ugly bird with a beautiful song analogy. Not to mention, the irony of the song and the video. Good stuff all around. Enjoy.
I have to admit, I'm not a big Bee Gees fan. In fact, I only know "I Started a Joke" because of the excellent remake by Faith No More, released as a bonus track on some versions of the King for a Day . . . Fool for a Lifetime album. I've long been a big fan of Mike Patton, lead singer of Faith No More, and currently band leader for Tomahawk, Fantomas, and Peeping Tom. He's got an amazing voice, and an equally amazing interest in using his voice in a variety musical genres.
Here's an interesting video that was done at some time around the release of the single. I can't really figure out why a video would be made for a bonus track, but here it is. This is a great video for a number of reasons. First reason, the ugly sonofabitch singing. If you like Steve Buscemi (or locally Dan Naumovich), then you'll love the video. Then there's the whole ugly bird with a beautiful song analogy. Not to mention, the irony of the song and the video. Good stuff all around. Enjoy.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Fighting Ennui
I would just like to point your attention to the following comment left on the SJ-R's story about our coverage today. Ordinarily I find the comments a bleak and desperate place where people hang out and find flaws in everything. This particular commenter really helps shed some light on why Public Access is important, even if it is far from perfect.
So, it didn't work. We'll hope it went to tape and that people can understand. We really did try our best.
Fighting EnnuiThank you, Ennui. We did try. And I think we all buy into the concept of television for the people, by the people. I understand that Public Access can be used in strange and unappealing ways, but I think when this idea for a State Fair show came about, we were all really excited to get the chance to give something back to the community. We wanted to be a part of the community. To use a community resource to highlight a community tradition. To reflect what's important to Springfield: community and tradition.
2 hours ago
They finally kind of got the slingbox working, but without any audio, and poor resolution. That's too bad. But God bless them, this is exactly what we have Public Access television for: channel twenty and Fox55 really don't give a hoot about the parade. 20 used it as a backdrop for a regular newscast, 55 has covered it a few times in past years but stopped when it couldn't find advertisers to pay for it. These stations COULD use their FCC licenses to broadcast local events of public interest, but they choose only to do things that sponsors pay for. THIS is why Public Access is so great: it is about putting on things that are in the LOCAL PUBLIC INTEREST, REGARDLESS of commercial success/support, and regardless of fear of political opinions. It is the last place we have for speaking our minds to each other, unfiltered by commercial interests trying to sell you soap. It looks crude, it breaks down, it's sloppy... it's home-made television, for us, BY us. So warts and all, it is beautiful to ME. Bless you guys, it was a good try, hope the backup tape has sound so the replays later in the week can be heard. I'll set my VCR.
So, it didn't work. We'll hope it went to tape and that people can understand. We really did try our best.
Snafus
Well, I'm just back from our coverage of the State Fair's Twilight Parade. "Coverage?" you say, "I didn't see any coverage." And you would be right. There were some major technical problems that kept us from getting the show up and running live. The crew had some issues with Comcast tech support that had them on the phone, trying to figure out how to get the feed to go live. We had a few glitches, too, with the wireless headsets that made real-time communication among the three cameras and the three personalities incredibly difficult. The joys of live television.
So, no, technically we didn't go live tonight. We made a good attempt, but we just couldn't get it to work. I know Brian and the Access crew felt really bad about the whole thing. I think they did all they could do. It just didn't work.
The good news. The silver lining. The whole show (apparently) taped successfully. What that means is that you will be able to tune in next week and watch the entire parade from the comfort of your home. It will replay every afternoon, Monday through Friday, at 2:00 PM. The total length of the show is just under three hours, but it did turn out well. Or at least as well as a bunch of people volunteering their time and energy and skill can do.
Micah and I did call every minute of the parade. Mario Ingoglia did interview people on the street. Lindsey Faulkner filled in nicely when I had to step out and use the restroom. She helped Micah take the show home.
All I can say is we tried. I can't wait to see the taped show. When I got home we scanned through the recording on our DVR and found that the last hour or so had video, but no audio. This was the first time on live television, and we'll get it right in the future.
Sorry to anyone who wanted to watch and couldn't find us. We were sure trying hard.
So, no, technically we didn't go live tonight. We made a good attempt, but we just couldn't get it to work. I know Brian and the Access crew felt really bad about the whole thing. I think they did all they could do. It just didn't work.
The good news. The silver lining. The whole show (apparently) taped successfully. What that means is that you will be able to tune in next week and watch the entire parade from the comfort of your home. It will replay every afternoon, Monday through Friday, at 2:00 PM. The total length of the show is just under three hours, but it did turn out well. Or at least as well as a bunch of people volunteering their time and energy and skill can do.
Micah and I did call every minute of the parade. Mario Ingoglia did interview people on the street. Lindsey Faulkner filled in nicely when I had to step out and use the restroom. She helped Micah take the show home.
All I can say is we tried. I can't wait to see the taped show. When I got home we scanned through the recording on our DVR and found that the last hour or so had video, but no audio. This was the first time on live television, and we'll get it right in the future.
Sorry to anyone who wanted to watch and couldn't find us. We were sure trying hard.
I Bet Carl Madonna Doesn't Have to Iron On His Own Logos
So here I am, the morning of the big parade coverage, and I'm ironing Access-4 logos onto oatmeal colored polos for Micah and me. I'm going to affix the logo to a bright red shirt for Mario Ingoglia. I was told he would like to wear something "garish." I'm going to give him the red shirt, although I'm not sure how the logo will look on the bright red. If it's not garish enough, then he doesn't have to wear it. No biggie. My point is, we're doing all of the on-air stuff ourselves. We're writing all of our own notes for the parade route. We're making our own shirts. We're doing our own hair (we don't do makeup). We're writing our own jokes. We're conducting our own research. Most of what we do tonight will be off the cuff. We don't have teleprompters. We don't have anyone feeding us lines.
The SJ-R contacted me late yesterday afternoon to ask a few questions about the coverage. Brian Eason wrote an article in today's SJ-R about the television coverage. You can read the article here. This is all great publicity for Access-4, but I also think it's good publicity for the State Fair and for the parade. If all goes well tonight, then I expect we'll (read: Access-4) be invited back next year to cover the parade again. I hope the televised parade is an asset to folks who can't get out to see the actual parade.
Yes, that's right. I've referenced Carl Madonna twice in blog posts this week. Out of respect. He's been on the show, and he's a great newsman.
The SJ-R contacted me late yesterday afternoon to ask a few questions about the coverage. Brian Eason wrote an article in today's SJ-R about the television coverage. You can read the article here. This is all great publicity for Access-4, but I also think it's good publicity for the State Fair and for the parade. If all goes well tonight, then I expect we'll (read: Access-4) be invited back next year to cover the parade again. I hope the televised parade is an asset to folks who can't get out to see the actual parade.
Yes, that's right. I've referenced Carl Madonna twice in blog posts this week. Out of respect. He's been on the show, and he's a great newsman.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
More Info on the Twilight Parade
Jayette Bolinski wrote a nice post today on the In All Fairness blog regarding Access 4's upcoming coverage of the Twilight Parade. I'm told there will also be a little piece in the paper tomorrow regarding the coverage. This is the first time that Access 4 has attempted to cover a live event, and we will be the only station carrying full coverage of the parade.
I'm so glad to see this event getting a little exposure, and I hope word continues to spread. In speaking with some of the older people I know, they were very excited about the prospect of being able to see the parade on television. Many of our older citizens long to come out for the parade, but are either too unwell or would become too unwell in the stifling heat and humidity. For those folks, this is a chance to see a State Fair tradition.
Micah and I received our Parade Lineup sheets today, and we've started working through the list and making notes about all of the participants. Additionally, we've been doing our best to brush up on State Fair history as well as trying to learn as much about this year's fair as possible.
Our Twilight Parade coverage will be broadcast live on Thursday night from 6:00 PM until the parade ends. It will then be replayed every day next week at 2:00 PM.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Starring Carl Madonna as Chopped Liver
This morning as I was reading the SJ-R story about Paul McCartney's now famous "pit stop" at a Circle K on the East Side, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sorrow for our very own Carl Madonna. Here's the clip:
Also, I guess it's kind of cool that a guy like Paul McCartney stopped through town on his way to St. Louis. That certainly doesn't happen every day. But it's also kind of sad that the only thing that interested him about our little hamlet was finding a hole to pee in.
Brandon admitted she gets excited when Carl Madonna from WICS-20 stops at the Circle K. Much less an actual Beatle.Poor Carl Madonna. It's hard for local celebs to compete when a global superstar rolls into town.
Also, I guess it's kind of cool that a guy like Paul McCartney stopped through town on his way to St. Louis. That certainly doesn't happen every day. But it's also kind of sad that the only thing that interested him about our little hamlet was finding a hole to pee in.
Google Maps Street View Now in Springfield
This morning, I was browsing the State Fair Parade Route on Google Maps when I noticed the Street View tab. I've often longed for the Street View feature for Springfield, and now we finally have it. Just last week, in fact, Aubrey said to me, "I wish we had Street View here." Anyone know how long this feature has been activated.
Unfortunately, as I browsed down my street, I saw that Google happened to capture my house on a day when I neglected to carry in my recycling bins.
Monday, August 04, 2008
J2G to Host the 2008 State Fair Parade
We got a call today from Brian at Access 4. It turns out that the Access 4 station has recently gotten its hands on some new equipment that allows them to stream live video. The station is planning to do a live show on Thursday night starting at 6:00 PM, covering the State Fair's Twilight Parade. Brian asked Micah and I if we would be interested in hosting the live show, and we will have Access 4's very own Mario Ingoglia conducting on-the-spot interviews with the people of Springfield and the participants of the parade.
This is the first live event ever broadcast on Access 4, and we are honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the event. If you make it out to the parade, stop by and say hello. We'll be on the parade route. If you can't make it out to the parade, tune your televisions to Access 4 to get the best parade show in town.
This is the first live event ever broadcast on Access 4, and we are honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the event. If you make it out to the parade, stop by and say hello. We'll be on the parade route. If you can't make it out to the parade, tune your televisions to Access 4 to get the best parade show in town.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Who Do I Have to Screw to Get a Rabies Shot in This Town?
During my visit yesterday to the Springfield Prompt Care on MacArthur, I was told that the Department of Public Health could give me the rabies vaccine. I went there this morning and was told that they do not offer the rabies vaccine.
Remembering that the doctor had also told me that Walgreen's carries the rabies vaccine, I returned to the prompt care facility. They wrote me a script for a rabies vaccine. I had to go to the Walgreen's on Koke Mill, as they are apparently a vaccinating pharmacy. They scheduled me to come back at 2:00 PM to get the shot.
I returned home and learned that the shot was not available, as the do not have any in stock. They told me that I could try the hospital Walgreen's, which provides the hospital with its rabbies vaccines. I called the Bayless Building, only to find out that they also do not have any rabies vaccines in stock.
I called the Walgreen's on Koke Mill and told them that I was unable to find the shot. At this point, I realized that I literally cannot get a rabies vaccination in Springfield today. The pharmacists at Walgreen's told me they could order the vaccination. It might be there by Tuesday of next week.
I've since put in a call to Coble Animal Hospital to ask for a professional opinion. I've been reading a lot about rabies, and I've learned that it is highly rare that dogs carry rabies any more. If the risk is low, I'll pass on the vaccination and continue living my life unencumbered by a month's worth of shots.
It seems crazy to me that a person can't get a rabies vaccination in this town.
Oh, and Animal Control has been absolutely useless. Although I've placed two reports with them regarding the incident, they don't appear to be looking for the dog in question, and every time I call there, I am treated like a scumbag for asking if anyone is working on finding the dog. I may have to go out and find the dog myself. Apparently they're incapable of doing their job.
Part of me hopes that I get rabies and die so everyone involved in this situation can feel bad and maybe the system here will change.
Thank God for Michael Scott. Here is a quote from this wonderful, wonderful man: "And that is why I am hosting a fun run race for the cure for rabies. To raise awareness for the fact that there is a cure rabies... a disease that has been largely eradicated in the U.S., but not very many people know that."
Thank you, Michael Scott.
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