2006: We hardly knew thee...

So another year is coming to a close. It's funny because I'm still thinking it's 2003... I've lost almost every year since 1999 (mentally at least).

2006 was definitely a good year for me. I got a huge promotion at work, went through a station sale (with most all my hair) and learned even more things I really never wanted to know in the first place! ;) I really feel I'm at a serious high in my career, whether I really agree with that deep down or not is neither here nor there.

It was definitely a busy year. 2004 was the only really busy year I've lived through, and I think this might have that beat. I've also, technically, worked for two other TV stations...neither of which were close by (the current one being about 1,000 miles away!)

Anyway, as I reflect over what I did this year and what I'm planning to do for the next, I ran across my New Year's resolution list I had right here on this blog last year...so I'm going to see how well I did! ;)

1.) Get out and travel a little more (without a hurricane in the vicinity)... Done

2.) Lose 10 lbs. (doubtful)... Done, with one extra pound...but think I gained a bit back.

3.) Get a girlfriend (I dunno...I've been out of the dating scene a while...a long while...we'll see)... I'm still working on this one, but have seen some small success.

4.) Go to at least ONE movie (if there are any good ones this time...last year was kind of a let down...) Done...saw the latest James Bond movie.

5.) Eat more pie... Well duh!

6.) Find world peace... Didn't get very far with this... Maybe it's my temperment?? ;)

7.) Eat more pie... See #5

My resolutions for 2007 aren't much different... I need to loose a few more pounds and I'm hoping to be close to buying a HOUSE this time next year...but I'm still pondering what else to add. Not much else to add really...

Here's a version of Auld Lang Syne...

Music video for Kenny G's Auld Lang Syne

Ha haaaaaaa!

You know, I am kind of pissed at the moment...

Your Deadly Sins

Wrath: 80%

Envy: 40%

Sloth: 40%

Gluttony: 0%

Greed: 0%

Lust: 0%

Pride: 0%

Chance You'll Go to Hell: 23%

You will die, but first you will turn into an evil robot.

How Sinful Are You?

My holiday off

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas and managed to get at least one or two days off. Thankfully, I got a whole week...and a day! That's what I get for not taking one week of vacation back in the summer months...

So, here's a summary of what I did before and on Christmas...

*Helped cook
*Wrapped presents
*Opened presents
*Ate
*Played video/board games with my nephews and nieces
*Ate some more

Well, after Christmas, I took my brother's kids to the Tennessee Aquarium. Not a long trip, but it felt like it. We all had fun. On Wednesday, I slept late and goofed off all day.

On Thursday I headed to Opelika to visit Brock and his family... I get on I-65 north of Montgomery then realize there's road construction ahead... I make it to an exit and decide to go a back way. Then, about 25 miles from Opelika...more road work...or what I thought was road work. Apparently the interstate was CLOSED ahead due to an earlier truck wreck...which apparently there was a bit of damage to a nearby bridge.

The three-hour tour (I mean trip ;)) turns into a four-and-a-half hour trip... Still fun though. I got to see and play with his little girl who's nearly a year old now.

On Friday, I went to visit some old co-workers at my old station. I stayed about two hours or so and came back home. Tonight I'm planning on getting my yearly New Year's plans organized (they keep getting smaller) and see just how many explosives it'll take to blow up my neighborhood this time.

I'll give you all a good summary on my year in a later post...when I'm more in the mood at least! ;)

One more left...

Wow...did last week suck. Suck suck suck. I haven't dealt with such a sucky week in quite a while. And it wasn't one of those suck-the-whole-time kind of weeks. There were good points, but they were quickly exstinguished. The only thing I dread is that I have to wake up tomorrow and go listen or be exposed to bull shi*!

Ok...I'll stop bitching. ;)

I went out Christmas shopping today...and got it done. I hate shopping during this time of year...all the traffic and people...some of whom aren't exactly in the Christmas spirit... I didn't cut anyone...or run anyone over in the parking lot, so I guess shopping went fine! ;)

I can't wait for Christmas. I'm ready for some Christmas food...and of course presents. My late grandfather would wake me up when I was a kid sometimes before sunrise on Christmas morning to show my all my toys...and to watch me play. To this day I still, normally, get up really early...especially if any of my nephews and nieces are at the house.

Here's a little Christmas fun...the good old Charlie Brown Christmas. I associate Christmas with the music from the show...performed by Vince Guiarldi.

Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy???

Good...freakin'...grief! Why in the blue hell can I not get things to work correctly at work right now? Stuff breaks...deadlines are moved around...people are pissy...

I'm mostly pissed about one IMPORTANT deadline...which has been pushed back...a MONTH! And how do I find out about it??? I have to call to check the status and am told, in kind of a passive manner if you will, that they plan to get it going in late February.

February? I thought it was late January? So, for the next five+ minutes I listen to almost every passive excuse in the book.

Now I'm pissed... That, and I'm just generally pissed with work nowadays. Too many changes in a short amount of time...with most being highly unexpected. You can't blame people to look a little dillusional...things ran a certain way for a long time, then BAM...it's changed. It's not always a good way to get things done. You scare and harm more then you would have any other way...but who's to say it would have been any different had we had any warning.

Alas, that's life. You have to play the hand you were dealt...and deal with it.

I have one more full week of work, then I'm off for a week and a day! I CAN NOT wait!

HA! Yeah, right...

I would definitley screw some people up... On purpose? No, not me! ;)

You Are 83% Grown Up, 17% Kid

Your emotional maturity is fully developed, and you have an excellent grasp on your emotions. In fact, you are so emotionally mature - you should consider being a therapist!

How Emotionally Mature Are You?

It's freakin' cold!

I found out last week the last time my part of the world saw temperatures lower than 20 degrees was in January...nearly TWO YEARS AGO!! I remember why I don't like the extreme cold...I thought I was going to be frost bitten trying to get to my car Friday morning...then I wore a jacket at work most all day! No wonder I've been having headaches...

And speaking of headaches, I got a new boss on Tuesday. Last week I got a shock when I learned my now former boss was leaving...then I find out Friday evening the new guy was set to start in three days! It's one thing to go from one boss to another, but it was so quick...at least in terms of when I (and everyone else) found out it was going to happen... Morale has been a bit low for the week, but there does seem to be a little turn around...he's yet to fire anyone, so I guess we're ok for now.

Meanwhile, in the wonderful world of running a website, I heard nothing from the actual builders last week, which annoys me a bit. I belive a good deal of construction is going on, and I'd really like to know the status. I suppose I'll call them to nag tomorrow.

And a pretty cool thing occurred to me earlier last week. I'm not going into details, because I'll jinx it. Don't you love it when I make things sound really vague??? ;)

Enjoy a little 80's fun...This was one of my favorite videos...when I was about four or five.

Where has the month gone?

Better yet, where has the year gone? I'm still stuck somewhere in between 1999 and 2000. At least I'm not in school anymore. ;)

Thanksgiving was pretty nice...I ate way too much, as usual. I had to work, however, but will at least have a week off for Christmas. So that'll be nice. That, and I got paid time and a half on Thursday and Friday. ;)

Anyway, someone sent me a link to this... "I was raised on the dairy, bi*ch!" :)

Bored, bored, bored...

Weather was crappy today...and I'm working on the layout for my new website at work. That's really all that's going on here lately. ;)

How will you die?

I liked some of these...

Michael: At age 70 you will die from an equipment malfunction in an exciting, fear based reality game show. Your death will receive the highest ratings of any episode of any reality show, ever.

Michael: At age 61 a tiger will maul you. Don't ask why, but you will be in a Burmese jungle.

Michael: At age 62 aliens will abduct you and use your body for sick and often anally-oriented experiments before dropping you off outside of a local homeless shelter smelling of beer.

Michael: At age 67 the artificial intelligence software you programmed becomes self aware and devours you. You will be saved to disk though, so no worries.

Michael: At age 47 after your spouse leaves you and your children disown you, you will go to work to find that you have been fired. This all proves too much to take. You decide to take a walk in the park but are robbed and murdered before you get there.

Here's the link. Enjoy! ;)

Happy Halloween

The Raven...in the style of The Simpsons. Enjoy! ;)

What a week...

Lately I've been glad Friday's have rolled around. None more so than this Friday. There has been so much to go on... First a police officer is shot and killed...then I had a "ghostly" story I had to write and shoot (I hope to edit Friday)...it's just been stressful.

I don't think I'm going to do much with my weekend. I'll head out to the bon fire tomorrow night at the UA...and have dinner with BP on Saturday after the game. That'll probably do it.

And Halloween is next week. I haven't seen a whole lot of good Halloweenish type tv shows on...so, of course, YouTube comes to my rescue! ;)

Enjoy

Yawned all day today...

...because of the DREARY weather! Cloudy, windy, cold and rainy. Normally I like this kind of weather...but not when I have to be out in it! After my near death experience driving on the interstate with a lot of traffic and rain, I don't like it!

So, after taking a full hour to get home, I came inside, ate and began goofing off! ;)

By the way...I'm shooting video for what's becoming a yearly tradition for me...yet another ghost package to air on my TV station...and on the web! This year should be fun.

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! ;) Enjoy

I love fall

Finally, the temperatures are going down and my hayfeaver is going strong. I noticed the trees actually changing colors...I haven't seen any real fall colors in a few years. Now, if I can just get my allergies back under control, this might be a good season.

"You must be color blind..."

I have nothing today...just sitting here looking up random stuff on youtube. Enjoy my efforts! ;)

Polka mania

This is too freakin' funny! It's nice to hear what some songs sound like...in Polka form! ;)

Another year older

So today was my birthday. I spent today basically doing nothing! ;) I did do some cleaning, but that was it.

After being in a "screw it" mood most of last week in regards to work, I've been debating again doing more work on a job search. I'm not exactly sure if the climate around here is right to find another job, but it doesn't help when you work around people who are either anit-social, jaded beyond jaded, or mental cases...at least in my particular part of the building. I worry about a few of the people I work with...you can't really tell if the business has just gotten to them or not. I do like where I work...it was a dream to get there and make sure I stayed put, but now I'm still questioning whether this was the right direction to go.

That's life, right?

Anyway, I'll get over it. I've decided that I may need to tweak my work schedule. I know some people doing the same job who go in and get off about one-two hours earlier...so that might be something to give me more purpose...maybe reignite a little passion about my work.

Ok, who cares... Enough about work! ;)

Here are some people dead or alive that I share my birthday with:
*1724 - Sir Arthur Guinness, Irish brewer (d. 1803)
*1896 - F. Scott Fitzgerald, American novelist (d. 1940)
*1936 - Jim Henson, American puppeteer (d. 1990)
*1948 - Phil Hartman, Canadian actor (d. 1998)

Yeah, whatever...

I took a well deserved day off today. I was tired of dealing with people at work and really needed to be out of the office for at least one day on top of my weekend. So much crap I've had to ponder lately (not to mention since March) that I've been in a semi-constant state of disgust at work and don't really feel like doing anything new. When you can't make any fundamental changes to what you're doing, you lose some of your passion.

To put it shorter...I've been in one of those "screw it" moods most of the week. ;)

Also, I was out and about today for a little while and ran across CHRISTMAS stuff being set out at a department store. IT'S SEPTEMBER STILL! However, I do remember the year I was working at Sears and had to help hang decorations...BEFORE October 1! Ack! Come on...let's at LEAST get past Halloween!

Yeah toast!

Don't ask how I found it...just watch it. ;) I heard this song for the first time about three years ago and it still cracks me up. Cool stuff, most definitley.

I would have embedded the video clip, but it wouldn't let me. Yeah toast!

Finally, something new

The new owner came in to the station on Thursday and discussed what he had planned. Thankfully, none of us will be fired...just yet at least. ;) I'm also staying put...for those of you who might have wondered. I might look into other opportunities in the next year, but for now, I'm staying put.

Enjoy the following... If I had my own game show, this is how it would work! Muahahahahahaha! ;)

Nothing new...yet

If I actually find out something at work, it'll be on Thursday...maybe. At the moment, I'm in one of those "I don't give a rip" moods.

It has been a decent week thus far. I've been quite busy, actually. Apart from the normal work schedule, I joined the Tuscaloosa Winds community band on Monday. It's made up mostly of UA students, but several others are like me...professionals who are either getting back into the musical "swing" or those who play regularly in community bands. It was nice to know I still have a little talent left, and can hold my own...though I'm only playing third part trombone. I think I could have taken on second part, but I need time to build my playing back up...so maybe next year. It's nice to say I'm in a band, rather than I "used" to...

Be warned...more eighties fun below...

Could be an interesting week...

I should know come Monday what's going to happen to my website. "Should" know... We'll see if it actually happens.

If it does happen, I'll know my new work load. I already know I'll have an additional website on my plate...but there is a chance SEVEN to EIGHT more are to come. Can I handle THAT? Stay tuned! ;)

Anyway, enjoy Lewis Black below... I'm hoping to see him live in the 'ham in the next few weeks.

Up late

I should be in bed...but I'm not. Whatever... But I am wearing my sunglasses...at night... HA! Enjoy the corny video/song below. (I'm not actually wearing sunglasses...just so you know) ;)

Best song ever

Below you'll find a video clip of what I think is just about the best song ever...instrumental at least. It's called "Here's That Rainy Day." It was one of Johnny Carson's favorites. The clip I found was recorded from the tribute show for Carson on Letterman in January 2005.

Before, I was ok with the song...but this arrangement is spectacular. Definitley worth checking out.

I remember watching this episode of Letterman, because I was a big Carson fan, and am glad I have finally found a good version of this moment of TV history (you don't see this type of stuff on late night TV, and it's a shame).

The orchestra playing is, I believe, either from Toronto or Montreal, along with Doc Severinsen, Tommy Newsom and Ed Shaughnessy.

Ernesto

Looks like I might dodge covering another hurricane... Ernesto looks as if it may be someone elses problem, which is just fine with me. However, I'm not betting anything until it gets back into the gulf...so we shall see. Keep an eye on Ernie here.

I bought a new cell phone! My old phone was on its last leg...and wouldn't pick up squat. I can actually get the volume turned up loud enough! I'm happy with it.

Anyway, enjoy the late, great Mitch Hedburg.

Randomness

Do you ever have those kind of dreams where you can see something you recognize...but don't 'recognize' it? Say for instance you have a dream about a family vacation...you see everything vividly...but you can't remember where in the hell it was.

I have those dreams while I'm wide awake. Many days I will think of something I remember from childhood...can remember plainly where I was and who I was with...but forget major parts of the memory... I can remember watching MTV (when they still showed music videos) and I can remember various scenes of videos...but can't for the life of me remember what the song was...what the lyrics were...or the band.

It's the trouble of being a child of the 80's...thanks to TV, I can't remember too much of what I watch for a long period of time.

So, since I have this new love for youtube...I think of some random things and see what I run across. Tonight, I ran across a music video that has been in my mind for YEARS...only certain scenes...I could barely remember what group it was... You'll see the video below... I haven't seen it since, at least, the mid 80's...maybe late 80's... Somehow, it's been stuck in my head ALL THESE YEARS! ;)

This video was made back when 80's music was cool...but in many cases stupid...ESPECIALLY the videos... In many cases, the music videos and the songs being sung didn't go together very well... Also, for my TV friends...see if you can catch the bad edit in the first minute of the song...today's technology would make it look like there wasn't an edit...and insert fireworks! ;) Enjoy...you'll probably want your four minutes you're about to waste back!

Been on vacation

I took a few more days off in an effort to clear my mind and get myself back to normal. Life has been a bit of a blur for the last few months...and I'm quite glad it's about to slow down.

I'll be going back to work tomorrow with the fact my desktop computer at work isn't working right...and I probably got more calls from work in five days then I do in six months at home. I'm not happy about that and plan on fixing the problem soon.

Otherwise, I've pretty much made a "decision" on where I'll be in six months. I'm at peace with the decision...so there! ;)

BTW...I wasn't exactly "smashed" each day (except Sunday) while I was at the beach...but I was pretty close!

Enjoy the following... Please note...it is a bit lengthy, but pretty darn funny.

Some News...

It has been a while, so I'll get you up to date. My station, which has been up for sale since April, has been sold. Now, I can make my decision...but after a few things that have happened in the past week, I still don't have a clue on what to do. I prefer to stay put, but it's not looking like that's going to happen. I'll make more updates as the next two-three weeks progress.

I get word today another tropical storm has brewed in the Atlantic and seem to be headed toward the gulf. My luck, it will be a hurricane to affect areas I'll get sent out to. I'll update that later this week.

Anyway, enjoy the video...I feel as if I've lost my mind lately! ;)

Interesting...

American Cities That Best Fit You::

65% Austin

60% Atlanta

60% Denver

55% Miami

50% Chicago

Which American Cities Best Fit You?

Good grief

If only I was set up to finally be able to work from home...

Sigh...I hate days like today...and yes, that's all you're getting out of me! ;)

Enjoy some Teen Girl Squad!

Jet Ski

I have a favorie, new website to waste all my time on now...

Two words: Jet Ski. I cried I laughed so hard...

...in a cardigan sweater!

I'm copying this link from Brock. I got a good laugh out of it! Bob Saget Rap.

And since I owe everyone an extra link, since I forgot to leave one in my last post, here you go. Enjoy!

Back home

For those of you who didn't know, I took a beach trip! It was nice to get away for FOUR days. Of course, I already see issues with my being gone from work this long...and will be spending most of the day catching up. Ahh...getting back to the "my deadline is in 5 minutes" state of mind... Speaking of which, after seeing a promo run on my station today, some changes will be IN ORDER! Grr!

The trip was good...my nephew (who ended up being the only one going with me) had a ball. He walked me to death practically... We both were tired Tuesday and didn't do much of anything, but he didn't complain...I think he was as happy to get away for a few days as I was.

Fun part of the trip (on the way home)... We were out in the boondocks... I know this "shortcut" through the sticks and decided we were going that way home (after going through Mobile on the way there...longer way). Turns out, my shortcut (a county road in the depths of rural Monroe County) was CLOSED due to a bridge being out! We were too far to go back toward the interstate...so I decide to pull over and grab the map. Thankfully, that road meanders up toward a town called Frisco City and we end up back on the road we needed to be on.

All that matters is that we made it home in one piece...no jelly fish stings...

Anyway, I'm getting sleepy already after that four hour drive...I'm about to head to beddy bye! ;)

Well damnit...

...elections are finally over and there's a freakin' tropical depression headed for the gulf!? Geez...I can't get a break! I've already been in contact with the corporate bunch who've told me "don't make any plans through Wednesday." It's good I'm not headed to the beach until the 18th. I almost rebooked for this Sunday...but I would have definitley been pissed had I changed it.

The Weather Channel is saying it could hit anywhere south of Tampa all the way to Pensacola...meaning Panama City would be almost right in the middle...meaning I would get shipped down there. If that's the case, fine...I like PC well enough and like the people at that station. However, with this storm occurring so early in the season, it looks more like this year could very well be as bad as last.

On a lighter note, a company (which I've yet to confirm the identity of for sure) will be at my station Monday...in preparation to possibly buy it. Word is another company will be there later in the week to do the same thing... Pretty cool...the station hasn't been up for sale quite three months and two possible offers are on the way from what I'm told are good companies.

Anyway, with all the hurricane mess going on, check out the National Hurricane Center to see if you can figure out if I'll be sent to PC.

I hate elections...

...because all of the commercials got nasty rather fast! Geez... Anyway, another reason I hate elections is because I work in the media biz... I was "in charge" of getting our new election system up and running for broadcast and for the web... Funny thing was today, after a lot of almost pointless work in some cases, I DELETED the freakin' election!! If anyone knows how to retrieve a file that's been placed in the trash bin in ENPS, please let me know! ;) No big deal, I created a new election in ENPS and allowed the updates to be captured...so almost everything is fixed...

Can you tell I really need a vacation?? ;)

Anyway, check this out... If you liked the song "Take On Me" by A Ha (serious 80's flashback), you gotta see this.

Made some changes...

As you can tell, I made a nice color template change. I was a little tired of the depressing black... It needed something more colorful. This seems to work for now...maybe I'll get another wild hair and change it again.

Nothing new to report on the job end. I'll be happy once everything is settled and done. At the moment, it still looks like another month or two before we'll know anything.

I've made reservations for a condo in Orange Beach. I'll be headed down there on June 18th for four days away from home and work. Since I have nobody to go with me, I've decided to treat my 15 year old nephew and 13 year old niece. Neither have ever been to the beach, so they'll be thrilled. Funny thing is I'm not telling them we're going until the day of, then I'm not going to tell them exactly where we're going. HA!

Anyway, I've decided that every time I post, I'll find an interesting website I've run across and link to it. So, here's the first installment... Here's a link to a game called Proximity. Very addictive...

I've been high all day...

...thanks to all of the painting going on at work! Geez...I had a headache mostly...but at one point, my officemate, another employee and myself were all talking in my office and we got to laughing...then couldn't really stop! I think the paint finally got to us! HA!

I have made a decision where my job is concerned. But I'm not going to tell you exactly what I've decided... I don't want it to spread too far. Let's just say I'm at peace with my decision...I'm at peace for the first time since this blasted sale mess came up...so now I'm back to being my regular self...not second guessing my next move.

I have come up with a new idea to push on the web. It stems from an old idea, but bringing it into a new and slightly different direction. It will MAKE the web scene not only in the 'ham...but all over! If I can coordinate it properly, it might just become the next big thing where media is concerned. More on this later... I should really put more thought and experimentation into it...but I assure you, it'll be cool as crap!

I'm taking suggestions on a cheap vacation...any suggestions? I'm planning on doing something in June that involves leaving my house...

This week could decide it all...

I've tried hard not to worry myself over this station sale business...though I have been a bit worried all this time. I'm not one of those at the station who have already been "fired" in their mind. I've been more cautious and tried to take plenty of time to think the situation over myself. Tuesday, the main man, where my division in the company is concerned at least, is coming to talk to me about "options." I know what the main option is going to be: Stay with the company. The second option will most likely be: Go to east Alabama or GA. Will there be more money attached? Doubtfull... Will I move? Very doubtful... I like the 'ham.

Needless to say, I have a pro/con on whether to go or stay...

So far, the list for staying put is ahead of the list for leaving...though there is one big thing I want if I do stay put...

So, on Wednesday, I'll head out for Charlotte, NC for some company training...that'll be a nice road trip. I need to get away from work.

Some good news

I'd already begun looking for other jobs outside the 'ham...seeing what was open where...

Well, today the GM at my station (who isn't exactly my boss) came into my office, shut the door and sat in the chair next to my desk and asked me if the station sale and my issue on if I should stay or go with the company gotten on my nerves yet... "Yes," I said... I don't like to think about it...but I can't help not to think about it... Well, I've been assured that if I want to hang around, I can... The GM also told me that I could wait until the buyer is announced, and take a few days even to make up my mind whether to stay or go.

That RELIEVED me. I didn't want to go because I didn't have much option...

It also goes to show how respected I am apparently with people I have been at odds with in the past. Nice to see we've figured each other out a little better... My high opinion rate around the station also came out in force today during a meeting...involving a twerp in management who just started...and has already made me mad! I didn't get too "fiesty" in our first meeting, but today I was better prepared...and ready to go for the jugular if needed...and with all of that "Nixie" support in the room, he didn't speak up about too much...didn't say "bad idea" or "looks terrible" in front of his boss! ;)

I can't deal with any more crap... I've dealt with being all worried about being somewhat helpless in the way my career seemed to be moving...I have a better handle on it now and am prepared for whatever might happen next. I think dealing with the job thing and having dealt with the new "twerp," I haven't been myself lately...just haven't felt up to fooling with anything much...might be the reason I didn't jump all over the fool to begin with. I feel better now.

More people driving me crazy

We're on the fringe of being up for sale for one full week... I'm already tired of people being more concerned about my still being at the station once the place has been bought. Frankly, I just don't care now... I'm probably more concerned about my future at the moment then anybody else...I'd rather just let it go for now. I'd rather everyone leave me alone right now...and try to get back to normal.

By the way, I love "Myth Busters" and "Dirty Jobs" on The Discovery Channel! ;)

Hmm...

Well, I'm not exactly sure what I say about this... I've been to Dublin... I was not impressed!! ;)

You Belong in Dublin

Friendly and down to earth, you want to enjoy Europe without snobbery or pretensions. You're the perfect person to go wild on a pub crawl... or enjoy a quiet bike ride through the old part of town.

What European City Do You Belong In?

People who are driving me crazy...

It's only been a few days since the announcement of the station going up for sale and a few people have already been fired...at least in their mind... All they keep thinking of is the worst case scenerio. I continue to tell them that we're in much better shape then the guys just down the road... It'll all hit them come the first of August when their judgement day (where their career at that particular station is concerned) comes up...

I feel that a good or bad company won't come in and mess with what appears to be a good thing... Revenue and ratings are both up...way up...compared to two or so years ago... I can't see why any major personel changes would occur.

I'm keeping a positive attitude about this. The nice thing is there are several people that seem to be more concerned if I'm still working there at the end of the year then they are themselves. Even one particular GM I've been at odds with doesn't want to see me leave...which makes me feel very good about my chances at staying put.

In my mind, "k serah serah," whatever will be will be...

A good sum-up of the chances of my departing my current stations is: A 90% chance remains that I'll still be in the same TV market, 98% says I'll still be at the same station, 2% says I go down the road.

Up For Sale!

Talk about having the rug pulled out from under you...

This morning an email goes out around 7am about a station meeting at 8:45. I didn't know this because I don't check my email before I leave for work. My phone begins ringing off the hook...with co-workers asking if I knew what was up... I had no idea...and became just a little concerned...

So, a corporate guy is at the meeting and officially tells us "we're selling your station." Funny thing is the station in town they're actually selling us to buy had it during their morning show...so some people, unfortunatley, found out that way (yes...I think it was unethical). During the meeting, I found out I had friends...since most know I'm a corporate employee...and some asked what was going to happen to me...

Well, with me...things get tricky...since I work for specifically for the bunch who's selling my current station... The question is, "do I really want to stay with them or try out a new, possibly better company?" If I can find out when I need to make up my mind, the decision may be go with the new company...

I've made too much progress where I'm at and am somewhat comfortable. I feel that the new station may have some real issues arise soon...and the morale will probably go down the tubes... But that's just me...

Updates later...

A Conversation...

I was playing email-tag with my bud Brock... I was complaining about something I'm annoyed about... This is how it ended up...

Me: "I think they've caught on to my "bright and cheerful" demeanor... ;)"

Brock: "They should! It's like a beam of glowing sun when you've got your anger face on. :-)"

HA! Do my friends know me or what??? ;)

Note: I'm not that pissy...only in certain circumstances...

Evacuated!

Never did I think I'd have to evacuate from the building I work in (after dealing with hurricanes). However, today, a huge brush fire made an evacuation reality! I caught word about it around 10:30, so I grab a camera and run out back to get some pics. No sooner had I walked in the door to download my pictures to my computer the fire alarm goes off...so I grab my stuff and go outside with everyone else...

At this point, the smoke is right behind the building...almost looking like the building itself is on fire!

Anyway, long story short...the fire was finally put out and we got to go back inside... We will hopefully know for sure tomorrow what happened...it occurred in a wooded area, and either someone started it or it was a freak occurrance!

Nice, quiet weekend...

...after a long-ass week! I was so happy to see my bed when I got home late Thursday night. It wasn't all bad, though...I met a few cool folks down the GA... I didn't feel all that well while I was there...my bad allergies had me down. In one of the many instance while I was training people, I'd practically lost my voice! At least the job got done, and I figured out what all I need to be working on and keeping an eye on.

It was fun hanging out with Brock on Thursday... I figured I'd stop by and say hello on my way home...ended up being about a three-hour stay in Auburn. It's always nice to see friends when I'm traveling...since it almost never happens.

Well, this week will prove rather busy again. Got a fancy, really nice new system involving how I get video on the web I need to perfect, organize and train others for. If I get this working, technically, I would never have to go in to work again! Woo hoo! That and some other crap I need to catch-up on and either complete or yell at someone about!

Road Trip

I'm headed to Columbus GA tomorrow morning...early...at like 4:30! I'll be down there till Wednesday (I hope at least). Hopefully all I have planned will get accomplished before I leave...

Now...of to bed...Peace!! ;)

I can't think of a good title...

I was trying to think of something funny and off-the-wall for my title, but alas...this dreary weather has brought me down...brought me down, baby!!! Ok...I'll stop singing. ;)

Congrats to my buddy Brock and his wife on the birth of their daughter... I just spoke with him and he's the epitimy of a proud pop!

I've been dealing with some serious "burn-out" this week. I really need a vacation... I really should start looking for a job outside of news...seriously... I'd like a nice editing job...but who knows... I should really try harder looking...

I'm tired

I'm very tired... Kind of wish I could work from home tomorrow, but I can't.

I'm pretty exhausted to say the least right now...today was a busy day. I might disappear next weekend...not too sure about it yet, though.

Anyway, off to bed.

A little surprise...

So I'm having a chat with the operations manager at my station, who I speak with every once in a while...and mention my PRODUCTION background to from time to time, asks me today if I might be interested in learning how to direct.

My reaction?? "WHAT?!?! MAY I, SIR?!?!" HA!

Apparently they're going to need a fill-in director from time to time as the new automation system is installed...and when vacations come around, they'll need someone to fill in. It will probably be on my own time, but to get to direct a newscast again, for a REAL tv station??? FREAKIN' AWESOME!!

Maybe the long road back to production just got a little shorter... There are plans to add newscasts up there... Hmm......... Maybe my ORIGINAL plan for going there is finally coming together (nearly two years late).

;) I have new-found happiness with my current employer...for the moment at least... I'm still on my track to take over all of TV in the southeast!! Now if I could just win the lottery...

Finally, some snow!

We had snow last night! ;) Around 6:30 last night, I thought I heard rain...so after seeing a snow flurry earlier, I ran to the door like a little kid and guess what?!?! It was SNOWING! HEAVILY! It was raining a bit, too...but nontheless, it was SNOWING! Too bad it wasn't sticking, but it was nice to look at. My 13 year old niece was at the house, so I made her come out in it too! She tried to make a snowball from the snow that was on the back of my car...just not enough though. I shot a little video with my crappy digital camera, but you can't see it really well...since it was quite dark by this point.

I found more property for sale...in an area I've been looking in. I might have to track this one down...and see what I can do about getting a house built... I'm prefering the house over an apartment by far...and I don't think I'll be moving off too far from this area any time soon, so it would be a good investment (pending I can afford it). So I'll be looking into that in the next few weeks...

Work will probably prove to be tiresome this week...too much crap to deal with...

I have internet again

Well, after a three-day hiatus (nearly) I have my internet connection fixed.

So for now, the short answer for why I'm not going on my trip to GA at the moment is because a week from Monday, that website will be added to my current work load. The person I was going down to train has resigned, and there's no sign someone else will be hired to replace her. Just what I needed at this point...more freakin' work! As if I had any time for myself...I'm really not going to have any! Grr!

No snow

Well crap! I go into work at 3:15 this morning for nothing! Not even a flurry...from what I saw at least. It did, however, rain like crazy atop Red Mountain...so I suppose it could have been really bad today had the temperature cooperated. I got to booth the weather updates at one point, so that was fun. I kept threatening to make the weather guy laugh by talking to him during the cut in's...but I held back! ;) I needed to make the morning a little more exciting.

So I came home after a 10-hour shift and went to bed... So I'm up now, still sleepy and about to go back to bed.

Nothing else really going on...this morning went awfully fast...fastest Monday I've been through in a while...

Snow day!

Is it really?? Could it be??

As if it really matters...I'll be missing most of the "snow" anyway. I get to be at WORK at 3AM!!! Grrr! Can we say, "Michael will be REALLY chipper tomorrow?!!?" (please note the large amount of sarcasm in that quotation! ;)

Better than what I thought I was going to have to do. I was afriad I'd be spending the night in my office on an air bed.

I believe as most of the staff attempt to come into work, I'll be hiding outside with some snowballs (or ice balls...whatever is there)! ;)

The trip I had planned to Georgia has been indefinitley delayed...

Well, it's 7pm... Off to bed! Gah!

Holding pattern

I was headed to Georgia to help out a colleague at a sister station, but that seems to be on hold at the moment. Seems there's a new threat for snow?? Yep, you heard it! Snow! Sunday night into Monday morning is the fear right now, but for those of you who know Alabama weather...you know to take that with a grain of salt.

So it looks like I'll be doing some of my training over the phone...which is fine...but I was looking forward to scaring some people! ;) I'll probably go at the end of the month...we are just starting sweeps (ratings period)...

I've felt really crappy all week...like I'm coming down with something. I think I just need more sleep...I haven't gone to be at my normal time lately...

It puts the lotion in the basket...

Interesting...I particularly like the part about "my wrath!" ;) Gee, who would have thought?? Muahahaha! Oh, yeah...in case you're wondering about the title...I watched "Silence of the Lambs" on Bravo this weekend.

You Are Wind

Strong and overpowering. A force to be reckoned with, no one dares cross you. You have the power to change everything around you. You are best known for: Your Wrath Your dominant state: commanding

What Type of Weather Are You?

My desk is still clean! ;)

Shocking! I haven't destroyed it yet! And my cat is happy she can walk freely across it so she can climb on top of my monitor to sleep... ;)

I had a slow day today...not a whole lot to do at work, so I spent part of the day investigating prices on website building software (dreamweaver is freakin' expensive!!) and found something comparable that wasn't too expensive. Also found some basic video editing software called Adobe Premiere Elements...which I definitley need, even if I hate Premiere (that's what I use at work...but it is an older, crappy version). I'm thinking of buying a DVD burner soon...so all that's left that I need is a camera! The question is what am I going to do with it all?? Another ghost documentary?? A different sort of genre of TV production?? I need to find something to occupy my time so I don't get rusty on what I spent all my time in college doing.

Later this week should prove interesting. I'll be going to the Survivor casting call to take pictures for the web... I have a feeling the nutjobs are going to show up for this one. I hope they do, I need some compelling video and pictures! ;) I love doing something fun at work...it tickles me...plus I hate not enjoying work...I really want to make it fun.

I finally cleaned my desk!

It should be considered an olympic sport. If any of you ever saw just how bad my desk can get at home, you'd be amazed...and probably impressed. All that matters is that it's clean now and I can find crap again.

I saw both Lori and Jill Thursday...Jill was in town to visit and to ride back with Lori on the plane...also saw a few other former co-workers... It was a tame setting, more or less, seeing as how we were left waiting over an hour for a table...then found out we'd been skipped! Not cool...though the manager gave us a discount.

Friday was quiet...nothing big went on. I ended up coming home and finding out Jonathan wasn't going to be on his way from Laurel until 7:00...meaning Nixie didn't go out until Saturday night. No matter...my 11 year old niece decided to come up for a visit...so I ended up playing video games with her and complaining about being forced to watch "made for teens" television. Gag! I'm keeping the remote away from her next time! ;)

Had Ruby Tuesday on Saturday night...after Applebee's tried to kill Jonathan last week. We've decided not to go back there ever...they've made one of the four of us mad at one point or another, so screw them! I need to find a new restaurant...

Interesting

I've never had one... Is this an omen?? ;)

You Are a Mai Tai

You aren't a big drinker, but you'll drink if the atmosphere is festive. And when you're drunk, watch out! You're easily carried away.

What Mixed Drink Are You?

No more driving in heavy rain...

It was a rainy day today...this morning it was raining rather heavily. I venture out the door on my way to work around 7:45. I decide instead of driving my normal route down 216, I decided to drive down below the house and jump on the interstate. I drive about 55-60 mph from there almost all the way to work due to the heavy rain...

However, about 15 miles into my trip, I get a big, fat, freakin' scare of a lifetime!!!

I'm driving down the interstate and am already paranoid about water building up on the road...and have to hang on tight to the steering wheel a few times... I get to the Tuscaloosa/Jefferson County line when my day nearly becomes REALLY bad... I hit a big, REALLY BIG patch of water. I find out real quick I'm not going to stop my car. It was all I could do to keep the car in my lane. Well, this story could be almost identical to any story about someone hydroplaning on a road.

Of couse, this must go one step further.

On this particular section of interstate, there is a large barrier in between the east bound and west bound lanes... As I'm sliding across the water...I see HEADLIGHTS...AIMED AT ME! Apparently a car hit the same patch of water going much faster then I was...and had spun around...and ended up on the far left side of the road...aimed the WRONG WAY... Due to hydroplaning, I was headed for the far left side...thinking I was about to hit the barrier...but then notice the headlights and the car!!!! The last thing I remember thinking as I was doing my best to control my car, which was out of control at this point, was, "Oh God, this is it"...and I started to prepare for the huge impact that was coming!

Somehow...my tires gripped the road as I was about 15 yards from the car...and I was able to get back on my side of the road... I came within 3 feet of actually clipping the car! I can't imagine what was going through the mind of the person in the other car!!!

My......God..... I thought I was going to have to stop the car and throw-up. I came so close to being hurt really bad...if not killed! My back was hurting so bad afterwards...since my body was preparing for impact. I hope the unfortunate person who spun around and was probably waiting to get back in the road when I came by made it out of there ok...

Thank God I'm a somewhat steady driver... Not many people would have been able to manuver through that!

The rest of the day was rather exhausting...I'm planning on going to sleep a little early tonight.

Yawn.......

I'm so SLEEPY!! ;) I was up a little too late last night...and today has just drug on so slowly.

I'm beginning to hate work again...maybe it will pass...if not, I might be job hunting sooner or later. I'm getting a little tired of the spiteful, jaded world of news...

I'm watching the Lincoln documentary on The History Channel...pretty good stuff! Looks like something I'd try to produce if I had the time and money!

I can't leave for a few hours...

I send an email in to work Saturday morning...some breaking news occurs overnight and I caught wind of it. I go to the website and of course...no mention of anything. I send an email in and tell someone to POST IT! Is it posted?? No. Am I going to pitch a fit? Hell yes! I am NOT HAPPY about this... All someone needed to do was copy and paste this...maybe make a few cosmetic adjustments...that's about it. I will be "laying down the law" in regards to this and other things this week, though. A mandate from the corporate goons was that "this is the year of multimedia in the media biz." This means I WILL NEED HELP! If I don't get coorperation from that blasted newsroom, I will bring in some "forces" and I will "take care of it!" My goal for 2006 is to beat the other stations as often as possible on the web to just about everything. So far I was getting the job done! Grr!

Zook and I took a trip down to Brock's house in Opelika Saturday. This was the first time I've seen him since we graduated (May 2004). I think I was out of the country when he moved down that way...and I just haven't been able to get down there like I probably should have already. It was good to go down for a visit, and his wife was nice enough to cook for us! I'll probably be making another trip down there soon due to work...and if I want to visit again any time soon, I'd probably have to anyway...his wife will have their baby in about 8 more weeks!

And this week I'll be seeing more friends... Jill will be coming into town for a visit and to pick up Lori...and they'll be flying back to South Bend on Thursday. I haven't seen Jill since July...so it'll be nice to pick on her a bit... I saw Lori back in December...but it's always nice to see old friends occasionally (and for all of us TV people to find another restaurant we could potentially be kicked out of! ;)).

Word... ;)

Another busy day...now I feel like crap! All three of my sisters kids have been sick with some sort of bug...and I'm afraid I might have caught it. I need to shake it soon...I'm planning a trip to Opelika Saturday, and I'd like to be well! Otherwise, nothing all that big going on lately...

I've been so freakin' busy this week...

I've only worked two days this week and I've already worked myself into exhaustion! It's not because I took the rest of my vacation left over...all this new work that's popped up that needed attention is getting me.

*WARNING...I'M ON MY SOAPBOX FOR THE REST OF THIS POST!* ;)

By now, most of you have heard about the mine disaster in West Virginia...and the "debockle" over whether the miners were alive or dead. I watched a few pundits (I don't call them journalists by any means) discuss it. In one instance, it almost seemed like one network placed all blame on anybody but themselves. However, as one professional that was interviewed put it, couldn't everyone have said "they are reportedly alive?" This person went on to say the term "unconfirmed" would have been just as useful...just to be on the safe side...until they saw the miners brought out ALIVE!

Being a former news assignment editor, I know the value of MAKING DAMN SURE your right. But, speaking as a professional in the news business, there are too many "hot dogs" out there who have to be FIRST...even if they're not right. But what happens to these "hot dogs" when they have to retract a story?? Do they apologize?? Do they say to themselves and their newsroom, "Folks...we need to do better...and make sure we know damn sure next time!" It's always been my belief to above all be correct...even if you're not first...because I've seen first hand news people in my market botch something not quite as serious...but there are probably next to no ramifications... Should something be done about this?? Should news outlets be held accountable??

On the flipside...I can't completely complain about the newspeople getting it totally wrong...seeing as how the freakin' coal company had the wrong information too (so they say)...and after they found out for sure there was only one survivor...they still waited longer then they should have before telling the family. I call that flat-out wrong!

But back to the media...I did see where most networks and local stations had crews at the local hospital...where, caught on video, hospital employees said they had heard more survivors were coming...but none had shown up...and nobody had called them saying more were coming or "nevermind."

After hour one, a good old "hang on just a second..." should have been uttered...and a good producer should have asked the question, "What the hell??" If I was a producer doing live coverage of this, I would have had everyone in my newsroom on the phones looking for the "survivors." Why did only one ambulance with one survivor leave and no others?? Something would have defintley not been right...at least in my mind.

My opinion? The mine is primarily at fault...but eveyr blasted media outlet should apologize for jumping the gun...and I mean every single network to every single tv affiliate...to every single paper and magazine who got it wrong!

This is very similar to the 1972 olympics in Munich...where several Israeli athletes where held hostage...and killed... Everyone got that wrong, too...except one sports announcer, whose name I cannot remember... It's called being very, VERY careful with what you say...especially in situations like this.

And as the son of a coal miner who witnessed a very similar tragedy in my own hometown, my thoughts are with the families...and may God have mercy on the soul-less coal company executives!

Happy 2006!

Yipee! It's 2006! Whoop-dee-freggin'-doo! ;) So far so good, at least...this being January 2!

Not much of anything has happened in the last few days... It has been kind of quiet. Well, in a few more days one of my last close friends will be moving off somewhere. Only three hours away, as opposed to a 14-hour plane ride to China to see the other one...but he'll be back sometime in June. It's looking like I'll be waiting until around August (no thanks to him!! :P) before I go on vacation. I can't do another late March/early April vacation again. When I go to the beach...I like it hot...without all the dang rain.

T minus about two weeks (give or take...maybe it'll be next week) before my trip to Columbus GA to do a little work at another station. Gotta work on getting a few things organized, operational and implemented. The ole "nixie the nazi" attitude may come out on this trip...only because the management at this station makes me think they'll drive my counterpart crazy and she'll run screaming! I just want all bases covered...because if she goes...I get to deal with the work...and I've got plenty to deal with where I am.

Here's a summary of my holiday:
*Ate
*Played video games with the newphews and nieces
*Ate pie
*Watched TV
*Ate again
*Made my neighborhood sound like a "war zone" (New Year's Eve...shooting of the fireworks!)
*Managed not to drink too much this New Year's...though nobody who was over did...
*Looked back and decided I ate waaaaay too much!

Oh well...I think I'll live! ;)