WBTV News This Morning

Fixing The Economy

noreply@blogger.com (ProducerBecky) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:03:00 +0000

The economy is a scary topic. Everyday the housing market and credit crunch seem to worsen and banks and investment firms continue to fold.

I'm just glad I'm not a lawmaker right now. Trying to figure out the right course of action seems very daunting. The President has proposed a 700 billion dollar emergency relief bill. Congress is in the midst of trying to hatch out the final details to that bill. There's a lot to consider and a lot on the line. We all know something needs to be done but no-one seems to agree on what that is.

Republican lawmakers say the bill creates too much of a burden on taxpayers who in the end are footing the bailout. Democratic lawmakers say there needs to be more legislation preventing this disaster from happening again. It's hard not to agree with both sides.

If the government doesn't step in and help bailout these banks, our country will probably go into financial disaster. Although I understand that, there's still a part of me that wants to see the banks and mortgage lenders punished.

In my opinion criminal charges should be brought against the people who encouraged borrowers to lie on their loan applications. Charges should be filed against the top execs who told lenders to worry about getting a lot of loans instead of worrying about how solid the loans were. Currently the FBI is investigating some of the top banks and corporations for fraud and I'll be very interested to see what investigators find.

The saddest part is watching people who are being financially punished for things other people caused. People who have good credit and bought their homes the right way, now can't sell those homes. The people who have good but not perfect credit now can't buy homes. People who have their retirement plans invested in the stock market are now unsure if their money will even be there in a few years.

I'm not saying hope is lost because history tells us things will turn around. They always do. But now's a good time to really pay attention to what is going on in the economy and with our leaders.

Election time is a little more than a month away. All I can hope for is that people really research the issues and research the candidates. Right now the most important thing is being informed when heading to the polls.

Panic at the Pump?

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:55:00 +0000

Gas shortage.

It's been the big story, and sadly, we shouldn't talk about it.

At least thats what some people are saying. Right now, "The Media" is in a tight spot with the shortages... "Darned if you do, Darned if you don't."

As part of "The Media" I just don't know how I feel about the situation.

I understand people don't want us to "cause a panic" by saying stuff like "Oh no, there is NO GAS ANYWHERE and NONE IS COMING!" As a station, I think WBTV and the Morning Show specifically have been doing a good job at reporting what is happening in Charlotte and the general area.

But no matter what... we still have people blaming "The Media" because they can't find gas.

The last couple days the Morning Show has tried to give you, the viewer, a heads up by telling you where you CAN find gas... so you don't have to waste gas by searching around.

Not everyone likes this...

"It's my impression, overall, that the heavy media reporting - by the minute - on where Gas is, is probably contributing somewhat to the super-bad line-ups you keep showing. Leave people to find it on their own!"

That is a portion of an e-mail we received early this morning. The viewer felt we shouldn't tell people where to go... let them find the gas themselves.

Now... I'm not trying to stir up problems - I really do want to know what you think. Which is more irresponsible for the media - not telling people about the gas problem and let them find stations on their own.... or telling them about the problem, and telling them where gas is (possibly causing even more people to show up than word of mouth)?

Please comment your opinions, or e-mail us at inbox@wbtv.com.

Special Thanks To A Stranger

noreply@blogger.com (ProducerBecky) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:15:00 +0000

I have a special thanks this morning to someone I don't know.

Late last night I got a flat tire while driving to work. I was in an area that was not very safe and it was dark.

After realizing I had a flat, I put on my caution lights and pulled over to the side of the road. In a panic I called my boyfriend, hoping he could come help me change the tire. He did not answer.
In all fairness he was probably already in bed but one would think three panic calls would wake him up. They did not.

I knew I could call AAA but experience would tell me, I would wait for about two hours. As I sat in my car and pondered what my next move would be. I saw a car slow in front of me and pull over.

Now I've seen all the horror stories, I work in the news afterall, I know how dangerous it can be accepting help from strangers. But he came over and asked if I needed help. He said he worked for the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA). I figured he was trustworthy enough and honestly I was pretty much out of options.

In about 20 minutes he had my tire changed and I was off on my way to work. I know he's probably never going to see this blog but if he does, I'm very very thankful for his help. I work in a business when a lot of times I see the worst of human nature, and although this could be considered a small favor, it is nice to know there are people out there who care.

Oh and I am going to make it my next project to learn how to change my own tire!

Injured While... Texting?

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:29:00 +0000

Looks like there is an increased number of people heading to the emergency room because of text messages.

No, they don't have Texting Thumb.

(Click the picture for the video)

They are getting injured because they get distracted while texting, when they are doing something else.

That means more people are running into walls, into lampposts and tripping off curbs!

How Cool Are You?

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:55:00 +0000

There's yet another search engine available starting today, for those of you looking for something other than Yahoo and Google.

It's called Cuil.com (Pronounced "Cool")

The site was created by a couple of ex-Google engineers, and of course their goal is to take down the Big Daddy!

I know they are just starting, but I kinda wish there was a "Cuil News" section... but thats just the news dork in me.

But there is a bonus - the Panther Colors!

Need to Leave a Voicemail?

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:50:00 +0000

There's a new way for you to call someone and leave bad news, if you have a Conversation Avoidance!

Sly Dial is a free service offering a reprieve from awkward or hectic moments by letting people leave messages for other people without actually talking to them.

Sly Dial connects users directly with another person's cell phone voice mail, bypassing the rings.

So... how can you be sly?

Call (267) SLY-DIAL from a cell phone or landline that has the caller ID feature activated... you can leave that awkward message without having to talk!

We tried it... just ask John! LOL

Want to be a Buddy?

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:46:00 +0000

Barbara is looking for five people to help her in her quest to get healthy.

Are you the one? Can you help?

Find out more about Barbara's Buddies, by checking out the Barbara's Buddies blog!

Barbara's Buddies
We want you to join us, in our quest for a health life!

Miss USA Falls

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:20:00 +0000

Okay.

I'll be honest. I'm one of those people who takes pleasure in laughing when other people fall. In fact, I "People Watch" all the time... just HOPING someone will trip and try to pull the "no one saw that" bit. I can't help it, it makes me laugh.

But, I fall too & I trip all the time, which may be why I like laughing at other people falling... because I'm not alone.

I also like watching people run into walls and glass/screen doors, but that's another story.

So... I did get a big kick when I saw that Miss USA fell during the Miss Universe last night. Sure it sucks for her, and she probably killed her chance at winning (since she WAS in the top ten), but it still made me laugh.

She does this weird clapping thing when she gets up. I'm not sure if its just frustration, or a "Look, I'm okay!" kinda thing. Either way... kinda weird.

Watch the video for yourself that we found on YouTube!

And if that wasn't funny enough, some kids in Texas (Miss USA's home state) have already made a video making fun of her.

And I thought I had too much time on my hands...

Check it out and get a good laugh!

A Rose by Any Other Name...

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:25:00 +0000

What's in a name? Every year they release the most popular names from the year before, but this year there a slight twist... the list from 1950 as well!

Funny thing is, most of the people on the morning show, are on the list... John & Barbara from the 1950's list... me and Suchan from the new list.

Good news for Michael Handy - Michael is one of only two repeats on the list!

Sorry Becky (Rebecca), you didn't make the list!

Here's the list, if you want to see!

Most popular boy/girl baby names in 1950:

1. James / Linda
2. Robert / Mary
3. John / Patricia
4. Michael / Barbara
5. David / Susan
6. William / Nancy
7. Richard / Deborah
8. Thomas / Sandra
9. Charles / Carol
10. Gary / Kathleen

Here's the list from last year:

1. Jacob / Emily
2. Michael / Isabella
3. Ethan / Emma
4. Joshua / Ava
5. Daniel / Madison
6. Christopher / Sophia
7. Anthony / Olivia
8. William / Abigail
9. Matthew / Hannah
10. Andrew / Elizabeth

Hurricane Bertha... Again

noreply@blogger.com (ProducerBecky) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:38:00 +0000

Monday morning, Tropical Storm Bertha turned into Hurricane Bertha. If that name sounds familiar to you, it's because back in 1996 Hurricane Bertha made landfall in North Carolina. Ironically it was also about the same time of year.

Although the 1996 Hurricane Bertha was not particulary memorable to most folks, I remember it quite well. I'm not from North Carolina and up until about two years ago, I never lived here. But I did vacation along the outer banks almost every summer growing up.

I was at the Outer Banks when Hurricane Bertha hit. I was 13 at the time, so I remember it, but my memories are kinda vague. The hardest thing for me to remember is the time frame, of when I learned there was a hurricane coming and when it actually hit. So I'm trying to write this, the best I can.

I remember the week started out pretty good, with some good days at the beach. Then I remember it began getting really dark and cloudy outside. I didn't think much about it until I saw my parents watching the weather forecast more intently than normal.

That's when my parents said there was a hurricane coming in a day or two. I wasn't scared and I don't think they were either. Mainly just concerned. I on the other hand was excited! I was too young to realize how dangerous hurricanes were, especially not growing up around them. When they told me we might leave early, I wanted to ride out the storm!

I do know we went out to eat at one point and on the way back to our beach house, we saw some other houses in the water. The stilts were in the water. I also remember red "no swimming" flags up on the beaches.

It was around that time that my parents decided to pack up and head back home. I remember them saying that the area was going to be evacuated in about a day. I have no idea how they knew that. But I remember my parents making the decision to leave before the evacuation orders.

If I remember correctly we left the night before the area was evacuated to the mainland. The most vivid thing that stands out is my dad filled up the mini van with gas a day before the chaos. There were no lines. Then the day after leaving, we saw the tv footage, of line after line at the gas station and a long line of cars trying to leave. My parents were smart, they stayed one step ahead of the storm.

We were probably never in any real danger. Not since we left the night before the evacuations. But a total of 8 people ended up dying as result of Hurricane Bertha. So let's hope history doesn't repeat itself with this current storm.

Special 4th of July Pledge

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:38:00 +0000

We ended today's show with little Kasey-Lyn's 4th of July Pledge.

(Click Picture to Watch)

Hope you enjoy!

Have a great 4th of July.

Happy 4th of July!!!

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:32:00 +0000

We just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy & SAFE 4th of July.

So many options of things to do for the 4th, we hope everyone has a great time and enjoys the long weekend!

Here's a great video sent to us by a viewer of her 2.5 year old daughter saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Thanks for the video!

Click the picture to watch!

Happy 4th of July!!!

Sports...the Final Decision.

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 02:26:00 +0000

We asked you, and we got an overwhelming response.

You either love or hate the way John does his sports... there doesn't seem to be many people in between. John got a TON of e-mail response with a VAST majority saying they loved how he did sports, and begging him not to change.

But there were a few who said "Knock it off, buddy!"

When it comes to the poll we posted "John's Sports: Too Loud?":

66% - "Heck No! Turn it Up!"
22% - "Always...I Have to Mute the TV"
16% - "Who Cares? He's Just Going to Talk About App State"

And in the last few days, that 16% has gotten their money's worth... App State has been nominated for an ESPY Award for it's upset over Michigan in last year's season opener.

Davidson College's Stephen Curry also got a nomination for Best Breakthrough Athlete.

You can vote online until July 12th.

Life is Tough, Are You?

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:52:00 +0000

The following is an e-mail forward from my Mom, she loves these things.

When I read this one, it hit a nerve. We all have bad days, but how DO you react.

Kinda makes you think...

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

After about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

License Plate Lingo: What Does Your Tag Mean?

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:49:00 +0000

A grandmother is North Carolina is mad...and she wants everyone to know about it!

She got a new liscense plate from the North Carolina D.M.V. with the tag WTF and four numbers after. She put it on her car, no problems.

Everything was fine until her grandchildren came up to her and told her that "WTF" was a vulger phrase in text / online chat lingo.

It means "What the F@ck?"

Yes, I muted it a little...obviously, I'm not going to be the one to write it!

Anyways, she went to the DMV and discovered more than 10,000 people have those three letters on their plate. Now the NC DMV says it will replace all plates, if the drivers want.

I'll use a little more chat lingo to summarize...

LOL.

Don't Get Duped: HD-TV Transition

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:47:00 +0000

If you've ever heard of a company called Universal TechTronics, you may want to think twice about doing business with them.

That's because the Better Business Bureau says that company is preying on the confusion over the February conversion from analog to digital T-V.

The BBB says the Ohio Based Universal TechTronics, which also does business under the name Heat Surge LLC, and advertises all over the country is selling something you don't need to buy. At least not at their rate!

The investigation has generated quite the blogging buzz.

The BBB's investigation found the company is offering so-called free digital converter boxes. BUT....in order to get it, you have to buy a 5-year warranty for $59.
When you add in shipping and handling, you're now looking at almost $100. So in essence, it can be argued that you're paying nearly $100 for the box.

But here's the thing - you can buy the same or similar digital converter boxes at retailers using the $40 coupons being offered by the government's DTV program.
That government coupon brings the cost down to $20.

Don't Get Duped.

The Better Business Bureau has gotten nearly 200 complaints in the last nine months about Universal TechTronics.

The issues range from slow delivery, folks just not getting the product, and folks have a tough time reaching customer service.

As for accurate answers about the whole transition from analog to digital T-V, you can call the DTV hotline. That number is 888-DTV-2009.

You can also get answers online:
www.dtv2009.gov/FAQ.aspx
www.DTVAnswers.com

John on Sports

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:44:00 +0000

SPORTS!

That's right...John's enthusiasm when it comes to his love for sports is getting him in trouble. A viewer wrote in to tell him to turn it down, or they are leaving. So John read the e-mail on-air and tried a more toned down version...

...but that didn't work. Dozens of people e-mailed in, and asked for the old John Carter back!

So...for now, heeeee's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Should John tone it down?

Click the picture of John below, to watch the sportscast and tell us what you think!

Too Much Enthusiasm??

Money, Money, Money!

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:17:00 +0000

Okay...maybe I'm just excited because I just got my economic stimulus check from the IRS. Most people here on the morning show already got their checks, so when I got mine, I was H-A-P-P-Y!

I didn't really even need time to think about what I'm doing with my money, I'm saving for a house. So...that was pretty much a no brainer!

But...what are other people doing?

I checked around, and there is a new blog that ask just that question. It's called How I Spent My Stimulus. On the blog, people can go and post their personal stories, and their plans for the extra cash. I saw some pretty reasonable plans, like buying gas and paying bills...and some fun ideas like skydiving and trips!

Some people even tell why they weren't even eligible for the money.

While cruising the page, I came across an interesting blog. The man did the math and figured out the $600 check most people are getting...adds up to $1.64 a day.

So the guy is planning to spend $1.64 every day, and is posting what he buys. It's an interesting idea. Apparently, he's a lot more dedicated about blogging than some of us! Check it out!

So how are you spending your money from the stimulus plan? Comment us, or e-mail us at inbox@wbtv.com.

Go Heavy On Fun, Not Your Wallet!

noreply@blogger.com (ProducerBecky) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:35:00 +0000

Many of you may want to take a vacation but aren't sure if you can afford it. There are many appealing vacations out there like Hawaii, going overseas, or taking the kids to Disney World but those vacations are becoming increasingly expensive with rising gas prices. Another option? Stay closer to home. I'm hoping my experience can help save you some money!

This past week I took a vacation. I had two goals in mind 1. Relax 2. Not break the bank. I decided to go to Emerald Isle, NC.

This vacation was a lot different from last year's trip to the Florida Keys which was a very expensive trip. We drove from Charlotte, it took about 12 hours to get to Key Largo and then another 2 hours or so to get to Key West.

Although we wanted to save as much money as possible, it still ended up costing more than $2,000 for two people. That included gas, board, 3 days of scuba diving, dining out, and camping. We tried to save money by camping but it still cost a lot. That was a year ago, before gas prices hit $4 a gallon. I can't imagine what that drive would cost this year!

Needless to say this year we decided to stay closer to Charlotte.

We picked Emerald Isle, because neither of us had been there. It wasn't too far away, about 5 and a half hours from Charlotte, and we could get some good deals. Plus there was some great stuff to see and do.

First we waited until the last minute to book the house. That is always risky because there are slim pickings but it also helped us get a better deal. We didn't need anything big. Instead of renting a two bedroom Condo or beach house. We rented a studio complex. It wasn't great but it was perfect for what we needed. There was just two of us. It had a functional kitchen, a queen size bed, and a couch with a pull out bed. The best part, it was across the street from the beach!

The house cost us $600 for the week. 2 bedroom condos cost $700 to $800 and houses cost anywhere from 1,500 to 5,000.

Second we negotiated. We asked if they could come down on the price. They gave us a $50 gas voucher. It wasn't a lot but it really helped. The whole trip cost $100 in gas. That was round trip plus all the driving we did while on the island. With the voucher the cost of getting there was covered. We just had to pay to get back home.

Third, we saved a lot of money by buying groceries and limiting the amount we ate out. At the beginning of the week, we bought everything we would need for lunch, breakfast, and 5 dinners. On the last night we went out to a nice seafood restaurant. The groceries cost us about $100 but imagine how much it would cost to go out for every breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus some of it we could take back home with us.

When it came to entertainment there was a lot of fun things to do. We obviously spent a lot of time at the beach, which didn't cost a thing. We were lucky, we had perfect weather. Between the weather and the warm water, it was an easy choice to go to the beach everyday.

On the Island there were the usual things to do, hang out at the beach, play putt putt, see a movie, go shopping, and check out the aquarium. But there were some other really neat things to check out.

Fort Macon was only about ten minutes from where we stayed. It was a U.S. fort used during the Civil War. It was right on the coast and free to get in. People could roam around inside the fort, get on top and check out the view, and see how soldiers would have lived there.

From Morehead City you could take a ferry to a remote island with wild horses. The horses were beautiful and completely wild. They had been there since old shipwrecks. Apparently decades ago many ships would get stuck on the sand bars. The crew would dump the livestock overboard to loosen the load. The horses survived and are still there today. The Ferry ride did cost $25 for an adult to ride. It was less for children.

There was also some ghost tours and museums to check out.

In all it was a good trip and a great way to relax. There was plenty to do. We ended up spending about half of what we spent the year before.

WBTV Softball Pictures!

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:26:00 +0000

Here are some pictures from our game on Saturday. The temperatures were HOT...we were not. We lost, but it's okay - we had fun!

Photos Courtesy: Kara Edwards

Barb's Testing Out a New Look!

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:01:00 +0000

Barb's thinking about getting a new look, and Sean O'Connell had just the answer. This is a prop from Adam Sandler's "You Don't Mess With Zohan" movie.

Our news director thinks he might like the new look - but what do you think?

Send us some feedback!

inbox@wbtv.com or bpinson@wbtv.com

-----

BLOG EDIT!

...Whiz felt left out.

Looks good, no?

Where Have All The Heroes Gone?

noreply@blogger.com (ProducerBecky) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:59:00 +0000

Everyday we hear about heroes. Those people who sacrifice life and limb for complete strangers. For all those great stories, there's one that just makes you angry.

I've been in the news business for awhile now, and I grew up with a police officer for a dad. I'm used to hearing about bad things. Nothing surprises me anymore, but plenty still angers me.

You may have seen the video (WBTV News This Morning chose not to air it). An elderly man was hit by a car while crossing the road in Hartford, Connecticut. Two drivers were driving erratically and one ended up hitting him. Both cars drove off. The whole thing was caught on tape.

As disturbing as the actual video was, it was nothing compared to what happened next. The accident happened on a busy road next to a busy sidewalk. Plenty of people saw it happen and plenty of drivers came up afterwards.

So someone immediately rushed over and checked for vitals, right?

Someone dialed 9-1-1, right?

You'd be wrong on both counts.

No-one did a thing. Not the driver that hit him, not the people that saw it happen, and not the motorists who drove up afterward. In fact some motorists swerved around the man's body like they were swerving to miss a pothole. Luckily a police officer responding to a different call came up on the incident a few minutes after it happened.

This makes me sick. It doesn't take a lot to pick up the phone and call 9-1-1. It doesn't take much to walk over to the man and check for a pulse. This is basic! I know police in that city are outraged, I just hope they find the driver who left the scene. I also hope they find a way to punish those who just watched and did nothing. I don't know that they can or will but maybe they should.

What ever happened to the golden rule, do unto others that you would have done to you? Would you like it if your elderly father was hit by a car and left on the street?

By the way, the man is still alive, barely. He's paralyzed and in a lot of pain.

For as many stories that give me hope in humankind, there's one that takes it right away.

Remembering Bobby: 40 Years Later

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:53:00 +0000

On the heels of Becky's blog, David Whisenant wanted to share what he remembered about the day Bobby Kennedy was killed.

Here's what he writes:

"It was one of those moments you never forget, one that brings back memories of where you were, what you were doing when you heard the news. Bobby Kennedy was shot 40 years ago today. I was just 7 at the time, but I remember it clearly. My family was vacationing at the Cabana Terrace Motel in North Myrtle Beach. We didn't hear the news the night it happened, but the next morning I distinctly remember that the music being played over the speakers around the pool was interrupted by a news bulletin that Kennedy had died.

There were so many images from that moment that have stuck with me over the years. I remember the film of Kennedy making his victory speech after winning the California primary. The ballroom of the Ambassador Hotel was filled with supporters, most appeared to be young, maybe college students. Kennedy was at the podium with his wife Ethel by his side...then the next film clips I remember are the ones that showed the same people crying, clutching tissues to their faces. Then there was the film of Kennedy on the floor of the kitchen in the hotel. Two men were supporting his head, at one point Kennedy's arm was raised up. I think, and I'm not sure about this, but I think I remember that a bus boy at the Ambassador Hotel ran to help Kennedy and he was one of the men holding him while they waited for ambulances to arrive.

There was also the image of Rosey Grier, the huge football player, actor, and needlepoint hobbyist, grabbing the gun still in the hand of Sirhan Sirhan. If I remember correctly, Grier and another man may have broken Sirhan's fingers or hand as they struggled to grab the gun. I also remember the first photographs of Sirhan Sirhan. He looked like an improbable assassin, so young, so confused.
As Americans we would witness a lot more violence in the years following that shooting, the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the violence at the Democratic Convention were two of the notable events.

Regardless of your politics, the assassination of Bobby Kennedy was a tragic event in our nation's history. I still have the Newsweek magazine that came out following the shooting. For me, anniversaries, like the one we note today, aren't just markers of time, they are true milestones of some of the history I've been able to experience outside the confines of a text book."

40 Years Later: Bobby Kennedy's Assassination

noreply@blogger.com (ProducerBecky) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:24:00 +0000

40 years ago today, Presidential Candidate Robert Kennedy was shot. He died a day later on June 6, 1968. As we head into Campaign 2008, perhaps there are parallels to be made and lessons to be learned.

I wasn't alive at the time of the shooting, in fact my mother was only 10 years old.

It is hard for me to imagine what the country was going through at that time. They were still healing from the loss of his older brother, President John F. Kennedy. Plus the country was immersed in a losing war that was splitting the nation in two. Hundreds of troops were dying daily in Vietnam and the battleground at home wasn't much better.

Bobby Kennedy was supposed to be the solution. The man who would bridge together a country and end the war. We'll never know if he would have lived up to those expectations. We do know, a lot of hope was dashed on June 5th. We also know after Kennedy's assassination it took nearly 7 more years to end the war. We saw more violence, more protests, and the Kent State Massacre following his assassination.

Would those things have happened had Kennedy not been assassinated? There's no way to ever know.

Times got worse before they got better but the country eventually moved on. It took two assassinations, the end of the Vietnam War, and the fall of a "crooked" Presidency, but things eventually got better.

If anything as we continue into this current election we can take away lessons from the past. If anything we can have hope that things will get better. It doesn't matter who is elected as long as change is on the horizon.

As the seemingly endless war continues and economic times get tougher, just remember we've braved it before.

Memorial Day Weekend...Are You Road-trippin'?

noreply@blogger.com (The Producer) — Fri, 23 May 2008 03:58:00 +0000

A lot of people are staying home this holiday weekend because of gas prices, but some families are still planning to hit the open road. But if you go - are you prepared?

We found a list of the things you'll need to make your family road trip...family fun!

When you're on the road, there are two types of things you'll need: the grown-up stuff, and the kids' stuff. We'll cover both here.

PS - we found this list on Edmunds.com. The author has a blog called The Driving Woman. Check it out!

The List:

Cell phone. We're not suggesting talking while you drive, but if you get lost, blow a tire, overheat an engine or need medical assistance, a cell phone is indispensable. If your adult partner (or teenage child) has a different carrier, have him or her bring a phone as well, because you never know which carrier will have a working signal at any given moment. Don't forget the car charger and the A/C charger as well. If you have (or are planning to buy) a Bluetooth-enabled phone, bear in mind that an increasing number of cars is available with hands-free Bluetooth technology and will allow you to call someone using only your voice.

Detailed maps. OK, sounds obvious, but how many times have you had to stop to ask directions during your lifetime? If you're on a road trip and lose your way, vehicle navigation systems are a gift from heaven. If your car didn't come with a nav system and you have the cash, consider getting an aftermarket unit. At worst, bring detailed maps (not just driving directions) that will show you where you are in case you don't know, uh, where you are. Some maps or guides will also highlight features along the route and the all-important rest stops. Rand McNally, Thomas Brothers and AAA are good places to start. Getting good directions from strangers you meet while traveling is dicey, at best. So don't rely on the guy at that gas station, or you could end up driving in circles.

Entertainment for the kids. We could spend all day on this one. Klutz Press publishes several books/activity packs for kids that will have you singing the company's praises, including Glove Compartment Games and Kids Travel — A Backseat Survival Guide, which has lots of puzzles, connect-the-dots, etc. Also try the Survive the Drive or Travel Tots Web site. Travel Tots features gender-specific backpacks filled with fun stuff for 3- to 9-year-olds. Make these kits a surprise "present" that the kids can unwrap and you win the good parent award…for that hour, at least.

Bring stories on CD or tape and share them together, or have the kids use headphones if you just can't stand Barney one more time. For older kids, satellite radio such as Sirius or XM is a good bet. With hundreds of station choices, chances are you'll find something you can agree upon. Finally, I hate to suggest it, but on long trips, there's nothing better than a DVD player (either as part of an entertainment system installed in the vehicle or a portable unit) or handheld electronic games. Some vehicles even offer gaming system connections so your kids can bring their favorite video games along with them. Naturally, there's always the entertainment fallback, traditional (and free) car games such as "I Spy" and "20 Questions" or "Geography."

Munchies. This cannot be overstated. You need lots of snacks, and lots of variety. Water bottles, juice boxes, individual bags of chips or crackers, grapes (cut in half for little ones to avoid choking), fresh veggies (OK, that's for you), Cheerios, granola bars or yogurt sticks (not cups) that have been frozen (kids love this!). And almost all younger kids calm down a bit when they have milk, so bring along milk boxes that are vacuum-packed and don't need refrigeration. (They can be hard to find; check in the powdered milk area of the grocery store.) Use disposable plastic containers and resealable plastic bags, so the car doesn't resemble a Tupperware party. Remember, kids can't shout while they're busy drinking and eating. Don't forget a couple of bags to hold all the trash, too.

Travel-sized goods. It isn't just shampoo and deodorant that come in travel sizes today. First aid kits, baby wipes, toys (classics like Mastermind and Connect Four, Etch-a-Sketch), hair brushes, disposable plastic placemats and bibs, sunscreen, bug repellent, just about everything comes in a mini version today, saving you a lot of weight in the suitcase and the need to rummage around looking for things. Pack all these things in one bag that is easy to get to, and you'll save not only time but energy as well.

Prescription medicines. If you forget them, you'll be waking your doctor and scrambling for the number of the nearest pharmacy. Also ask your pediatrician about over-the-counter motion sickness medication if you will be traveling on winding roads.

Change of clothing — for everyone. Diapers and underwear included, of course. Bring jackets, too. If you have a young child, it's a good idea to put your name, address and your cell phone numbers on a piece of paper attached to the child's clothing...just in case.

Legal Documents/Legal Tender. Bring driver licenses (for all drivers), IDs, vehicle registration, current insurance card, vehicle title document, AAA card (or other emergency assistance card) and ATM/debit card, credit card and cash. This is what you need in case you get pulled over by police, towed, broken down and so on. Keep them in one place, preferably in your front pants pocket. Front pockets are harder to pick. You also won't risk that moment of panic if you realize your purse is hanging on the back of a chair in the restaurant, 10 miles back.

Favorite blankie or stuffed animal. Torn or ratty, nothing, but nothing, becomes more valuable on a road trip than your child's "lovey." It connects him to home and makes him more comfortable in a strange place. It also helps him sleep. Don't leave home without it.

Shades. If your vehicle's rear windows aren't heavily tinted (and even if they are), you might need a sunshade to keep the sun out of your little ones' eyes. Built-in sunshades are featured on many luxury sedans, and you can also get them on the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey. Several add-on sunshade accessories are available on the Web or in baby stores. Even then, it's a good idea to bring sunglasses for the whole family for those times you step out of the car and into a bright, sunny day.

Finally, you may already have a child safety seat, but is it a comfortable one? The rule of thumb is, the less expensive it is, the less padding there is between Junior and a hard piece of plastic. Check it out: Press down on the fabric...is there a lot of cushion, or will it feel like a rock after an hour? Remember: Keep 'em comfortable, and you'll keep everybody happy.