Here comes Sparky

Hi all,

I went to the dog track on Monday, and it was tough to get there. Traffic on I-75 was bumper to bumper for twenty miles. So what is usually a forty five minute trip took me three hours. I only got to see four races, but it is a definate I'll be back sometime in the near future. You probably don't know this, but I am pretty good at handicapping horses. I have a tendancy to win more than I lose. Dogs are another breed, pun intennded, and its tougher to handicap them. But it doesn't discourage me from trying once in a while.

We broke a story that will most likely hit nationally in the next few weeks. The US Border Patrol is cracking down, or how they like to call it "enhancing enforcement", of perscription drugs entering the country. A lot of seniors down here weren't getting their meds from Canada, which they have been doing for years. US Customs are saying its illegal to get meds via mail or corrier service. (i.e. FedEx, UPS, ect.) However, Senator Bill Nelson had talked to the head of the FDA, who said a 90-day personal supply is allowed via mail or corrier. And the kicker--this crackdown happened last November, the same time you could start signing up for Medicare part D. Don't be surprised to haer this as an issue in the next election.

Nothing else is going on. Probably just relax during my weekend. I am going to Orlando in three weeks to enjoy some wrestling and Universal studios.

Laters.

P.S. Sparky is the rabbit the dogs chase at the Naples-Ft. Myers dog track.

Lent or Re-Lent

First off, I have subscribed to Match.com for a month. For those who got the link from me via Match, welcome. I recommend skipping the ehtics post unless you want to know more about what kind of ethics I have to go through in my job and the job of reporters. It's more serious.

On that note, the interrigation tapes leaked to the local newspaper of the Cooper and his girlfriend Kellie Ballew. I won't get into details, but all you have to know is that Kellie admitted to sleeping with Mr. Andrews, and that Cooper is saying he knew about it. Still denies guilt of the crime.

Even though I am not a strict catholic, I am giving up soda and McDonald's for Lent. I figure it will help me lose a few pounds, now that I am trying to get myself health again.

As for work, it has been stressful. The boss has been on my case all week, and I was thankful that the weekend came when I don't have to worry about him looking over my shoulder. He has been critical of me lately and just has been in a bad mood towards me. It will pass more than likely.

Got to see part of the Edison Festival of Lights Parade. It was pretty cool, considering the only other parade I saw at night was the one at Disneyland. I was at the statium shooting video, so I had pretty good light and a pretty good spot seeing the floats and bands. "Baby V" Vonzell was there half way through the parade which made my job a little tougher via time constrants. But I was able to get everything done before air.

I have a boat piece that will air today. I think it will actually turn out well. I was afraid of it being shaky, but it turned out stead. We were in the river and not the gulf, so it helped.

That's it for now. Laters.

It's a Question of Ethics

Hi all,

First a correction to my last post. No bench warrent was issued. It was a miscommunication between the sheriff's department and us.

I was watching the movie "Mad City" the other day, and although portions were definately exaggerated (an intern getting a network gig that quick--ha!) but anyhow, it did bring up ethical questions we news people that a lot of people outside of news don't know.

First, save a person from danger first, and make sure they are safe--than get video. If ytou can do both at once do so. But the persons well-being is your first priority.

The Fox News slogan for the entire country is "Fair and Balanced" news, which means cover all sides and state all opinions. I do hear critism and praise about the network coverage, but as for our local coverage, we have been trying to adhear to it as much as possible. And since our new news director came in, it has been a lot better.

There is a limit that we here at the station can show and say to the public. We try to be respectful and not to judge people on our newscasts. As much as you see in movie and tv, the difference between tabloid journalism and us is that and that we make sure to have crediable sources in our news, plus opinions from the public. But it seems a certain station here hasn't had much decession when it came to the Andrews' murder case.

You can read the story at http://www.nbc2.com/showscripts/060209_NBC11pm.htm#GATEWAY

They went to explicit detail on the case that may have embarrassed the victims' and was not prudent to the viewers. Plus they may have screwed up the justice process, as mental illness was mentioned--leaving an insanity plea open. Plus this kind of coverage may have given the defence for a possible change of venue.

From what we heard from the district attorney, off the record, she was angry at the way the story was covered and doesn't blame us for another tv station's coverage of the story. But there is a limit that we adhear to here. Feel free to ask, and I can tell you what we will and won't do.

It doesn't mean we don't tee off public officials from time to time. One of the Public relation officers wasn't happy with our coverage of a suspected police beating of an African American man we did last night. We did both sides of the story and they weren't happy about the way they were represented. We were fair from my prespective and the police has basically denied that there is a problem with the police and minorities. To be fair, I posted the story here:

http://www.geocities.com/pushbenoit/4story.html

Sorry to rant--next post will be more personal. Laters.

-MarQ

A Royal Stroke of Luck

Ever since I got back from NYC, things have been, well, better. I do kinda feel a bit weird, but from what I hear, it was my vacation. My shooting is better, my libedo is up, and I am overall feeling better. To top this, listen to what happened last Sunday...

I had the day off initially because I wanted to go to the WWE Royal Rumble in Miami. I however, didn't have the money to go because of the NYC trip. My roommate calls be up Sunday morning and asked me why I had the day off. I mentioned the event, and he said he would let me borrow some money to go. I was off to Miami.

Side note: The trip from Ft. Myers to Miami reminds me of Montana--a lot of land with just rest areas in between.

So I head to the arena, which I was gracious that my van had ran like a champ. I had heard the words "sold out" throughout the week, but, being the informed wrestling fan that I am, knew they kept some tickets put away for last minute fans like myself. And I figured there might be scalpers, which there weren't strangely enough.

The ticket booth said "we may have some seats, but there is no guareentee of it" and made us wait three and a half hours until a final "we have seats for $42" came ringing. I got my ticket and waited to get into the arena. I then read my ticket---FLOOR row 10, seat 6. I had gotten floor tickets. I couldn't believe it.

A few matches in, myself and a couple next to me were moved to which were better seats--level with the ring one row up. I had a great view of the ring, and the enterance ramp. I wouldn't be surprised if I was on ppv a few times in the distance. The only bad thing--no camera.

So I headed back home happy. I had to go to Orlando the next day to get one of our live trucks, so I got to see the outskirts of Tampa and Orlando, sorry to say didn't get to actually stay.

I have to update you on the Andrerw's muder case. Mr. Cooper was charged the other day with two counts of first degree murder. The wife was affixiated and the husband died from a gunshot wound. Plus a bench warrant was issued for someone, but they won't say who. Right now, money is on the girlfriend, who seems to be guilty of aiding and abedding a felon and accessory after the fact.

That's all for now. Laters.