Saturday, October 27, 2007

Aye-aye Captain Conceited.. I mean, Kirk!

So the other day, Trent - our former Overnight Photographer, pointed out a part of this story to me.

The "crew" for the new Star Trek movie has been announced. Woot woot? I don't know, I'm not much of a Trekkie, but oh well. I didn't really care about this, until.....

"I couldn't believe it. I'm not in the movie at all. Leonard, God bless his heart, is in, but not me."

That's right, I knew William Shatner was NOT a part of the new movie, but who knew that he would be so sad about it.

In fact, Shatner went on to tell the Associated Press..."I thought, what a decision to make, since it obviously is a decision not to make use of the popularity I have to ensure the movie has good box office. It didn't seem to be a wise business decision."

WHAT?!?!?

When's the last time you heard anyone say "Oh wow, William Shatner's in that movie. Let's get in line early to make sure we get in!"

Ummm...yeah.

Beam me up Scottie, this is just getting weird!

By the way, if you care - TV Guide has a look at the new cast.

TopTen Creepiest Characters of All-Time

With Halloween, just days away, thought we'd take a look at who's making the list of the creepiest creatures from the movies!

10. The Spiders, "Arachnophobia"
Arachnophobia created a whole new generation of spider haters. No wonder, the little terrors are tiny, stealth and the definition of creepy crawlers. A feeling of helplessness lingered, when many realized that even the best exterminator could not take care of this problem.

9. Birds, "The Birds"
An entire generation was traumatized by this film. Alfred Hitchcock was a genius at taking seemingly harmless objects, like birds, and turning them into bloodthirsty monsters. Besides, if you’ve ever walked down the boardwalk with french fries in your hand, you know how aggressive birds can really be and that’s creepy!

8. The Shark, "Jaws"
Just admit it, the ocean has never been the same. Who can ever forget that creepy circling fin? Years later, a trip to the beach still conjures up fears of hungry sharks. It’s a movie character that has impacted many lives and recreational fun.

7. The Wicked Witch of the West and Flying Monkeys, "The Wizard of Oz"
Do you remember your heart pounding, saying “Run Toto” as the monkeys chased him? For many children, the Wicked Witch and her flying monkeys were the first introduction to the realm of creepy characters.

On a personal note: Uh yeah, monkeys should NOT be able to fly!

6. The Clown, "Poltergeist"
After watching this movie, anyone that was on the fence about clowns is now officially terrified. Whoever thought that clowns were fun and cute will most certainly change their minds and place any clown dolls under lock and key, so they cannot escape. This clown is as creepy as it gets.

On a personal note: Does anyone remember "IT"? I can't go near the circus or drains!! "BEEP BEEP Richie! They ALL float down here. When you're down here with us, you'll float too!"

5. Norman Bates, "Psycho"
Norman is that one socially awkward person seemingly ready to snap at any moment. We all know at least one person like Norman. He is creepy, because he is real.

4. Freddy Kruger, "A Nightmare on Elm Street"
"1, 2, Freddy’s coming for you…" Any character that can jump into your dreams and kill you while sleeping is creepy. Enough said!

3. Hannibal Lecter, "The Silence of the Lambs"
Just looking at this man will make your skin crawl. What makes Hannibal so creepy is he could be the guy next to you o n an airplane, or in an elevator. He is intelligent, articulate and well-versed; just standing next to him, you would never know about his atrocities.

2. The Child Catcher, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"
Seeing this character for the first time as an adult skews his horridness; however, see him through a child’s eyes and it opens up a world of scary possibilities. A stranger snatching children from their parents is not just a creepy character, it’s a horrifying thought.

1. Vampires
Starting with the first vampire from the 1922 silent film "Nosferatu, a Symphony of Horror," a character deemed so scary the movie was banned in Sweden for excessive horror, and continuing with Bela Lugosi as "Dracula." Vampires are the original creepy characters.

We got this list from TopTenReviews.com. Check it out!

Are You Ready for Some Football?!?!?

I love Saturdays in the fall. Why? College football!

Especially this season, it seems even more unstable than usual, with teams falling into an out of the Top 25 like nobody's business.

Now, "The Other Producer" mentioned in her previous post about the U.S.C. vs UT Game, that I'm a HUGE Clemson fan. It's true, I am - always have been, always will be. But I think a good thing about most Clemson fans, we know when things are going our way, be happy - theres a wall in your future. Yeah, sure, we hit the proverbial wall a little early this year, but its okay...

Now don't worry, I'm not going to do a whole post on Clemson football. That wouldn't be very smart in a Tar heel State, now would it? Go ACC! LOL.

But anyways, here's the games I'll be keeping an eye on throughout the day.

Noon

- West Virginia at Rutgers - both of these teams have been in the Top 25 this season, and both have had some good games, and some not so good ones. Should be a pretty good game.

- North Carolina at Wake Forest - Two ACC, in-state teams hitting the field? Of course I'm watching!

- Michigan State at Iowa - after the scare the Spartans gave Ohio State, this might be a good game.

3:00 PM

- USC at Oregon - these two ranked teams from the West Coast in action, you know its going to be a good game.

3:30 PM

- Florida at Georgia - SEC teams, rivals, and both doing pretty well this year - you'd be a fool to miss this one. Momma didn't raise no fool!

- Clemson at Maryland - I think this one speaks for itself...

7:45 PM

- South Carolina at Tennessee - this one should be fun. I don't agree with "The Other Producer." She thinks Tennessee is going to win, I think she's crazy. I don't like the Gamecocks, I hate Steve Spurrier even more, and I will NEVER pull for them, but I think they got this game. Kinda ironic, all this hatred - and its where I went to college!

8:00 PM

- Ohio State at Penn State - Number 1 vs Number 25. Normally, I would say its in the bag, but we've all seen how the season has gone - could be anybody's game. That's why I'm watching!

What about you??? What games are YOU watching?

Friday, October 26, 2007

I'm taking my Speedway and going home!

You know - I heard a great comparison the other day between children and the Bruton Smith/City of Concord problem the other day. It's like when little girls are playing with their Barbies, and one does something the other doesn't like. "Fine then, I'm taking my Barbies and going home!"

That's basically what is seems like Bruton Smith is doing with Lowes Motor Speedway. "You won't let me build my drag strip? Fine then, I'm outta here."

And a LOT of people have been talking about Concord's reaction since the incident. It was an almost immediate barrage of apologizes and offers of "What can we do for you?"

There have been campaigns launched such as SaveLMS.com, a plane with a banner saying "We love Bruton Smith," offers of tax breaks - and heck, they are even still talking about giving him the drag strip he wanted in the first place! Oh yeah, and lets not forget, they want NC DOT to approve the name change of Speedway Boulevard to Bruton Smith Boulevard!

After all that - Smith is still telling reporters in Georgia that he is 90% sure he's still moving the Speedway! Is this just crazy???

What do you think? Should Concord just cut its losses and move on - or do whatever it takes to save the Speedway?

Great Pumpkin Contest (Part Two)

Hey all.

The Great Pumpkin contest has been awesome! We've gotten some great pictures in, and just wanted to share a few more with you.

Hope you enjoy!




Check out some of the other pics here!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Abra Kadabra and Hocus Pocus

Okay, seriously.

I never watch the show, so I have no clue if its always this good, but I seriously doubt it.

I was shocked when I saw this video of "America's Got Talent" with magician Kevin James. This is one cool trick.

How did he do that? Even more impressive, David Hasselhoff doesn't look drunk!

Bloodthirsty SEC Football

This is not only my first blog on here but my first blog ever, so bear with me. This is a week for firsts, my first blog and more importantly my first University of Tennessee football game. Now although I didn't go to UT, I did live in Knoxville for a little more than a year. And while living there I admit I jumped on the bandwagon and became a fan.

At this point, you are probably wondering why you care? Well for anyone who knows anything about SEC football, you know there's a pretty big match up on Saturday.

UT takes on the University of South Carolina in Knoxville. I'm going to use this new blog technology to make a prediction on the game. Don't worry it isn't a bet, because that would be illegal, I think.

Anyway against my better judgement I'm predicting that UT is going to win. I know most of you are probably laughing at me right now. I know, I know. USC is ranked # 15 on the AP Poll, Tennessee isn't even in the top 25. Tennessee has already lost three games. I've heard it all, but when it comes down to it I think UT will have the fans, the tradition and the talent to win. Even if my co-producer thinks USC is going to trample the Vols. Ironically enough, he hates USC, being a Clemson fan and all.

Ok so enough rambling on, let's get to the good stuff the Final Prediction....

UT 28

USC 21

Ooops, Don't Do it Again?

We all know it wouldn't be right to pile on the "We Hate Britney Spears" bandwagon, right?

Ummmm - have you seen our show?

Even Britney's friends don't want you to buy her album. According to an Australian news site, her friends are asking her fans not to buy the new "Blackout" album - until Britney gets some help.

You can check out the article here.

And speaking of Britney... she's making a list of the Top "Unsexiest" Women.

The Maxim Magazine list is made up of mainly good-looking and attractive women, but who have had their share of rough days - caught on camera. It's such a rough life.

The top five list looks like this:

5 - Britney Spears
4 - Madonna
3 - Sandra Oh
2 - Amy Winehouse (oh wait, she's been attractive?)
1 - Sarah Jessica Parker

That's right the big star from Sex in the City, is number one on the "Unsexiest Woman Alive" list. If you'd like to check out the list for yourself, click here.

Later!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Hola

Hey Guys,

Okay, so we started our morning show blog. First off -- thanks for stopping by! And be sure to spread the word.

I will try and keep up with my postings. But with a nine-month old at home, that still doesn't sleep through the night, I can't make any promises :)

Many thanks to the Day Break organization in Hickory. I was their guest speaker today. We had a ton of fun talking about the balancing act we all play in juggling our lives as a parent, spouse and career person.

This Saturday I am attending an event that I am really excited about. I'll have more details about it Monday morning, so be sure to tune in.
But here's a hint -- it involves the Charlotte Bobcats, Presbyterian Hospital and a unique service being offered to children who may not receive medical care on a regular basis.

Well that's it for now.

Thanks again for logging on..

...to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change the things I can...

It's stories like the massive fires out in southern California that make working in the news a difficult thing. So much destruction, and so many lives ruined within a matter of days...and for some people - hours or even minutes.

But we do it...it's our job. We strive to give you the information you need to stay well informed of the world around you. We don't always like, or agree, with the story we are reporting, but we do it.

Its videos like this that show that some put it all out there for the viewer. Watch as Larry Himmel from San Diego's CBS8, reports live from the fires - in front of his own burning home!



Larry goes live again, after the fire is over, and you can see the destruction.



----------

And in another wow-type moment... a 911 operator in Charleston, SC gets a call that she will never forget...her son has been shot!

Check out this video of the story:

Traffic Problems...Who's At Fault?

Chuck Roads does a great job keeping us up to date on traffic problems...and this morning, there were plenty. The streets were wet...and that always means trouble in Charlotte.

Here's the question I have...are most accidents unavoidable and just can't be prevented?

There were at least three accidents along I-85 south this morning that created some incredible backups and slow downs. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people were affected. Were those accidents unavoidable...or were they caused by drivers who weren't paying attention...or going too fast for conditions...or otherwise weren't focused on being safe drivers?

Just the other day...I got caught up in a terrible backup on I-85. Took me three times longer to get home from work. Turns out it was caused by a driver who was following too close...and hit the guy in front of him. That caused a huge traffic backup. All because some idiot can't drive!

Is anyone getting as fed up as I am over drivers who needlessly create major traffic problems? What can be done about it? Any ideas out there?

50 Greatest Movie Soundtracks

Vanity Fair magazine has named the "50 Greatest Movie Soundtracks" in the issue which will hit shelves next month.

We have a look at the top ten list, what do you think?

1 "Purple Rain"
2 "A Hard Day's Night"
3 "The Harder They Come"
4 "Pulp Fiction"
5 "The Graduate"
6 "Superfly"
7 "Trainspotting"
8 "Saturday Night Fever"
9 "American Graffiti"
10 "The Big Chill"


The Vanity Fair editors said the "Purple Rain" soundtrack was a flawless combination of "funk, R&B, pop, metal, and even psychedelia into a sound that defined the '80s."

When everything feels like the movies...

Looking for something new and fun to watch with the family?

Well - here's a look at the newest DVD's hitting the store shelves.

"Meet the Robinsons"
This movie is an animated time-traveling adventure, featuring the voice talents of Angela Bassett, Tom Selleck and Laurie Metcalf. The movie follows the exploits of a young inventor whisked into the future, where he teams up with a family of oddballs to take on a villain in a bowler hat.

Among the DVD extras are a handful of deleted scenes, a segment on how the film was developed from the work of children's author William Joyce, and a featurette on Walt Disney and other visionaries whose advances changed the world.

"Mr. Brooks"
This movie stars Kevin Costner as a serial killer. He plays a seemingly upright citizen, who commits a string of mass murders and taunts police. William Hurt co-stars as Brooks' Jekyll-and-Hyde evil alter ego, with Demi Moore playing a cop on the killer's trail and Dane Cook playing a witness who wants a taste of the
perpetrator's bloody glory.

The DVD has deleted footage, threemaking-of featurettes and commentary.

"Hostel: Part II"
This movie comes to home video after failing to make a splash in theaters. In this sequel, three American women studying in Europe meet up with an art-class model who baits them into a murder-for-pleasure den.

Also debuting in a two-disc DVD set and single-disc Blu-ray edition is the director's cut of the original "Hostel," with an alternate ending, four commentary tracks and a full disc of interviews and background featurettes.

"Stanley Kubrick"
This DVD features five Kubrick films in a fresh boxed-set treatment, with high-definition HD DVD and Blu-ray releases. The 10-DVD set has remastered two-disc versions of "2001: A Space Odyssey," "A Clockwork Orange," "The Shining" and "Eyes Wide Shut," plus a single-disc release of "Full Metal Jacket" and a disc with the documentary "Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures."

If television is more your speed...this week's TV on DVD releases include:

- The Sopranos: Season Six, Part II
- The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Volume One
- The L Word: The Complete Fourth Season
- Veronica Mars: The Complete Third Season
- NCIS: The Fourth Season

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Great Pumpkin Contest (Part One)

Hey All.

We had some great entries for our "Great Pumpkin Contest". Our winner was Cierra from Clover - age 7! We loved her Ghostrider Pumpkin!

We had some great entries though, and wanted to share a few with you!

Thanks!



PS - Remember to keep e-mailing them in at inbox@wbtv.com

It's a Mile High Concert and a Tour Bus Catches Fire!

John and Lenise scoured the internet, for the stories you just had to see - and here's what they found.

John found a story about a concert on Mt. Everest, where everyone had to get "high" - to get there!

Lenise found video of a tour bus catching fire in Ohio - scary stuff!



And here's an "Ooops Moment" that we found on YouTube. Marie Osmond passes out on live television on "Dancing with the Stars"

The good, the bad, and the ugly!

Just an update to my earlier blog...you can ask me about anything regarding our show. What you like...what you don't like...what you think about the news...our sports (or lack thereof!)... any of our segments. I want to know what you think as it will help us do a better job.

We want to hear from you!

Hi, this is John Carter...I'm the co-anchor on the WBTV Morning News show. This blog site is new...so what do you want it to do? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts!

World Series Preview

Ahh.... the World Series.

How long we have waited for you!

The Colorado Rockies vs. the Boston Red Sox. Should be fun. The Rockies are on quite a run, winning 21 of their last 22 games. But the Bosox did come back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Indians for the pennant. But which team has enough to take it to the end?

Well, the numbers are in... and odds makers in Las Vegas have the Red Sox as the 2-1 favorites to win the World Series. Early betting is heavily on the underdog Rockies.

But what do YOU think? We have a poll to the right side of the page - tell us who you think will win!

- The Producer

Monday, October 22, 2007

H, A, Double-L, O, W, Double-E, N!

That's right - it's almost time for Halloween.

The crew was in a festive mood - with our Great Pumpkin Contest! So much talk about pictures of pumpkin carving got Kelly in a singing mood. She gave John and Lenise a quick preview during the commercial - so of course, Lenise bet she wouldn't do it on air.

Now... Lenise owes Kelly $20!

You just have to watch it, it is too funny!



- WBTV Morning Crew

And so it begins...

Hey all,

Just thought I'd throw a quick note on here. We're starting a blog!

We hope to remember to update every now and then, but you know how it gets sometimes. You should definitely bookmark us and let us know what you think. We'd love to hear from you.

Hope you're all having a great day. We'll see you in the morning!

- WBTV Morning Crew