Photos Courtesy: Kara Edwards
Monday, June 9, 2008
WBTV Softball Pictures!
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
Photos Courtesy: Kara Edwards
Friday, June 6, 2008
Barb's Testing Out a New Look!
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?
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.
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.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Remembering Bobby: 40 Years Later
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."
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
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.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Memorial Day Weekend...Are You Road-trippin'?
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Hey Jude...the cutest version
This video has been making waves on YouTube and it is VERY obvious why.
This kid knows the lyrics better than I do! Probably sings better, too....
This kid knows the lyrics better than I do! Probably sings better, too....
Sunday, May 18, 2008
One Year Later: The Pain Still Hurts
Today is a rough day.
It's been one year since my Grandmother died. A year that seems to have moved by so fast, but painfully slow at the same time.
It has been a year full of birthdays, holidays and moments that were not the same, because Grandma wasn't there. Grandma died just two short months after my grandfather, her husband. She was my last grandparent; the last connection to where my parents came from.
But I had 25 good years with them. That's about 5 more years that I had with my other grandfather, and about 20 more than my other grandmother.
I know my Dad was always worried when I was growing up, that I wouldn't remember my grandmother, since she died when I was so young. But I remember, and I'll never forget. You can't forget that kind of love.
I know grandparents are a special thing to people, and I know for the rest of my life, I'll never have to second guess that I'm loved. My grandparents always made sure I knew that...and I know that love will never end.
While today is a hard day, it is a good day at the same time. It is a time to think back, remember and know that I'm loved.
Today may be the anniversary of one grandparent, but I take the time to remember them all.
I read the "Irish Blessing" as a part of my eulogy at Grandma's funeral. It was always in her house, the Irish in her coming out. It is what I wish for all my grandparents...
"When I miss you, I don't have to go far ... I just have to look inside my heart because that's where I'll find you."
- by Unknown
It's been one year since my Grandmother died. A year that seems to have moved by so fast, but painfully slow at the same time.
It has been a year full of birthdays, holidays and moments that were not the same, because Grandma wasn't there. Grandma died just two short months after my grandfather, her husband. She was my last grandparent; the last connection to where my parents came from.
But I had 25 good years with them. That's about 5 more years that I had with my other grandfather, and about 20 more than my other grandmother.
I know my Dad was always worried when I was growing up, that I wouldn't remember my grandmother, since she died when I was so young. But I remember, and I'll never forget. You can't forget that kind of love.
I know grandparents are a special thing to people, and I know for the rest of my life, I'll never have to second guess that I'm loved. My grandparents always made sure I knew that...and I know that love will never end.
While today is a hard day, it is a good day at the same time. It is a time to think back, remember and know that I'm loved.
Today may be the anniversary of one grandparent, but I take the time to remember them all.
I read the "Irish Blessing" as a part of my eulogy at Grandma's funeral. It was always in her house, the Irish in her coming out. It is what I wish for all my grandparents...
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
"When I miss you, I don't have to go far ... I just have to look inside my heart because that's where I'll find you."
- by Unknown
Monday, May 12, 2008
Barbara says Thank You!!!
Since I joined the WBTV morning team... I've read and heard some really cool comments from viewers.
THANK YOU!
I know seeing a new face is often jolting... and that's all the more reason for me to say thank you for being patient through our transitions... and for giving me a chance.
I'm really having a good time (minus some of these terrible stories we uncover). John, Chris and Chuck are cool, down to earth dudes! And our behind the scenes crew... THEY ROCK!
See you dark and early,
Babbs
THANK YOU!
I know seeing a new face is often jolting... and that's all the more reason for me to say thank you for being patient through our transitions... and for giving me a chance.
I'm really having a good time (minus some of these terrible stories we uncover). John, Chris and Chuck are cool, down to earth dudes! And our behind the scenes crew... THEY ROCK!
See you dark and early,
Babbs
One-a-Week: Small Meals
Barbara takes a look at things you can try for one week to help improve your life, and make a healthy change. This week's One a Week involves eating five small meals.
Give it a try and let us know how you are doing!
If you'd like to suggest something that worked for you, we'd like to hear it. Send us an e-mail at inbox@wbtv.com with the subject line "One a Week Idea." Maybe your idea will be a weekly segment!
Give it a try and let us know how you are doing!
If you'd like to suggest something that worked for you, we'd like to hear it. Send us an e-mail at inbox@wbtv.com with the subject line "One a Week Idea." Maybe your idea will be a weekly segment!
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