Thursday, April 30, 2009

Quidditch At LSU

I've never read a Harry Potter book, but I've seen the movies and really liked all of them. I get why people are fanatics about the series. JK Rowling wrote a great story line.

On that note, I know there are fans that have seen the movies 20 times and own all the Harry Potter lunch boxes, action figures, you name it. But never did I think that I'd run into a story quite like the one I covered last weekend.

There is a quidditch team at LSU! Apparently, this is becoming a popular collegiate sport.

Before you judge, I can say, this is not a sport for the weak at heart. I'd call it a combination of rugby, hide and seek, and in a weird way... basketball.

For anyone who's played rugby, its probably the most physical sport. It's football with no pads. I played rugby in college and had my share of bumps and bruises. But quidditch takes it up a notch. The reason...they run around with brooms between their legs!

Imagine having someone twice your size, running at you full speed, ready to cream you. Oh yeah, and there's this broom you're both carrying. It could....I don't know jab you in the rib, break off on your leg, or heaven forbid poke you in the eye! It's intense.

I know you're all dying to see what this looks like. Check it out at http://www.nbc33tv.com/news/quidditch-lsu or just go to the LSU pitch on the weekends. It really is a riot to watch.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Credit Card Crunch

Today is an important day for anyone who owns a credit card. President Obama will meet with 13 executives from the largest banks and credit card companies.

The concern is over, what many are calling, abuses by the credit companies. Many customers, like myself, have had their fees and interest rates increase, even though they are up to date on all payments. (I have never been late, and my interest rate doubled!) At the same time, many of those companies have received bank bailout money.

A credit cardholders bill of rights is moving through Congress, which would put a stop to some of these practices.

As for the banks and credit companies, they say, many people aren't paying and this is a way to protect their bottom line.

We'll have to wait and see.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Tax Day

For the first year ever, I am not sweating the tax deadline. Usually, I'm scrambling to finish crunching the numbers. I've always been that person rushing to the post office at night to get it post marked in time.

I don't know why I filed early this year. Maybe I was hoping for a big return. I didn't get it by the way, if you wanted to know. Maybe I didn't want Uncle Sam to have my money. Whatever the reason, finishing my taxes early is now going to become a yearly ritual, even if I have to pay.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Back to Work

I'm back to the daily grind at work. The trip to Texas was great! Not only did I learn from some of the best journalists in the business, I got to go on some pretty cool stories.

I visited the "Cowboy Capital of the World" in Bandera, TX. A cute little town that really did resemble the old west, at least the old west that I've seen in the movies. The town is supposedly haunted. I'm not necessarily a believer, but i spoke to several people who have had "encounters."

My favorite story took me to a vineyard in Driftwood. The owner, Gary Elliot, had just lost his entire crop. What surprised me was he was so nonchalant about the loss. For him, losing crops just came with the territory. Luckily, he was still doing well because of his winery.

By the way, the wine was excellent! I'm not a big wine drinker, but I loved the Super Texan red. If you're ever in Driftwood, I definitely recommend checking it out.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

To Texas I Go

I'm officially on vacation for one week, but this isn't any vacation. I see it as work away from work.

Let me explain. I'm heading to an NPPA conference in San Marcos, TX. Some of the best reporters and photographers in the country will lead this workshop. It will be five days of seminars, critiques, and reporting.

I'm looking forward to this for many reasons. First of all, I believe you can always learn, no matter what stage of the game you're in. Secondly, I haven't reported for quite some time, because of the early morning shift. It'll be good to get back into the swing of things. Also, my mentor and favorite reporter of all time, Boyd Huppert, will be at this workshop. If I can, one day, tell a story half as well as he, I'll be in good shape.

See everyone in a week!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The Verdict is In

I know everyone has been waiting on pins and needles for me to make a decision about my marathon. :) I've decided. Actually, my failing body decided for me. I will run the half marathon.

I've been having hip problems and decided it might not be a good idea to run 26.2 miles. A trip to the doctor is still needed, but frankly, I don't want to pay to have them tell me I'm fine, I just need a little ice.

At the same time, I have this mental picture of me with a replacement hip when I'm in my 40's, because I ignored the pain. If that happens, the good news, there have been great strides in medical technology.