Gustav: Not Evacuating?

Ever wonder why people in New Orleans stay and ride out a hurricane? Here is an interesting blog from a Big Easy restaurant owner who will stay and ride out Gustav.

Even after Hurricane Katrina, there are people who are willing to face Gustav head-on. In the media, we are forced to stick around when everyone else is seeking shelter. One reason we don’t’ leave is that people who stay around need to remain informed and that’s what we do. You see reporters getting blown around in the wind, but beyond that spectacle, we also give vital information to those who remain in the viewing area.

I know you are wondering about that mandatory evacuation. How can they stay if there is a mandatory evac? Well, that simply means that it is no longer a voluntary evacuation. You are ordered and strongly encouraged to leave, but technically they can’t force you to leave your own property.

Craig explains:

This “mandatory” thing means, essentially, you’re on your own if you stay. No one is going to come drag you out of your house at gunpoint and throw you on a bus to Boise. What it means is, in the most serious parental tones, “don’t come crying to us when your walls collapse, your roof flies off to Alexandria and you’re climbing a phone pole to get away from the rapidly rising Gulf of Mexico. We warned you, you freaking idiot.” Some officials also back this up by telling people to leave the names of their next of kin with police so they can be contacted.

So why stay in the first place? Who knows really. I guess every individual has their own personal reasons. For some, what they encountered during and after Katrina is reason enough I guess.

Just ask Craig:

We have put too much into what we have (personally, professionally, physically) to simply sit in a motel room someplace and watch it all get washed away again. We wouldn’t be “in our own home.” I agree that to stay is a type of madness. But it’s preferable to the madness we felt in our Being Away the last time.

Gustav: Bourbon Street Pictures

Here are a few new pictures from a soon-to-be deserted Bourbon Street. If you have ever been to New Orleans, you know that Bourbon is a 24/7 party. There are always people on it and most times it's packed. It's a sight to behold when it's empty.

The pictures are from a blogger that I know who was visiting New Orleans for a festival and was forced to evacuate with no car, flight or hotel. He found one of the last rental cars in the city and drove to Biloxi, Mississippi where he hopped a flight back home to Boston. My barber was in New Orleans this weekend too... I'm not sure if he was able to find a flight out just yet. He has my cell phone number and I'm sure he will call if he needs some suggestions.

Gustav Updates From Louisiana

Hurricane Gustav is the real deal and as Mayor Ray Nagin says, it’s "the mother of all storms.” I am very fearful that this will be ugly.

The blogs from across the Bayou State are doing a great job keeping up with everything going on and they must be commended.

Some of my readers are friends from back home who now live elsewhere and I wanted to keep you all up to date with what’s going on. I’ll post some online news clips from one of my old stations, KALB, and from around the state. I hope that makes it a little easier to find information in the days to come. If you’re like me, and I know you guys are, it’s beyond frustrating to watch this all unfold hundreds of miles away.

Mayor Jacques Roy stopped by the station to talk about how Alexandria is preparing. I’m glad Michele addressed the issues with water outages. This was a major problem during Hurricane Rita and it looks like they may have a proactive plan in place this time. But, I still reminded my parents to have lots of bottled water just in case.

Here’s Nick Mickulas’ weather report from last night.

I found these videos from a fleeing Louisiana resident who is sending video updates to his family via the Internet. He puts things into great perspective.

I got a heartbreaking e-mail from a friend who will be staying in the Greater New Orleans area for Hurricane coverage. She just purchased her first house with her fiancée and she’s afraid that it will be gone when she finally gets to leave work after this is all over. Unfortunately, that is not an unfounded fear. My heart is with them!

My friends from across the country… please pray for the people of Louisiana.

Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude is a German word that means "pleasure at the misfortune of others." You know, finding enjoyment when your rival team's quarterback gets injured or your ex gets dumped -- or apparently when a monster hurricane threatens thousands of lives. It's a laugh riot -- right?

Friday, I interviewed a group of women going to the GOP Convention in Minnesota. After we wrapped up, I asked them what they thought about Hurricane Gustav making landfall and postponing the convention. They said quickly that it wouldn't happen and then went on to laugh and joke about how people in Louisiana are a bunch of whiners. They kept going on and on about how Tropical Storm Fay hit Florida four times and Florida citizens didn't whine like people in New Orleans. They actually called them whiners. My photographer looked at me and shook his head. I swallowed my pride and remained professional and respectful.

They had no idea that I'm from Louisiana -- with friends who lost their homes to Katrina. But, that should make absolutely no difference. The one-two punch of Katrina and Rita is a little different than a tropical storm hitting four times. But, I chose to let that go.

Then today a video surfaces with former Democratic party chair Don Fowler and who the poster of the video identifies as Congressman John Spratt from here in South Carolina. They're sitting on a plane coming back from the DNC in Denver and Fowler starts joking about Hurricane Gustav forcing the postponement of the Republican Convention.

Schadenfreude?

A lot of people, including myself, are reliving a nightmare. I just got off the phone with a friend from home who is now living in Tennessee and, like me, he can't stand not being there. We are worried about our families and our home-state. We covered Katrina together and Gustav has filled us both with a sense of dread. He's watching The Weather Channel non-stop. I can't bring myself to watch it just yet. But, that will change the closer Gustav gets.

Mayor Ray Nagin just ordered the 100% mandatory evacuation of my old neighborhood, Algiers, in New Orleans. All I can think is "here we go again."

Here is just a taste of the messages my friends in Louisiana are leaving on their Facebook accounts.

"Joni N. has on her gameface. Ready for Gustav coverage."

"Lance W.: Gustav has got to go...somewhere else!"

"Alisa M. is hoping and praying Gustav weakens and heads another direction."

"Catherine K. is evacuating today. Please pray for New Orleans."

Those are neither funny nor whining.

Palin: "What is it exactly that the VP does everyday?"

The readers have been busy this afternoon. Before I head out for a going away party, I want to post this video a reader sent my way.

This is a segment from a very recent CNBC interview with the new Republican Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin. This was of course taped before today's announcement. She discusses some controversy she's entangled in back in Alaska then addresses the then-rumors that she was on John McCain's shortlist of possible running mates.

Obama Speech By The Numbers

Here’s something a reader brought to my attention. It’s pretty interesting I must say. It’s a breakdown of Barack Obama’s acceptance speech from a blog at ABC News.

Obama By The Numbers

Uses of the word "America" or "American" -- 52

Duration, in minutes -- 44

Mentions of the word "work" -- 35

Mentions of specific policy proposals -- 35

Mentions of Sen. John McCain by name -- 21

Mentions of George W. Bush -- 8

Mentions of George W. Bush during John Kerry's 2004 speech -- 2

Mentions of George W. Bush during Al Gore's 2000 speech -- 0

Mentions of the word "change" -- 16

Mentions of troops or veterans -- 7

Allusions to Hurricane Katrina – 1

That Damn Gustav

The latest models for Hurricane Gustav have literally formed knots in my stomach. The National Hurrricane Center has moved the path further west and right over my home town. That thin purple line is running right through the place where my parents, 95% of my family and most of my friends live.

We had a lengthy discussion about Hurricane Katrina today because of the anniversary. I don’t usually talk about those days – it’s all still a little raw even three years later.

I learned things in those days that I never wanted to know and never needed to know… that the smell of death sticks in your nostrils long after you’ve walked away and even the happiest people have their breaking points in tragedy. I learned that last lesson when my old Public Information Officer committed suicide after he lost hope – stuck and forgotten down there.

I learned that two things happen to people when they are faced with such dire situations. Some people rise to the occasion and band together while others revert to savagery and desperation. Both are instincts of survival and given the situation, I can’t really blame anyone for choosing either. Maybe the circumstance chooses for you.

I’d lie if I said I’m not worried about all those I left behind in Louisiana. If it hits the coast as a nasty category 4 monster, by the time it reaches my family, it could still be a vengeful category 2 storm. I wish I was there, just to not feel so powerless.

To my friends and former co-workers in New Orleans – my heart is with you. And to my family and closest friends in Central Louisiana – you know I would be there if I could.

"Just Not In My Lifetime"

“I thought that it would happen eventually, just not in my lifetime.”

I heard some variation of those words twice in the last two days – about two different events. The first time was while interviewing a group of elderly black voters about Barack Obama’s historic nomination and the other was while interviewing a group of middle-aged Republicans about Sarah Palin.

I remember during the primary season welling up with pride when I saw Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton leading the way for the Democrats. I remember covering Obama and Clinton appearances and seeing people of all races, creeds and cultures coming together to push each forward. I knew we were on the edge of something special – I had no idea just how far it would go.


Now this morning, I wake up to the news that the Grand Old Party was considering a woman as the Vice Presidential pick. Where the hell did that come from? It’s a brand new day people – change is in the air everywhere you turn and there is thankfully no escaping it.

I’m so proud to be an American today. Only in this country could we see the events of the last year. 2008 will go down in history as the beginning of an era of diversity and equality. How far will this go? A gay or lesbian presidential candidate some day? Can it happen? Only time will tell.

No matter which party walks away victorious in November, the glass ceiling is at least cracked – if not shattered.

God Bless America.

VP Watch The Sequel

A real quick one before I go to the morning meeting.

Sen. John McCain is set to announce his running mate this afternoon in just a few hours and he’s got something up his sleeves. I woke up this morning to two surprises – Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty says it's not him and so does Mitt Romney. Say what?

My next logical conclusion – Joe Lieberman it is. Forget logical thinking, there seems to be a new front-runner out of nowhere. Fox News is reporting that Alaska governor Sarah Palin is likely the choice. If this is true, the game has in fact changed.

What some Democrats are calling the “Biden Blunder” could become a fatal mistake.

I don’t know much about Palin, but from what I understand she has more executive experience than Obama, McCain and Biden. An already interesting race could heat up.

We’ll talk again after the announcement.

A Generation Sees A Dream Fulfilled

Today, I spent the afternoon interviewing a room full of black senior citizens. The average age was about 78 – all old enough to remember the last wave of “change” to wash over this country.

They remember the birth of the civil rights movement. Sit-ins, marches and protests are more to them than mere history; it’s a part of their journey. I had the honor of telling their stories as they reacted to the nomination of a black man for president.
I don’t think you can really grasp what a momentous event we witnessed tonight until you sit down and really talk to one of these people.

I remember as a kindergartener having to draw a picture of what we wanted to be when we grew up. I drew myself in an Abe Lincoln hat with an Abe Lincoln beard. I wanted to be President.

My teacher, Mrs. Pontiff, who happened to be white, said something to the affect of, “then you go right ahead and do it.” She helped me believe. I brought that picture home and my Mom told me, “do your best, and you can be anything you want to be.” She gave me permission to believe. My older cousin came over to visit one day and asked about the picture. I told her that I wanted to be President of the United States some day. She looked at it, laughed and said, “black people can’t be President.” I’m stubborn though and she taught me to fight for what I believe.

That picture hung in my bedroom for the next few years… even long after I moved on to about 30 other career choices. I think my Mom simply wanted to remind me that anything was possible with hard work and faith.

You see, I never really doubted that this day would come for someone. But, those men and women who were spat at, beaten and had fire hoses turned on them were fighting for a dream they never knew could really ever come true. They fought on faith and faith alone.

So many people say that this presidential race should not be about race. I’ve said that myself. But, when you look into the eyes of the men and women I talked with today and see the pride in their soul – you know that race is important, if only for the dreams we saw realized tonight. There are elderly people who never thought this would happen in their lifetime.

The most amazing lesson I learned from these wise men and women today – humility. It was not the fact that a black man could lead the country that brought about their jubilation. They were thrilled that a black man was elected nominee by black and white voters -- excited that a black man was placed in this position because of the content of his character. All those years ago, they weren’t fighting for superiority, but rather acceptance. They watched a black man accepted as an equal tonight and for them their battle was won.

Is race important? Yes and no. Yes – this night means that we as Americans... as humans have come a long way. No – Barack Obama doesn’t deserve to be a presidential nominee because of his race.

I promised to always be honest in these blogs. And honestly, though I gave up the desire to become president by first grade, there is a little boy inside of me who is looking closely at a little brown stick figure with an Abe Lincoln hat -- still wondering "can it really happen?"

Biden Steals The Show -- Beau Biden That Is

For the first time, I think I know Joe Biden. I recognize his character and appreciate more about him as a man. Sen. Biden owes that to his son, Beau.

Beau was the most articulate and poignant speaker tonight, and that includes Bill Clinton. Beau painted a picture of a man you can’t help but love – a man dedicated to his family – vulnerable but intrepid. He made us all wish that Joe Biden was our father. I even bet he convinced thousands to forget that they wanted Hillary Clinton as the VP candidate.

Most introductions at the convention were throw-away speeches; even Carolyn Kennedy’s tribute to her uncle. Beau out-shined his father, who succumbed to nerves at the podium. Beau connected us to Joe Biden. Asking us to take care of his dad was an honest and humble nod to a man who was willing to sacrifice everything for his boys.

From this day forward, I will always think of Joe Biden as the young man taking the Oath of Office next to his son’s hospital bed mere days after his wife and daughter died in a car accident. How can that not move you? Michelle Obama and Jill Biden were not the only ones with tears in their eyes.

Here’s the intro. Go to 4:09 on the video timeline to hear Beau introduce Joe Biden. I think we met a future Senator tonight.

Gustav Eyes New Orleans

I called my parents up for our nightly conversation. I’m a momma’s boy – sue me. They were busy making a list of what they needed in their hurricane kit, because Hurricane Gustav is on the way.

My dad was getting ready to make sure there was enough gas in the emergency generator and my mom was taking inventory of the non-perishable food in the pantry. That’s just what you do in Louisiana when a storm is coming.

Here we are on the eve of Hurricane Katrina’s anniversary and Louisiana is in a state of emergency with the National Guard activated for another storm. Mayor Ray Nagin and Sen. Mary Landrieu planned on leaving the Democratic Convention early to head home. It’s eerie – it stirs up a bit of sadness.

My hometown is further inland and usually hurricanes drop to a Cat 1 or so by the time they reach us, but that's still a major storm. The hotel rooms there are already booked in advance from people getting ready to evacuate from the southern Parishes. It brings back memories that I’m not interested in recalling.

In the days to follow, I’ll blog more about my experiences living through and covering Katrina, but my prayers are with my friends and family in Louisiana as Gustav continues growing. I honestly get a sick feeling in my stomach every time I walk by the Weather Center and see the projected track going right to the mouth of the Mississippi.

Those of us who covered Katrina have an unspoken bond. When we meet each other, even today, we know that we share something special – something tragic. You didn’t walk into New Orleans those first few days and not walk away changed.

It’s hard for me being all the way over here in Charleston while plywood is going on windows and families are making evacuation plans back at home. When that storm finally hits, I will undoubtedly want to be in the mouth of the madness with those I love who are hunkered down riding it out. Though there is nothing I could do to help there… I feel helpless here.

Bill Clinton Shatters Doubt

The master wordsmith, Bill Clinton, exercised one the most influential and difficult-to-use tools in his arsenal – restraint. He was careful not to overshadow his wife or the party’s nominee. His entire address was a love letter to Barack Obama and a throwing down of the gauntlet to John McCain; leaving no room for Clinton conspiracy theorists to speculate about hidden agendas.

He took the GOP to task and dared them to argue. He finally addressed the elephant in the room – Obama’s experience or lack thereof. He reminded the critics that they said the same thing about his experience back in ’92. I don’t know that that's a fair or accurate comparison. There is a stark difference between Clinton’s experience at the time and Obama’s current resume. Mr. Clinton, just saying it out loud does not make it so.

His jewel of the night…

“Most important, Barack Obama knows that America cannot be strong abroad unless we are strong at home. People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power. Look at the example the Republicans have set.”

“A place called hope” and “the audacity of hope” finally meet face to face on the battleground – finally on the same side.

Hillary's Home Run

Hillary Clinton took the stage in Denver and took America to church.

She did everything she needed to do to salvage the Clinton legacy and set herself up for a possible future bid for the Oval Office. This is the finest address I’ve heard in a very long time. She was strong, poised and inspirational without seeming preachy. This is how you unify a party, something the GOP may need to take notes on when trying to court the conservatives.

She addressed the faction of her supporters who are bitter and considering sitting out this election cycle. She reminded them that they can not afford to sit back idly and let history happen without them. If the Democrats want the White House, they've got to get those voters on board.

“Whether you voted for me, or voted for Barack, the time is now to
unite as a single party with a single purpose. We are on the same team, and none
of us can sit on the sidelines.” “I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me? Or were you in it for that young Marine and others like him? Were you in it for that mom struggling with cancer while raising her kids? Were you in it for that boy and his mom surviving
on the minimum wage? Were you in it for all the people in this country who feel
invisible?”

She hit every necessary key message and answered most lingering questions. She artfully pushed voters to Obama, supported the Biden VP pick and took several shots at John McCain. The senator also made a point to be complementary of her colleague, John McCain’s, years of service and dedication -- classy and deserved.

Her finest moment of the night came from a Harriet Tubman quote.

"By following the example of a brave New Yorker, a woman who risked
her life to shepherd slaves along the Underground Railroad. And on that path to
freedom, Harriet Tubman had one piece of advice. If you hear the dogs, keep
going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If they're shouting
after you, keep going. Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of
freedom, keep going. Even in the darkest of moments, ordinary Americans have
found the faith to keep going. I've seen it in you. I've seen it in our teachers
and firefighters, nurses and police officers, small business owners and union
workers, the men and women of our military — you always keep going. We are
Americans. We're not big on quitting.”

Now that is powerful!

I could tell that this run really meant the world to her. She talked about her mother; who was born before women could vote. I think she really did this for the right reason, she wanted to be a catalyst of change.

I’ve seen both Clintons speak several times and they are both skilled orators, but this was what they call a "moment." Well done Senator Clinton.





The next real question… will hardcore Clinton backers still vote for Barack Obama or will the resentment win out? Take a look at this CNN interview moments after the speech. It is quite telling.

Democrats Invite "Invisible" Americans

The Audacity of Hope…

“It's the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs; the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores… the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too. Hope in the face of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. The audacity of hope!”

-Barack Obama (2004 Democratic Convention)

Hope is a funny thing really. Even when faith is fleeting and reality points in a different direction – hope remains. Past the point of frustration, when our heads are already hung in defeat, hope still lives. When we are weary, hope wipes our brow, cleans our wounds and pushes us forward. But, hope is abstract -- usually.

There's something inspiring and uplifting about the Democratic Convention this time. Hope has become something tangible. I’ve watched hope pool in the eyes of an old woman as Hillary Clinton spoke. I saw hope creep ear-to-ear across the face of a young black boy in South Carolina when he saw all the fanfare surrounding Barack Obama. I saw hope energize and pump life into a 76-year-old brain cancer patient on the stage in Denver.

These days, hope is no longer a privilege; it’s a necessity for many. Historically, we as a country are only as strong as our working class. We build our cities with their hands and entrust our continued success on the foundation of their backs. Those hands are blistered and bleeding, those backs – breaking. Can hope be so brazen as to save them?

This convention seems like an open house-- an invitation to sit at the table and drink freely of this thing called hope. Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton -- so bold as to invite gay men and lesbian women to the feast. Is hope so brave as to include the ostracized?

History will always hold a sacred place for the Presidential Race of 2008. It’s the year a black man and a woman battled for a nomination. We’ve come a long way. That is hope materialized. It’s the hope of my great grandmother who wasn’t allowed to drink in “white only” water fountains in Louisiana. It’s the hope of the women who struggled and marched for suffrage.

But, this is not a hope that disenfranchises white men. This is a hope that is inclusive. Hope is apparently audacious enough to have an aristocratic white senator from a famous family, a bold and outspoken woman and a half-black junior senator stand hand-in-hand together. No longer fighting for equality, but fighting to lead the country as equals. Across the aisle is a black woman serving as Secretary of State. I have to believe that this is the answer to a prayer my great grandmother uttered over my infant head many nights -- a world where we are so close to complete equality. Democrat, Republican or Independent, there is no denying, we are at an amazing place in history.

I think undecided voters or fence-sitters who tuned into the Democratic Convention were energized. They were told – “come and take a seat at my table.” Clinton called them the “invisible.” They are the misunderstood legal Hispanic immigrant, the gay couple wanting to marry, the soldier afraid of another tour of duty and the working class father with the aching back and empty wallet. I know all these people and they are looking for hope -- where will they find it?

People living their lives in the margins were invited this week to have a voice. If they exercise that newly obtained voice in November, it could be the push the Democrats need in this close race.

The GOP has a tall order to fill next week. But, I do believe John McCain is a man who has the best intentions for this country that he loves. Can they hold an as affective convention? Well, the audacity of hope is not exclusive to Democrats – so time will tell.

Riley In Denver

A real quick addition before bed...




CNN had some great shots of Mayor Joe Riley at the Democratic Convention. The first was after Sen. Kennedy's speech. I was proud to see our mayor spotlighted after such an uplifting speech.

Then a few minutes later, Mayor Joe cut loose and did a little dancing. Who knew he had it in him? Dancing With The Stars after retirement?

Check out the video.

I'll keep my eyes open for more Mayor Riley appearances this week.

How Ted Kennedy Changed My Life

While everyone else in the world blogs about Michelle Obama tonight, I’m going to spend some time on a man who is possibly collectively the most effective man in the history of the Senate – Ted Kennedy.

So many bash Kennedy, but his draft marks are evident in the blueprint of this country. He came at a time when this nation needed men like him most. He fought for human rights and equality. He continues doing so, being bold enough to include gay men and women in his speech tonight.

Did he make mistakes - yes. He faced controversy and tragedy as frequently as he enjoyed his privilege and always rose to the occasion in both disaster and delight.

I will be the first to admit that I was one those people teary-eyed while I watched the last of the Kennedy boys take the stage in Denver tonight. With his brain cancer, this very well could be his last convention and the tribute to this great man was quite fitting.

I will always be a defender of Teddy Kennedy, not only as a prolific politician but as a fine human being. You see, I have a personal story with the senator and it changed my life. I owe a great deal of who I am to the senior senator from Massachusetts.

I first met Ted years ago as a cub reporter in a little Louisiana town. He was at the Louisiana Political Museum to induct a relative of his wife. We didn’t normally get such important dignitaries in our little corner of the world.

When the Senator pulled up at the event, I was the only reporter outside. My photographer called my attention to his arrival and I stood there stunned. How could I ever walk up to a Kennedy and ask for an interview? He is a part of Camelot. His brothers are John and Robert Kennedy. American history was standing in front of me. I was afraid to bother him.

Senator Kennedy looked over at me and smiled. He started walking toward the entrance; paused and turned to me. He quietly whispered, “would you like to talk to me?” He let me off the hook.

We finished up the interview and he shook my hand and told me “good job… good questions.” My life as a reporter changed in that moment. Ted made himself available and taught me that he was just like me -- human. He was willing to stop his entrance to talk to the young reporter who was shy and a little out of place. In that moment he gave me permission to be bold -- to make moves.

It was because of Ted Kennedy that I was able to march up to Bill Clinton with a microphone and interview him while his handlers where trying to move him along. It is because of Ted Kennedy that I am able to hold the mighty accountable on a daily basis. He taught me that public servants are here to serve the public. One of the most heralded men in politics took time to teach a “kid” from Louisiana.

So, no matter what they say about him, he will always hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget that night and if one day I must hold him accountable for some wrong doing or odd vote, I know that I can. I know that he would expect nothing less from that young man he whispered to all those years ago.

Thank you Senator Kennedy.

Tribute video that aired during the convention

Sen. Kennedy's Speech

Now back to the convention and Michelle Obama.

Denver Heats Up Already

***Warning: Adult language in video***

Let me tell you from experience, this is a reporter’s worst nightmare. It’s not forgetting your script, stumbling over words or forgetting an official’s name during a live interview. They all suck and I’ve done them all, but the biggest fear is losing control of the situation.

Our jobs can get very dangerous and this is the perfect example of that.

The reporter was a bit of an antagonist, but that could have turned ugly very quickly.

The group is called Recreate ’68. They are planning an anti-war protest during the Democratic Convention. I am all for the anti-war movement and there is nothing wrong with exercising your 1st Amendment rights.

I guess you get what you ask for when you go into the belly of the beast and stick your Fox News microphone flag in the middle of a group of obviously angry people with a clear agenda and message.

The group itself is pretty interesting. Media outlets across the country claim the organizaion hopes to recreate the riots of the Democratic Convention of 1968. But, the group has a statement of nonviolence on their web page. They also address the media accusations.

They did train before today’s protest (video). They claim it is to protect members from counter-protesters.

Denver should be interesting.

The Island: Preview

Finally another TV show that I can get excited about until Lost returns.

Despite what it may say about my maturity level and taste, I’m an admitted fan of the Real World / Road Rules Challenge Series. Go ahead and turn up your nose, I’m not ashamed in the least. I’ve never seen an episode of The Hills so I’m allowed these shows.

This time Executive Producer Jonathan Murray has tailor-made a challenge just for me. It’s called The Island and it’s RW/RR Challenge meets Survivor. They shipwreck the contestants on a desert island a la Survivor and let them fight it out for the cash prize. This should be fun… check it out.

Don't get too excited; they do have a "house." So, it doesn't look like it will be nearly as hard as Survivor. They will still live the high life in a pretty cush pad.

So, the promo may be a little deceptive -- I hope not. I want to see them struggle like Survivors. I'm talking no food, building fires and eating rats. Is that too much to ask for?

There’s a great cast, even though there are a lot of Newbies. I can’t wait to see Robin, Tonya, Johanna, Abram and Kenny devour all the fresh meat.

Oh yeah... welcome back Rachel. Where's Veronica?

Congrats MTV, you’re on to something. Throw these guys into the Big Brother house next… all those Type A personalities would explode after three months in that house.

Colie is hosting a premier party at Pressure in NYC. All my Manhattanites, if you are around there hit it up and take lots of pictures.

The Island premiers Wednesday, September 17 at 10:00. The 10 Spot is alive and kicking!

Bring back Wes and Coral and make this thing really interesting.

Obama's "American Prayer"

Just in time for the Democratic National Convention, Barack Obama’s “American Prayer” video debuts to the masses. In a word… craptastic. That’s actually a good thing. It’s something that is so high on the cheese factor that it’s kind of catchy and affective. Think early Britney Spears – as bad as “Hit Me Baby One More Time” was, you know every single word.

This video is like a “We Are the World” for the Obama set. There are notable cameos from some of my favorites; like Cyndi Lauper, Macy Gray and Joss Stone (more on Joss in a minute). But, there are some head-scratch-worthy moments thrown in there for good measure. Barry Manilow? Pamela Anderson? Perez Hilton? Are these really necessary endorsements? You know, I was thinking just the other day, “I wonder who Pam Anderson is voting for.”

Back to Joss Stone now. God knows I love the British songstress. I am not only a fan of her music, but I think she is amazingly gorgeous, elegant and eloquent. I love that she uses her star power for activism, but what exactly is her “American Prayer?” She’s a Brit. Yes, the entire world has a stake in this election, but does she really have an “American Prayer?” Maybe she does – who knows? I’ll just let that one slide, because she’s Joss Stone and I love her craft.

A few other notable appearances close to my heart: New Orleans, South Carolina and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. They throw Margaret Cho in there for good measure and it’s like someone created a video just for me! Now if Gavin DeGraw popped up, I’d know they were reading my mind.

As much as I poke fun at this video, there is one line that gives me chills... in a good way. "When you get to the top of the mountain, will you tell me what you see? When you get to the top of the mountain, remember me." Those lyrics actually move me. We've come a long way!

Notable no-shows: Oprah, Bill and Hillary? Now that would have been affective.


Remember the original unauthorized Obama Video? (I Love this song!)

I met Obama girl at one of the debates. She was a sweet lady and stunning. We asked her if she had met Barack Obama and at the time she had not, but she'll be in Denver for the convention. Good Luck Obama Girl.

My First Time With Joe Biden

I first met Sen. Obama’s second-in-command while he was in town for the Presidential Debate at The Citadel. He met with a group of reporters at Brittlebank Park in Downtown Charleston to give a big pat on the back to Force Protection and Protected Vehicles.

Honestly, I rushed through this appearance. I didn’t know much about Sen. Biden and I was in a hurry to try to get on the other side of town to get John Edwards playing with his sons in the fountain. Edwards, a former VP candidate and Carolina native, had more star power and that's what my viewers wanted at the time.

I don't rememeber much about the Biden visit. I do remember that he was serious and knowledgeable about what was needed to keep the troops safe. He seemed dedicated and studied. I know that’s not much, but that is exactly the shot in the arm that the Obama camp needs. He brings a foreign policies understanding that adds a good deal of credence to the ticket.

I just wish I would have spent more time with Sen. Biden and less time chasing the Edwards kids playing football in a fountain. Hindsight! :sigh:

Here is Sen. Biden in Charleston:

Top Photo from Charleston Regional Business Journal

Obama VP Announcement: Wake Up Voters!

The Democratic VP watch is officially over and as expected Senator Joe Biden is Barack’s Number 2.

I woke up this morning expecting another day of sitting with my cell phone in hand waiting. I thought the announcement text message would come at around Noon or so. Imagine my surprise when I saw a message from the Obama camp waiting there innocently looking up at me from my inbox. They sent the freaking message out at 3 in the morning!

Text message:
Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee. Watch the first Obama-Biden rally live at 3pm ET on http://www.barackobama.com/. Spread the word!

Couldn’t that have waited until at least sunrise?

Talk about killing a moment. 75% of his supporters were sound asleep when he made the biggest announcement since his declaration of candidacy. I just don’t get it. He has guys on staff who make a lot of money to make these decisions and I have no doubt that they are much more intelligent in these matters, but something just doesn't seem right about that decision.

Maybe it’s some kind of “wake up call for change.” Who knows? It did wake a lot of people from a good sleep. One guy on Flickr wrote, “If that s**t woke me up, Obama would be getting the phone shoved where the sun don't shine!” Sure he’s exaggerating a bit, but you get the idea.

Here’s a funny theory on a blog… Obama made the announcement at 3 AM in response to the Clinton Ads about trusting Obama with that 3 AM phone call. Remember the Ad? Was the annoucement a little tongue-in-cheek?



The kids over at MSNBC have some interesting thoughts on the Biden choice, The Hillary Backlash and how the early morning wake up call was met in their offices.

The McCain camp is quick on the draw with a new ad. They go after Biden for saying in 2005 that he would be honored to run for President with McCain.

Mr. McCain you're up -- please no 3 AM phone calls or texts when you decide.

VP Watch Continues

VP Watch 2008 enters day 8 million and I’m more than ready for something to happen. Obama can pick Kermit the Frog for all I care at this point. I just need him to announce something soon.

All signs point to Obama sending out the announcement via text message to his supporters Saturday morning. I signed up for the text alert Wednesday, because I get paid to be nosy. The pundits and “experts” were convinced that the text would come Wednesday afternoon -- nada.

I check my phone every time a text comes in like I’m waiting for Ed McMahon to knock on my front door. 3 Days, 50 Twitter messages, 30 weather alerts and 20 personal messages – not a single blip from Barack. Mr. Obama let’s get this show on the road. You have a captive audience that you are letting slip away.

You just don’t make huge announcements like that on a Saturday, unless it’s someone the media will go after. It’s a proven fact that significantly fewer people watch the news during the weekends. You would think he would want this announcement on Nightly News on a Wednesday or Thursday. The timing is a little odd. Unless he wants the full attention of the battlefield of Florida who were in the grips of Fay – who knows?

CNN is locked into Joe Biden as the pick. ABC’s going so far as to report a Secret Service presence at Biden’s home. It’s a choice that makes the most sense, but why a weekend announcement? It makes me think that his number one choice turned him down earlier this week. That’s just mindless speculation of course. We’ll see in a few hours.

While we wait… let’s have some fun.

You can send a fake VP Announcement to your friends’ cell phones that looks authentic. This blog shows you how!

See you after the official announcement.

Tropical Storm Fay strikes again!

All week, I’ve planned on attending a birthday soirée downtown. But, Fay had other plans for me. I had it all planned out. I got an old ratty umbrella to get me from the parking garage to the bar. You know, the kind of umbrella that I wouldn’t miss when someone steals it from the entrance because they forgot their’s at home. I would just sprint to my car and get a little wet when the bar closed.

I get all dressed up and ready for the night. I open the door and I’m met with that mist from rain caught in the wind. No problem. I pop open my umbrella and wade through the river that sometimes doubles as the parking lot of my apartment complex.

Everything goes as planned until I hit Highway 61 and notice that the whole area has turned into one large swimming hole. Not Downtown Charleston’s knee-deep flood waters, but bad enough for me to take notice. I round the bend to see a sea of emergency flashers ahead of me – people driving 2 miles an hour.

Then the sky opened up. It’s like Fay was waiting for me to get just far enough to make it difficult to turn around. There I am… not able to see three feet ahead of me. If my area is flooded, downtown will easily look like a set from Waterworld. It looks like it’s going to be a Friday night at home… thanks Fay.

We are just in the outer bands, but it’s just enough to be pretty damn annoying. As I type this, there is a waterfall outside my bedroom window. It’s like a watery serenade from the warmth under this roof, but it’s pretty nasty out there.

Our beaches are taking a pounding this week and so is the sea life -- a beached whale and dead sea turtle hatchlings. Fay isn’t playing around.

Tropical Storm Fay

The outer bands of Tropical Storm Fay have been dumping inches of ran on us for the past few days. This will sound strange, but there is something rather calming about tropical weather.

Hours before the big storm, when those outer bands first head into your area, the sky is filled large sudsy-looking clouds. It looks a lot like what a bar of soap does in a microwave. You can still see the crystal blue sky behind those monsters and it serves as a picturesque contrast of nature.

The closer the storm gets, the winds starts to pick up. The whole day turns gray – everything. Even the air itself feels heavy with gray. That first wind is calming and cooling in the summer day. It is in fact that proverbial calm before storm. As trite as it seems… it’s the truth.

Not to romanticize these killers; I’ve lived and worked through many – Katrina being one. That storm changed my life and I have an earned respect for tropical weather. Maybe that’s why I’m able to now also see the beauty in it.

I interviewed a couple in Panama Beach City during Hurricane Dennis. They went into a long discourse about Mother Nature being a cruel mistress. They said the rise and fall of the water during a hurricane was amazing to witness, even though deadly. A little like white arsenic in wedding cake.

Later that same year, after Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita was coming our way and I first noticed the pre-storm breeze. I guess it was my first time seeing Mother Nature for the cruel mistress she really is – a deadly splendor.

There is just something majestic about these marvels of nature. Some people see the awe in tornados, rainbows or sunsets. For me, it’s those hours before tropical weather. It’s almost like a small gift as we prepare for the destruction and force that follows those peaceful moments.

Thankfully Fay is just a rainmaker for us with some flooding. Here are some of the effects in our area.

From our Meteorologist Joey Sovine:

From a viewer: