Sunday, December 6, 2009

Politicians and the Power of Charisma


When reporters, voters, and historians talk about politicians – you often hear about charisma. Maybe words like charm, energy and enthusiasm are also used. However you describe it – some political figures have a certain indescribable quality that makes the people around them look up and listen. And when they do, maybe they feel special or inspired.

Our President, Barack Obama, certainly has that quality. Not only is he a gifted orator, but he has a presence that attracts people. Former President Bill Clinton was always said to bring a certain energy to a room. I experienced that first hand at a political fundraiser here in Cincinnati. People were on the edge of their seats – the room was electric. Bill Clinton was disarming, funny and endearing.

I have to say, my experience covering politicians shows me these qualities are even more impressive in person. It must be you feed off the energy around you – because it’s a sensation you can’t quite capture through television.

I experienced this once again with the visit of the former 2008 Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. She was in town recently signing copies of her book, “Going Rouge: An American Life.” I was on hand to cover that book signing. It was a long and tiring day that started eight hours before Ms. Palin ever arrived. Her fans had also waited in line for hours – and yet when she appeared on a staircase above the crowd, they erupted with cheers and applause. She spoke for only a few minutes, and truly, nothing impressive was said. She was thanking her fans for their time and promised a fun day. But, Sarah Palin was appealing and personable, and she got the crowd going. A chant of “Sarah…Sarah” was soon underway. And, although I admonish myself in advance for saying it….it has to be said because it’s part of her appeal. She looked attractive and fashionable. And after having their books signed – fans felt special.

I looked around the room that day, feeling swept up in the energy and at the same time, watching it wash over others. It made me marvel once again about the power of charisma.

Monday, October 12, 2009

"Future Blooms" Looks Bright


It’s not a plan to get rid of eyesores, but it will at least cover them up. That’s certainly a start. “Future Blooms” is a new initiative by Keep Cincinnati Beautiful (KCB) that uses community art to decorate boarded up and vacant buildings in the city.

Now, I attended the kick-off of this program last week, but I don’t have any photos to show you…so you’re going to have to use your imagination here. First picture a boarded up building with plywood covering the doors and windows. Okay…now picture artists transforming the look of that plywood with a little paint and a lot of creativity. A bright red door is paired with beautiful windows reflecting the blue sky. The windows are shaded by purple striped awnings and there are flower boxes in full bloom. Additional pieces of wood are layered on the plywood to create a multi-dimensional look. Think bright colors, cheerful and eye-catching. That was the type of transformation made at the first Future Blooms home on Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine.

KCB Executive Director, Linda Holterhoff, told me how children attending the daycare next door exclaimed that the transformation had created a home. That’s exactly the reaction she’s looking for. Of course, Holterhoff knows this is a false front. The building is still vacant, but she says a little sprucing up can have a real effect. The new look can deter criminals, reduce blight, and even keep property values from plummeting in the area. Those buildings also have a better chance of staying boarded up.

A series of grants are being used for the project. The goal is to use that money to decorate at least 130 vacant buildings through May of 2010. The Future Blooms artist team will be painting and installing a variety of window and door designs.

I have to say, I was impressed. Where a vacant, boarded up building can be a black mark on a street – this created a splash of color. You were drawn to the public art rather than a public nuisance. And maybe a buyer can envision that this was once a home, and it should be a home once again.

Friday, July 24, 2009

The Importance of Getting the Facts Right

It seems obvious – when reporting a story the media should go to great lengths to get the facts right. For the most part, that is the case. But, too often the race to get the story on the air or on the web outweighs the importance of getting the story right. This irks me. And trust me, I feel the pressure.

As a reporter in the field, I’m constantly in a race with three other television stations, the paper, and news radio to get the story first. I need the best interviews and the best video. My story needs to stand out. Make no mistake, this is a competition.

Consider this breaking news scenario. There’s a police standoff with an armed suicidal man who’s pacing around outside his apartment complex. It goes without saying, this is a dangerous situation. This man is unstable, he has a gun, and there are a lot of innocent people living in the area who could get hurt. The SWAT team is called in. They have the area surrounded and they’re working to negotiate with this man. There’s a stalemate for hours. At hour five all the news media has left except for me and my photographer. I’m exhausted and frankly, I’m bored. That’s about to change.

I am shocked at what I see next. The subject make’s a sudden move, as if to run. Then, gunfire erupts. There are multiple shots and he appears to be hurt. I never looked away, but to be honest, I can’t say for sure what happened. Did he fire first? If so, did he shoot himself or fire at police? The first sound I heard was very loud and created a lot of smoke. I’m fairly certain that was a flash-bang often used by SWAT teams to distract a subject. I know the SWAT teams fired on him – I saw that for sure. So I think.

I call the station. We need to get this on the web. What can we report? They want the full story and I don’t have it – police have their hands full at this moment and aren’t talking. So, I’m vague. There was gunfire – the subject appears to be injured, and has been taken away in an ambulance. We’re the only station there and yet other news media start to report the story online with more in-depth information. I feel the pressure – but am not willing to cave.

I’m glad – because I eventually get the full story and feel good knowing that all morning long we’re the only station who consistently got it right. Yes, SWAT fired on the subject. It sounded like gunfire to me. You know… real bullets. We learn it was only bean bags and sponge guns that were used. Thank goodness, I didn’t say otherwise. There was only one bullet fired. The subject shot himself in the chest. Other details were misreported – he never had a hostage, was never barricaded inside a home. Yet, these are details that were reported by some again and again.

In a breaking news situation, often the public can be forgiving. They know the story is happening now, and the information may change. That’s not always the case.

On this day, neighbors and friends were angry and hostile. They were yelling at us, trying to frighten us with threats. Still, I wandered over to speak with them. They had a word for the media – liars. They listed all the misinformation on the television news. Of course, I can’t vouch for every station – but we often get lumped together. I tried my best to convince them that we work hard to get the information right. The best I can do is give viewers a chance to sound off. They know this man and they watched this unfold. Now, I say a little prayer that I get every detail correct – so when they watch my live report at noon, they know someone got it right. I want them to have a little more faith in the media. I want them to know that my colleagues are genuinely good people with good intentions – to get it right.

Old news hounds shrug off the negative attention. They tell me I should too. You can’t please all the people all the time. I find it hard to let it roll off my back.

So, what can I do? My job -- the more we focus on the facts and not just being first, I believe the more the public will trust us.
For More on This Story (including video) : Click on this link to Local 12

Friday, July 10, 2009

When The Vice President Comes to Town

One of my job perks is getting to cover high powered politicians when they come to town. There's always an air of excitement. That was certainly the case when Vice President Joe Biden visited Cincinnati this week to promote the federal stimulus package. For local bigwigs and some lucky members of the public who snagged a ticket, this is Cincinnati history in the making. Grab your camera! Maybe he will shake your hand or kiss your baby! But, for the media, coverage is an elaborate juggling act. If you drop the ball, you could be out of a story.

As you can imagine, every move the Vice President makes is carefully choreographed. The security is incredibly tight. That means reporters and photographers are kept on a tight leash. The Vice President may have delivered a 30 minute speech, but for the media this was an 8 hour event.

First, we're required to arrive several hours in advance. Mr. Biden was scheduled to arrive shortly after 10am. We were in place by 4:30 in the morning. When you drive up, you're immediately flagged down by the press coordinator who told us precisely how to park our truck (at an angle for secret service line of sight). Where to sit, where to stand, and where to set-up...it's all laid out for us. We were able to do live coverage for our morning show, previewing the Vice President's visit, but by 7am we had to leave. Leave our gear, our bags, our trucks...everything so the secret service could perform a security sweep. Bomb-sniffing dogs climb in and around our vehicles. They canvass the entire site, and we're left standing in the street to watch. This is the time to grab a bite to eat or a potty break. Trust me, as a reporter in the field, any chance to find a bathroom is of vital importance!

Ninety minutes later, the sweep is over and we're issued media passes. Once again, we're allowed on site after going through a metal detector. But, our movement is limited. I must stay in the designated press area. And once I'm in, I can't leave. Even a trip back to our truck requires an escort.

Now -- we wait. Hours pass. We talk, we twiddle our fingers, and we wonder; how late will the Vice President arrive? It's a guarantee -- these events do not start on time. But, today we're lucky, Vice President Biden is up at the podium and delivering his speech by 11 o'clock. The stage is surrounded by secret service agents -- all in suits, wearing ear pieces with their roving eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses. The Vice President elicits cheers and laughter -- he's in front of a friendly crowd and they love this experience. The press tries to absorb every word, scribbling furiously on notepads and checking our watches. He's finally here -- but he better hurry up, because we have noon live shots to get too!

For some reporters this is old hat. They've been in the business for thirty years and all the hoop-jumping is a nuisance. Others still absorb the excitement -- that's me. Here's how you can tell the difference. We whip out our camera phones to grab a picture -- proof that we were there!

As quickly as the VP swooped in and rallied the crowed, he's gone. The set is quickly cleared and the event is over. In another city, the press is likely setting up, sitting and waiting. After all, the Vice President is headed there next

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Shoppers Find Good Deals at Goodwill


Have you noticed lately how people brag about the bargains they find? In this economy, saving money has become a badge of honor. If you want to bargain hunt or treasure hunt, a good place to start is Goodwill. There are fourteen stores in our region. While most retailers are struggling, Goodwill is seeing a big bump in sales. Frankly, you can't beat their sales. On the day I visited the Fairfield store this week all skirts, shirts, and kids clothing were on sales for 50 cents an item. Yes, 50 cents!

I would say there are two types of shoppers that visit Goodwill or any thrift store for that matter. There are practical shoppers and fashionistas.

The practical shopper: They either need or want a good deal. Clothing is the biggest seller for Goodwill, and that's likely their target. We know that children outgrow their clothing and shoes quickly. This is a good way to fill in their wardrobe with a few new pieces. Or maybe you want to avoid a big purchase. You could grab a prom dress or a new suit for $30. The folks at The Ohio Valley Goodwill tell me they're seeing a lot of new faces -- middle class faces who are living with a tight budget.

The fashionista: This is the fashion guru who either can't afford designer labels or just loves treasure hunting. At the Fairfield store I came across a pair of Salvatore Ferragamo flats for $80. Expensive -- yes, but a lot cheaper than the $400 it would cost you at a department store. Dooney & Bourke plus Coach purses are also popular, and should be like new. Check out the jewelry cases too. I'm told after a tough breakup, some pricey items end up getting donated. You will find real gold and real diamonds. Right now, there's a Cartier watch in the cabinet!

If you don't like the idea of second hand clothing, you could always save on books, furniture, and toys. The Fairfield store had a neat ittle selection of wall art. I felt like I was browsing in HomeGoods or T.J. Maxx.

Now, lets face it. Some people just aren't second hand shoppers. That's fine. Do what I do -- donate your items, make someone else happy and in the end you'll save on your tax return! Just remember to get a receipt and keep it in a safe place until April.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Neighborhood Blitz


Blight and Crime -- they seem like insurmountable problems in some Cincinnati neighborhoods. A city initiative, the 90 day Neighborhood Enhancement Program, is proving otherwise. Since 2007, eight neighborhoods have received additional funds and attention from the city to get on the right track. Today, College Hill celebrated their success.

The big picture is about improving the quality of life in a neighborhood. But, where to start? In College Hill they started by removing graffiti, picking up litter, repairing potholes, and planting flowers. New signs welcome folks to the neighborhood. Volunteers helped to give some businesses along the main drag a face lift. Florist Barb Ramsey had her storefront power washed, re-painted, and she hung a new shingle outside. She tells me the changes have been rewarded with new customers walking through her door. They commend her for the new look.

This isn't just about aesthetics. The city dedicated a lot of manpower to College Hill this Spring. Police officers clocked eight hundred hours of overtime, patrolling neighborhood streets. Making their presence known, Cincinnati Police hope to scare off the riff-raff that can make life unpleasant for residents. Building inspectors came in to keep homeowners in check. On their to-do list were more than a thousand properties. In the end, five will be demolished. Vacant, dilapidated eye-sores will disappear to make room for re-development.

Listing the achievements made in just 90 days is one thing. Feeling the energy among residents is another -- they're excited! Things are looking up in College Hill and they know it.

I hope they can keep the momentum going. I hope other residents and business owners see this success and decide to invest in their own property. There's no reason we can't breath new life into our neighborhoods -- after all College Hill is like a breath of fresh air.

Learn More About College Hill: http://www.collegehilloh.net/CHabout.htm

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Zoo Babies


Who can resist a beautiful baby? They're cute and cuddly -- and covered in fur. That's because these are zoo babies! Every year, zoos across the country celebrate Spring by introducing their newest offspring to the public.

The event just started here in Cincinnati and it's a perennial favorite. Plus, the zoo gets to educate the public about it's achievements. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens has an incredible record for breeding endangered species.

Knowing the event was coming up, last week I scheduled a story shoot to preview zoo babies -- to let our viewers know about the event. I'll admit I had two motives. First, I knew this was a solid story idea. After all, people love cute zoo babies. You can't lose. The other motive was self serving. I love zoo babies -- and I had an excuse to see them -- at work!

I have to say the experience was a thrill, all because of a six month old Cheetah named "Tommy T." Accompanied by zoo keepers, a videographer and I walked into the Cheetah pen. It's a large, wide open and grassy space. That way, there's room for the Cheetahs to run. Tommy can't run at full speed yet, but he already displays the grace and power of a big cat. He's being raised with a litter mate. Unfortunately there are no other baby Cheetahs. Ready for this? His litter mate and best friend is a puppy!

Just a few feet away from me, unleashed, the two wrestled and played. The puppy, "Pow-Wow," grabbed his buddy by the tail as Tommy boxed his ears. I watched Tommy "hunt" -- crouching low, remaining perfectly still with one paw raised -- right before he burst forth running to tackle Pow-Wow.

Two things stood out to me during that experience. One, I was closer to a wild and exotic animal than I ever had been before. I could hear the rumble in Tommy's throat as he purred a few feet away. It seemed as though I been transported to the African Savannah. Except of course for the second thing that stood out -- he was playing with a dog. Neither animal seemed to notice that this was highly unusual. In fact, in Africa, the same Anatolian Shepherds are used to protect livestock from Cheetahs. Ironic.

The ink black markings on his face. Those brilliant topaz eyes. I was in love. Unfortunately, I'm certain Tommy was not impressed with me. In fact, he barely looked in my direction. Typical feline! It's okay, I won't hold it against him. After all, that was a pretty good day at work.

*For more pictures of Tommy and Pow-Wow: http://www.cheetahdays.com/

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

To Spend Or To Save?


When the economy went into the gutter, Americans were suddenly admonished by pundits on television and columnists writing for our favorite papers and magazines that we were irresponsible. As individuals we had way too much debt. We all know that people bought houses they couldn't afford. Oh yeah, and those savings for a rainy day didn't exist. We couldn't bail ourselves out.

So, there was a new mantra. Save! Hunker down and conserve some cash.

It actually worked. According to a Newsweek article this month Americans saved 5 percent of disposable personal income in January, up from 0.4 percent in the forth quarter of 2007. If you ask me, that's good news.

But, guess what -- a few months have passed and I just got a new memo. "Stop Saving Now!" At least, that's one magazine's cover story this week. What? In just three short months have we saved all the money we'll need? Have we managed to dig ourselves out of debt? Has the foreclosure crisis been resolved? No...No...and No.

Okay, I get it. In order to keep the economy running we do need to spend money. We need to invest in new ideas, in new businesses, and in the stock market. True to our tradition as Americans, I don't think we'll stop spending. Some entrepreneurs will recognize the opportunities and the deals that exist in a down economy. We're still wounded, but we'll come around.

When we do though, I want us to remember some of the lessons we've learned. Being thrifty is okay and saving is smart. I bet more people today are balancing their bank accounts and budgeting their finances. Those are good habits! Dealing with a layoff, maybe families are realizing the importance of having an emergency fund and having 3 to 6 months of expenses stashed away. If they didn't have that money this time, I hope they will the next time there's a bump in the road.

On a smaller scale, shoppers are doing some research and hunting for the best price. Maybe you're using coupons at the grocery store or buying the store brand. Or, it could be we're just practicing a little self restraint. If I have 10 purses in my closet, do I really need a new one? Must I have the cell phone plan with a gazillion minutes or the premium cable channels? Maybe you want all of those things. I'm finding, it's okay to do without some luxuries. I also plan on continuing without some of those luxuries when we're all flying high again.

So, what will I do with the extra money? Save! I'll save for a rainy day, for retirement, for a house. I've always been a bit of a saver. Even as a child, I clung to the gifts I got for my birthday. It's just my nature.

But, that's okay. I'll be spending too. After all, I'm saving up for something. And, here's the best part...I'll be able to afford it.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Spring Is In The Air

Can you smell it? It's the delicious smell of Spring. Fresh cut grass and freshly planted flowers. Yes, even sunshine has a smell. Yesterday was our first true taste of my favorite season. The sun came out and warmed up the city to a perfect 72 degrees.

Yes, I know March has a bit more Winter in store for us. Already, we're 10 degrees cooler today, and by Friday there will be highs in the 40's. In fact, Spring hasn't officially started. But, the anticipation has me feeling giddy.

Every year I find the first few warm days of Spring truly uplifting. They are a sign of wonderful things to come. There are the simple joys like wearing shorts and setting my feet free in some sandals. Plus, I love those days in the park reading a book while enjoying the sunshine. Then there are the annual traditions that stretch into the Summer. I know at least once I'll don my bathing suit and pretend I'm ten years younger by screaming and shouting as I careen down a slide at the water park. I know I'll hop in a canoe to watch the wildlife as we float on by. I know I'll celebrate my birthday and my husband's birthday. In my eyes, both should be national holidays!

Somehow, even chores become more fun. Suddenly washing your car seems like a good idea. I've noticed neighbors are anxious to do yardwork and tend to their gardens. Walk down the street and you're sure to see someone cleaning out a garage or fixing a bicycle in the driveway. It's tolerable, even enjoyable, simply because it's a beautiful day.

There is no doubt in my mind that a healthy dose of sunshine and warm weather can lift your spirits. It works on me everytime.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Bottle Up That Travel Feeling


If I just close my eyes I can hear the roll of the surf on a white sand beach. I can smell that fresh sun scorched air with a hint of suntan lotion. I can feel the salt spray of the ocean. Seagulls are squawking. When the sun comes out from behind a cotton candy cloud, it's so warm it gives you goosebumps. Let's pretend we're in the Caribbean -- so the water is that beautiful teal color. The first time I saw that water, I was smiling ear to ear.

It's not just the beach that I love, it's travel. I will go anywhere and I want to go everywhere. I want to see the pyramids in Egypt, the Coliseum in Rome, and skyscrapers in Hong Kong. Yes, the beach (any beach) is also a wonderful destination. The idea of it makes me smile. The desire to get up and go practically makes me salivate. Seriously, my mouth is watering.

It's not about time off or even about relaxing. It's about seeing new parts of the world and experiencing new cultures. It's about having fun and meeting new people. It's the weather, the language, the sights you've seen so many times before in books or on television.

Four months ago I was lucky enough to honeymoon in Costa Rica. It was so tropical, lush and green. The landscape was wild and it was beautiful. I think of that trip as an adventure. My husband and I went whitewater rafting, deep sea fishing, and zip-lining through the rain forest. We went horseback riding, hiked to waterfalls, and sat in hot mud pits heated by the center of the earth. Outside of La Fortuna, we had such an incredible view of the Arenal Volcano from our hotel window, it was breathtaking. The still active volcano would spit red lava and hot rocks daily. That made for quite a show at night -- in fact that was the nightlife -- just watching the volcano. The Costa Rican people were incredibly friendly. Anytime I made use of my rusty high school Spanish, they were excited and even encouraged the exchanges. Instead of being self-conscious that I was butchering their language, I looked for more opportunities to learn. The trip was both exciting and peaceful. It provoked emotions and sensations that should be bottled up. I would pay a pretty penny to spray myself with that type of contentment daily.

Next week, I'll be fantasizing about travel again. I'm interviewing a travel agent about all of the amazing deals that are up for grabs in a poor economy. To fill up hotel rooms and cruise ships, it becomes necessary to offer adventure at a cheaper price. This could be the chance to take the trip of your dreams! Of course you still need to do your research, to shop around. Consider all-inclusive resorts. If you're spontaneous and are willing to travel at the last minute, you can really save some dough. Or, just open yourself up to some new travel destinations.

So often I'm reporting on the woes of the poor economy, I figured this time I would focus on the bright spot. That's right, there's always a bright spot. I may not be booking a trip with the travel agent next week, but you can bet I'll be smelling the surf and fantasizing about the contentment that only a great trip can bring.
Learn More About Costa Rica!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The White Death

Have you heard of the "White Death?" If you're buried in snow right now, you know exactly what it is. In news, we joke about the name, because our coverage can be a little overboard. Let's be honest -- we behave like the sky is falling. Take cover! But, people do watch. Viewership on snow days is off the charts. People want to know the forecast. When is the snow going to start? When is it going to end? How are the road conditions? Can I get to work/school/daycare/grocery store?

I use to think the high level of concern was absurd. It's only snow, people! That was until last month when I made the news. It was the first decent snowfall of the season, and I was involved in one of the first car accidents of the day. It was terrifying. I was on the interstate and suddenly my car fishtailed. I tried to gain control of the car. It didn't work and I remember feeling disbelief -- knowing I was going to get in an accident. I hoped my car wouldn't flip, but somehow I knew it was going to happen. In a matter of seconds, my car spun out of the center lane, slammed into an embankment and then flipped over landing on its top. I was hanging upside down thanks to my seat belt. The roof was crushed, the windshield and windows had exploded into bits of glass. There was a strong smell of gas.

I wiggled my toes and my fingers, taking stock of each and every body part in 30 seconds and then breathed a sigh of relief. I was okay. I was okay! My next thought was finding my cell phone -- no luck. Later I would find my bag pinned underneath the car. I still don't know how that's possible -- did it fly out of a window before the car flipped? In the end -- I crawled out of the car and got the help I needed thanks to a good samaritan. Days followed of neck and back aches, dizziness and vomiting. A week later I was as good as new.

Something still isn't right, though. Driving is different. I'm a little nervous, and that means I'm more cautious. Oh, and snow sparks a new reaction. I drive like I'm 85 years old. Yes, when you see the slow-poke going 20 mph in the right lane -- it could be me. I'm also yelling at you -- calling you names that essentially mean I think you're driving too fast and being irresponsible!

So, the snow is a big deal. Maybe the sky isn't falling, but it has taken on a different meaning for me. As a child it was snow days and sledding. It was wonderful. As a reporter it became long days and a dozen live shots out in the cold. It was a nuisance. Now, it's intimidating. It's a reminder of how lucky I was to walk away from a horrible car accident. It also means I'm ready for Spring.