Hello and Happy Monday, gang!
Thanks for sharing some of your favorite quotes last week - there were some good ones. The one I found for Thanksgiving was, "He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." ~Epictetus
Big birds
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with loved ones. I was working, but still managed to squeeze in two different dinners ... impressive, I know. Michael and I ate at his brother Pete's house before I came to work. The place was packed with family and Pete & Kris put on a great spread. The entertainment was our nephew James. He plays guitar, drums, and violin and sings and he was belting out all sorts of Beatles tunes while playing "Rock Band" on the Xbox. It was a riot. After anchoring the early evening shows, I met Michael at the Lacona's house for dinner. This is where I always get into trouble because all of the food is just so amazing. I mean, I just keep eating and eating and eating. When I got back to work I could hardly breathe and to be honest, I was a little concerned about my ability to get through the ten o'clock show. Thankfully, we had a lot of fun video and sound so I survived. Did you make a pig of yourself on Thanksgiving or did you stay in control? Is there a particular food that you know is terrible, but you just can't pass it up on the holiday?
Big butt
Thanksgiving is just one day. My problem is that I've been eating with that kind of wild abandon A LOT during the past six months or so. It is time for me to get it together or soon I won't have anything to wear. I'm reaching that point where even my "fat pants" are on the snug side. I refuse to buy new clothes - it seems like I'd be rewarding my bad behavior. A few months ago a gal I know from high school posted on her facebook page that she was starting a "fruit and vegetable detox" diet. She explained that for several days she was eating nothing but fruits, vegetables, green tea and water. This sounds like a good idea in theory but I don't know if I'm capable of doing it. I suppose all it takes is planning and a bit of willpower. I'm also looking into the Body Bugg and other similar devices that help track your calories consumed and calories burned. Have any of you tried this approach? I feel like it would really help keep me accountable, and I know the competitor in me would really get into seeing the "calories burned" number go up with different workouts.
Big tree
Our Christmas tree is up... whew! Michael likes having a tree that touches the ceiling and every year it seems like what we end up with is bigger, and bigger and bigger. This is especially an issue when I am not along for the tree picking process. I know it's hard to believe, but I am the voice of reason. Well, Michael bought the tree on Friday when I was at work. Friday night we brought him inside and stood him up and said "Oh, geesh!" He was touching the ceiling (and bending over a bit) before we even put him in the stand. Michael cut off some of the top and after much heaving and pushing and pulling and praying, we managed to get the thing upright, and stabilized. I have to admit, it might be the best tree yet. Pictures next week. Oh - and a question, do you do real or fake?
Big hair
After watching the Iowa game (ugh!) on Saturday we met up with Heather Burnside at 7 Flags Events Center. Why? The band Hairball. We'd never been to one of their shows and Heather insisted we would not be disappointed. She was right. If you loved hair bands back in the day, you'll love this group. Some of the performances are so spot-on, you'd swear you somehow traveled back in time to see Poison, Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Guns N' Roses ... you get the idea. It was a blast.
That wraps up the "big" edition of the blog... have a great week!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
An old friend... "Don't touch my junk"... Great quotes
Hello and Happy Monday, gang!
I had a very boring, but productive weekend. All of the toilets in my house are clean, the laundry is done (and put away!) I removed the layer of dust from most surfaces that have been neglected for far to long ... sigh. I know it's sad, but these things make me feel like my life is in order (or at least more in order).
An old friend
Do you find that time flies by and before you know it it's been weeks, months, maybe years since you've talked to or seen good friends? I have this problem off and on with a number of people in my life. People I love, people I miss, people who've been my friends though some of the most horrible times in my life. It just seems that life gets in the way. The great thing is having friends who understand and who also have busy lives that keep them running around like chickens with their heads cut off. I got to see one of those friends for brunch on Sunday - thanks, Amy - it was fun and we need to do it more often!!!
"Don't touch my junk!"
That's what lots of travelers are saying loud and clear to the TSA these days. What do you think about the new enhanced screening measures? Frankly - I don't give a hoot. If feeling me up (or down or sideways) means that crazy people with bombs don't make it onto my plane - fabulous. I also don't care about the body scanner thingies. I mean really, we all come with basically the same hardware so what's the big deal. What I do have a problem with is overzealous TSA agents who think the uniform affords them license to do whatever they want and ignore information given to them by rational people. Have you heard about the poor guy who ended up covered in his own urine after a pat down? Tom Sawyer is a bladder cancer survivor who now wears a urostomy bag. It collects his urine from an opening in his abdomen. He tried to tell security agents about his condition and the risk of breaking the seal on the bag, but he says they wouldn't listen and treated him rudely. Sawyer says screeners need more training to deal with medical issues and I couldn't agree more - he also told TSA chief John Pistole that when Pistole called to apologize for the incident. What do you think? How do we keep air travel safe but not infringe on privacy?
Great quotes
I am something of a quote junkie. Since high school I've collected ones I like and in college my room was covered with quotes. My desk at work bears several but there is one I see every week at a local elementary school that I think is especially good.
Do you have any favorite quotes? Why do you like them? What message to they convey and how does it affect you?
I'm starving. Sonya and I did a 5am workout and I taught a 9am step class today. I tired and my stomach is growling!!!
Have a wonderful week!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com
I had a very boring, but productive weekend. All of the toilets in my house are clean, the laundry is done (and put away!) I removed the layer of dust from most surfaces that have been neglected for far to long ... sigh. I know it's sad, but these things make me feel like my life is in order (or at least more in order).
An old friend
Do you find that time flies by and before you know it it's been weeks, months, maybe years since you've talked to or seen good friends? I have this problem off and on with a number of people in my life. People I love, people I miss, people who've been my friends though some of the most horrible times in my life. It just seems that life gets in the way. The great thing is having friends who understand and who also have busy lives that keep them running around like chickens with their heads cut off. I got to see one of those friends for brunch on Sunday - thanks, Amy - it was fun and we need to do it more often!!!
"Don't touch my junk!"
That's what lots of travelers are saying loud and clear to the TSA these days. What do you think about the new enhanced screening measures? Frankly - I don't give a hoot. If feeling me up (or down or sideways) means that crazy people with bombs don't make it onto my plane - fabulous. I also don't care about the body scanner thingies. I mean really, we all come with basically the same hardware so what's the big deal. What I do have a problem with is overzealous TSA agents who think the uniform affords them license to do whatever they want and ignore information given to them by rational people. Have you heard about the poor guy who ended up covered in his own urine after a pat down? Tom Sawyer is a bladder cancer survivor who now wears a urostomy bag. It collects his urine from an opening in his abdomen. He tried to tell security agents about his condition and the risk of breaking the seal on the bag, but he says they wouldn't listen and treated him rudely. Sawyer says screeners need more training to deal with medical issues and I couldn't agree more - he also told TSA chief John Pistole that when Pistole called to apologize for the incident. What do you think? How do we keep air travel safe but not infringe on privacy?
Great quotes
I am something of a quote junkie. Since high school I've collected ones I like and in college my room was covered with quotes. My desk at work bears several but there is one I see every week at a local elementary school that I think is especially good.
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. - Thomas Jefferson
Do you have any favorite quotes? Why do you like them? What message to they convey and how does it affect you?
I'm starving. Sonya and I did a 5am workout and I taught a 9am step class today. I tired and my stomach is growling!!!
Have a wonderful week!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com
Monday, November 15, 2010
A great event...Good food & scary food...On 13
Hello and Happy Monday, gang!
I had a great weekend and hope you did, too.
A great event
Saturday I helped with the Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit at Drake University. This is the third year of the event and it's been wonderful to see it grow. I drove in circles for quite a while trying to find a parking spot and feared I would be late for my hosting duties, but it turns out that was a great sign! Organizer Ying Sa tells me there were more than 100 more registrants this year, which means more and more immigrants are opening small businesses in Iowa. We honored a bunch of great people during the awards ceremony - all have wonderful stories to share. Even though this year's event is over, you can still get involved in the organization. Just visit www.iesusa.org.
Good food & scary food
I always like to tell you when Michael and I try new places to eat and have a good experience. A few weeks ago we finally made a visit to Fong's Pizza downtown. Yum! I highly recommend dropping in if you haven't been there before. I especially loved the Crab Rangoon Pizza - although only as an appetizer just because it's so rich. A big plus here (at least for me) are the hours ... open seven days a week with the full menu available until midnight and slices until 2am Sunday-Thursday and 3am Friday and Saturday. Yesterday our friends James Lacona and Nicholle Flood invited us to join them at Smokey D's BBQ on NW 2nd. I wasn't crazy about making the trek that far away from our house, but both James and Nic are great cooks and they said it would be worth our while. It was. In fact, my mouth is watering just thinking about the food. We ordered "The Whole Pit" and shared (there were five of us) and it was perfect. The ribs were wonderful, the brisket just right and the sides like potato casserole and mac & cheese delicious. They also have a Silver Strike machine and when we were there past closing finishing our game - the staff didn't kick us out until we'd bowled our last frame. We'll be back! :)
On the flip side ... something called "mechanically separated chicken".
I recently read about this in Newsweek and couldn't believe it. I don't think I'll ever be able to eat chicken nuggets again. That doesn't bother me that much - I've never been a huge fan. However, I do love hot dogs and this same sort of paste is what they're made of, too. Ick!
On 13
I'll leave you with another programming note about what's airing during our 10 o'clock shows this week. Tonight I hope you'll tune in for "Fitness Frauds" - you'll learn how easy it is for people to get meaningless certifications online and what questions you need to ask when you're hiring a fitness professional. Tuesday night I'll be bringing you a "13 Cares" about an adorable little boy who visits a Marshalltown care facility every week. He's developed a special relationship with residents and the situation is a win-win for everyone. Wednesday and Thursday Sonya Heitshusen brings you here in-depth look at domestic violence. She's spent considerable time with TereseAnn Lynch's family, in addition to law enforcement and the stories she's put together are powerful and informative.
Thanks for stopping by the blog - have a great week!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com
I had a great weekend and hope you did, too.
A great event
Saturday I helped with the Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit at Drake University. This is the third year of the event and it's been wonderful to see it grow. I drove in circles for quite a while trying to find a parking spot and feared I would be late for my hosting duties, but it turns out that was a great sign! Organizer Ying Sa tells me there were more than 100 more registrants this year, which means more and more immigrants are opening small businesses in Iowa. We honored a bunch of great people during the awards ceremony - all have wonderful stories to share. Even though this year's event is over, you can still get involved in the organization. Just visit www.iesusa.org.
Good food & scary food
I always like to tell you when Michael and I try new places to eat and have a good experience. A few weeks ago we finally made a visit to Fong's Pizza downtown. Yum! I highly recommend dropping in if you haven't been there before. I especially loved the Crab Rangoon Pizza - although only as an appetizer just because it's so rich. A big plus here (at least for me) are the hours ... open seven days a week with the full menu available until midnight and slices until 2am Sunday-Thursday and 3am Friday and Saturday. Yesterday our friends James Lacona and Nicholle Flood invited us to join them at Smokey D's BBQ on NW 2nd. I wasn't crazy about making the trek that far away from our house, but both James and Nic are great cooks and they said it would be worth our while. It was. In fact, my mouth is watering just thinking about the food. We ordered "The Whole Pit" and shared (there were five of us) and it was perfect. The ribs were wonderful, the brisket just right and the sides like potato casserole and mac & cheese delicious. They also have a Silver Strike machine and when we were there past closing finishing our game - the staff didn't kick us out until we'd bowled our last frame. We'll be back! :)
On the flip side ... something called "mechanically separated chicken".
I recently read about this in Newsweek and couldn't believe it. I don't think I'll ever be able to eat chicken nuggets again. That doesn't bother me that much - I've never been a huge fan. However, I do love hot dogs and this same sort of paste is what they're made of, too. Ick!
On 13
I'll leave you with another programming note about what's airing during our 10 o'clock shows this week. Tonight I hope you'll tune in for "Fitness Frauds" - you'll learn how easy it is for people to get meaningless certifications online and what questions you need to ask when you're hiring a fitness professional. Tuesday night I'll be bringing you a "13 Cares" about an adorable little boy who visits a Marshalltown care facility every week. He's developed a special relationship with residents and the situation is a win-win for everyone. Wednesday and Thursday Sonya Heitshusen brings you here in-depth look at domestic violence. She's spent considerable time with TereseAnn Lynch's family, in addition to law enforcement and the stories she's put together are powerful and informative.
Thanks for stopping by the blog - have a great week!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com
Monday, November 08, 2010
Let the music move you... The end... Pay attention!!!
Hello and Happy Monday, gang!
Is it weird to anyone else that it's November? Maybe it's this amazing weather we're having, but I just can't quite wrap my head around the fact that Thanksgiving is only two and a half weeks away. I feel like it should be spring, not fall!
Let the music move youThe past few weeks I've been struck by how powerful music is. I know that's not a revelation, but I'd like to know what gets you grooving or singing out loud. A few observations; most people make fun of Vanilla Ice, but anytime "Ice Ice Baby" starts pouring out of a juke box people's rumps start shakin'. I see it when I use a CD in my fitness classes that features the song, during weddings when a DJ plays it, and just last weekend when a guy picked it for singing karaoke. I know it highlights my age, but I sing at the top of my lungs to Journey, REO Speedwagon, Joan Jett, Bon Jovi (insert any 80s group here)... I've also noticed that even people who would never call themselves "fans" of entertainers like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga or Miley Cyrus can't help but sing along and dance when "California Gurls", "Pokerface" or "Party in the USA" are pumping out of a nearby speaker.
The endI did not end up going to the Iowa State - Nebraska game on Saturday. I'm still not sure if I wish I had or if I'm relieved that I didn't, but I was definitely not paying more than 100 bucks for a hillside ticket! The game was great, even though I was sure the Huskers had blown it. I know much has been said about Coach Rhoads' decision to go for two in overtime. I'm not an expert and I have nothing to add to the debate. What I will add is this ... I think the passion he's brought to the ISU football team is fantastic, and I'd write that even if his plan had worked and my team had lost. It's strange to think about never playing the Cyclones again but I'm looking forward to seeing what a Hawkeye-Husker showdown looks like!
Pay attention!!!Sometimes I am so distracted, it's scary. I've written before about needing to write myself reminder notes but lately it's gotten worse. November is a ratings period and I've had multiple stories in various stages for a few weeks now, so there's a lot rattling around in my head. The other day I was really at the end of my rope, trying to juggle a few too many things and thinking about all of the stuff I have to get done and how there aren't enough hours in the day and I blew right through a red light. Luckily there was no traffic, but when it dawned on me what I'd done I was horrified. I wasn't even using my phone or listening to the radio or eating or putting on lipstick ... I was just driving!
If I don't post this silly thing, it is never going to hit cyberspace but I'll leave you with quick programming notes about our ten o'clock shows this week.
Tuesday: I'll bring you a "13 Cares" about a great program for high school girls.
Wednesday: Elizabeth Klinge tells you about a unique class for Iowa inmates
Thursday & Friday: Sonya Heitshusen has an in-depth look at the case of Terese Ann Lynch Moore.
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com
Is it weird to anyone else that it's November? Maybe it's this amazing weather we're having, but I just can't quite wrap my head around the fact that Thanksgiving is only two and a half weeks away. I feel like it should be spring, not fall!
Let the music move youThe past few weeks I've been struck by how powerful music is. I know that's not a revelation, but I'd like to know what gets you grooving or singing out loud. A few observations; most people make fun of Vanilla Ice, but anytime "Ice Ice Baby" starts pouring out of a juke box people's rumps start shakin'. I see it when I use a CD in my fitness classes that features the song, during weddings when a DJ plays it, and just last weekend when a guy picked it for singing karaoke. I know it highlights my age, but I sing at the top of my lungs to Journey, REO Speedwagon, Joan Jett, Bon Jovi (insert any 80s group here)... I've also noticed that even people who would never call themselves "fans" of entertainers like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga or Miley Cyrus can't help but sing along and dance when "California Gurls", "Pokerface" or "Party in the USA" are pumping out of a nearby speaker.
The endI did not end up going to the Iowa State - Nebraska game on Saturday. I'm still not sure if I wish I had or if I'm relieved that I didn't, but I was definitely not paying more than 100 bucks for a hillside ticket! The game was great, even though I was sure the Huskers had blown it. I know much has been said about Coach Rhoads' decision to go for two in overtime. I'm not an expert and I have nothing to add to the debate. What I will add is this ... I think the passion he's brought to the ISU football team is fantastic, and I'd write that even if his plan had worked and my team had lost. It's strange to think about never playing the Cyclones again but I'm looking forward to seeing what a Hawkeye-Husker showdown looks like!
Pay attention!!!Sometimes I am so distracted, it's scary. I've written before about needing to write myself reminder notes but lately it's gotten worse. November is a ratings period and I've had multiple stories in various stages for a few weeks now, so there's a lot rattling around in my head. The other day I was really at the end of my rope, trying to juggle a few too many things and thinking about all of the stuff I have to get done and how there aren't enough hours in the day and I blew right through a red light. Luckily there was no traffic, but when it dawned on me what I'd done I was horrified. I wasn't even using my phone or listening to the radio or eating or putting on lipstick ... I was just driving!
If I don't post this silly thing, it is never going to hit cyberspace but I'll leave you with quick programming notes about our ten o'clock shows this week.
Tuesday: I'll bring you a "13 Cares" about a great program for high school girls.
Wednesday: Elizabeth Klinge tells you about a unique class for Iowa inmates
Thursday & Friday: Sonya Heitshusen has an in-depth look at the case of Terese Ann Lynch Moore.
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com
Monday, November 01, 2010
Vote...Watch...Eat!
Hello and Happy Monday, gang!
What a great weekend ... beautiful weather, Nebraska, Iowa State and Iowa all win, good times with friends ... couldn't ask for more.
Vote
You'd have to living under a rock to miss the fact that tomorrow is election day, but here's a reminder anyway... get out and vote! I know everyone is looking forward to all of the negative ads leaving the airwaves - it seems like it's been nastier than ever this year. Do your research, cast your ballot and be part of the process. Then watch Channel 13 for election results!
Watch
Start watching tonight ... Sonya Heitshusen has already produced a number of amazing stories from her time with the Iowa National Guard and at ten she brings us another one. It's a profile of a young mother who is raising her baby girl alone while her husband spends a year in Afghanistan. Don't miss "Iowans at War" Monday at ten.
Tuesday starting at 9pm we bring you live election coverage. We have all of our talented reporters in the field with the candidates, Mike Mahaffey and Jerry Crawford on set with live analysis, and numbers pouring in from precincts all over the state.
Wednesday at ten Jannay Towne brings us the story of "Melissa's Miracle". 14-year-old Melissa Robinson was hit by a speeding car in Union Park last summer. She's been making progress - getting better everyday - and Jannay profiles this young lady's strength and resolve.
Emily Carlson rounds out the week with stories about drunk driving on Thursday and Friday. She's had me read her scripts and I think you'll be surprised by some of the statistics, and angry about the repeat offenders ... hopefully angry enough to act.
Eat
You can eat some amazing food and help an amazing cause this Friday night at the Best Buddies Iowa Chef Challenge. If you don't know about Best Buddies check out www.bestbuddiesiowa.org. This is a new event and it should be a blast...here's the description from the website:
My mouth is watering just looking at the list of restaurants participating....yum!
Thanks for stopping by the blog, have a wonderful week!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com
What a great weekend ... beautiful weather, Nebraska, Iowa State and Iowa all win, good times with friends ... couldn't ask for more.
Vote
You'd have to living under a rock to miss the fact that tomorrow is election day, but here's a reminder anyway... get out and vote! I know everyone is looking forward to all of the negative ads leaving the airwaves - it seems like it's been nastier than ever this year. Do your research, cast your ballot and be part of the process. Then watch Channel 13 for election results!
Watch
Start watching tonight ... Sonya Heitshusen has already produced a number of amazing stories from her time with the Iowa National Guard and at ten she brings us another one. It's a profile of a young mother who is raising her baby girl alone while her husband spends a year in Afghanistan. Don't miss "Iowans at War" Monday at ten.
Tuesday starting at 9pm we bring you live election coverage. We have all of our talented reporters in the field with the candidates, Mike Mahaffey and Jerry Crawford on set with live analysis, and numbers pouring in from precincts all over the state.
Wednesday at ten Jannay Towne brings us the story of "Melissa's Miracle". 14-year-old Melissa Robinson was hit by a speeding car in Union Park last summer. She's been making progress - getting better everyday - and Jannay profiles this young lady's strength and resolve.
Emily Carlson rounds out the week with stories about drunk driving on Thursday and Friday. She's had me read her scripts and I think you'll be surprised by some of the statistics, and angry about the repeat offenders ... hopefully angry enough to act.
Eat
You can eat some amazing food and help an amazing cause this Friday night at the Best Buddies Iowa Chef Challenge. If you don't know about Best Buddies check out www.bestbuddiesiowa.org. This is a new event and it should be a blast...here's the description from the website:
Best Buddies Iowa Chef Challenge
Recipe for Friendship
Friday, November 5th
5:30 pm - Drinks
6:00 pm - Chef Challenge Stations Open
8:30 pm - Program
Zart 1312
1312 Locust Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Local restaurants and chefs are working with Buddy Pairs (an individual with intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) and a peer mentor) to create an exciting signature small plate dishes for your sampling. Our winner will be awarded the “Recipe for Friendship” award from Best Buddies Iowa at the end of the evening!
The Best Buddies Chef Challenge is a unique event for the friend of Best Buddies and for the “foodie”! Local restaurants and chefs are working with Buddy Pairs to create an exciting signature small plate dishes for your sampling.
Make sure to try them all and then cast your vote on your favorite of the night! Our winner will be awarded the “Recipe for Friendship” award from Best Buddies Iowa at the end of the evening!
Your ticket purchase includes heavy appetizer – small plate portions from local restaurants, beer, wine and soft drinks and live entertainment. We will also have exciting live/silent auction items, a moving program and opportunity to hear from our honored guest, Katie Meade.
Katie Meade will receive the Spirit of Friendship Award for all her years of service to Best Buddies Iowa
Some highlights of Katie Meade's contributions to Best Buddies:
•Will celebrate eight years as an employee of the Polk County Treasurer’s Office in October.
•Has been involved with Best Buddies for seven years as part of the Drake University Best Buddies Chapter (participated in Grand View chapter for one semester prior to that)
•Global Messenger for Special Olympics for five years and introduced U2 at the Special Olympics World Games.
•Well-known advocate of the disabilities movement around the state of Iowa.
•Has participated in various events for BBI on the national level: Audi Best Buddies Challenges (Hearst Castle and Hyannis Port), Miami Beach Gala, Dallas Gala, Annual Leadership Conference, Best Buddies Ball, speaker at 2006 BBI Staff Leadership Conference in Miami, and countless other events around the country
•Special guest and presenter at the 4th International Shafallah Forum in Doha, Qatar, in April 2009.
Participating Restaurants / Chefs:
Splash Seafood Bar & Grill - splash-seafood.com
Sam and Louie’s – samandlouiesnyp.com
Jethro’s BBQ – jethrosdesmoines.com
Iowa Culinary Institute – dmacc.edu/ici
Great Harvest Bread Co. – greatharvestdesmoines.com
Appetizer Magazine, Senior food editor Carlos Acevedo – meredith.com
Doll Distributing - dolldistributing.com
Mama Lacona’s – mamalacona.com
Samantha Beard, Annie Gunn’s Chesterfield, MO - smokehousemarket.com
Sweet Binney’s – sweetbinneys.com
Chef Terrie Khol, Country Club Market - countryclubmkt.com
Carefree Patisserie - acarefreecupcake.com
My mouth is watering just looking at the list of restaurants participating....yum!
Thanks for stopping by the blog, have a wonderful week!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com
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