Brilliance at 12!

This is 12! Can you believe it? I'm always inspired by stories of children who just know what they are meant to be in life. Of course, most of us didn't know what we were good at- at age 12, let alone great! Heck-- on any given day I may question what I'm good at -- at age.... well, we don't need to discuss that! Check this story out! Do you know of anyone with this level of talent in their given field? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

Newsroom Experimenting

I had the excitement recently to interview Albany Mayoral Candidate Carolyn Mclaughlin in our newsroom As an anchor I typically do all interviews from the desk but lately we are experimenting with how to make the viewing experience more exciting. What I love is that we are in a position right now where we want to improve our product and truly transform our programming into something you want.

That's where you come in! What would you like to see more of? What would you like to see less of? Your opinion matters! Leave me some suggestions to bring back into the newsroom and they could end up on the air! 

Behind the Scenes: Election Day

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes on a big news day? Well a lot of work and preparation went into getting to today. Today is all about execution. I had fun walking you around the newsroom showing you what will go on today. Take a look and share!

Press: Metroland's Best Morning TV News

The Capital Region's Alternative Newsweekly Metroland is out with it's "2013 Best of the Capital Region" list and our morning show is among the honorees! I literally blurted out "WHAT!?!" when I saw this:

It is such an honor to have our show recognized. In fact, this is the first time we have been recognized- that I can think of!

The world of 24 hour news is a never ending world. We don't just do a few shows a day and come back the next day and start all over. It's our goal to continually try and find new details and update the viewer. I think we really shine when it comes to extended live breaking news coverage. In fact, that's my favorite as an anchor as it is the most challenging but most rewarding because I know we are providing an important service to our viewers.

I just wanted to drop a note to thank Metroland for the recognition and let them know it truly made my, and my colleague's day!

Here's To A New Week

There's no doubt that some weeks really test you- last week was one of them. I thrive on news weeks where you are too busy to even have chit chat but last week we were distracted by not only hope but despair. 

A deranged man went on a rampage in Herkimer county. He set fire to his house, went to a barber shop and shot four people- killing 2. Then he went to a car wash and killed 2 more before barricading himself in an abandoned building. After a more than 15 hour stand off authorities went in to get him. He shot and killed a K-9 before authorities killed him. 

That would have been enough news to process but shortly after that mess began- we saw the white smoke. Wait- is it white? It looks kinda gray. It is white! We have a new pope... and yet when they announced his name the microphone kinda cut out- wait--- what's his name? Say it again. It was a collective- who is it? It all eventually worked its self out and we learned he would be named Pope Francis. 

The next day a very tragic story came out of Central New York. A woman and child were kidnapped and attacked coming out of a mall. The child was raped. The woman stabbed multiple times. The child escaped and ran for help but it was too late- the suspect killed the woman. Authorities caught him. Turns out the suspect had been facing charges in a federal child pornography case.

How do you process all this? I'm sure everyone does differently- for me I tend to not talk about it. I go internal- and think about it. Then I try to find some good in everything. It's all I can do- when I have to process and retain challenging details because it's important to provide the accurate details to you. 

I'm holding on to the hope that a new pope is providing for people around the world. While there is hope- there is also patience. One pastor told me he will hold out on having positive feelings about our new pope as he falls in line with the previous pope Benedict with very conservative views and may not provide the real change most Catholics are hoping for. I am also holding out hope for the child who was brutally attacked in Central New York. She will have a life time of challenges but I can only hope and pray she will rise above it and live a life of inspiration.

It's a new week and I'm hoping for some lighter news and a little less stress. Will that probably come? Probably not- either way I am ready. I do love what I do for a living and hope others can see that as I try to help them deal with the good and bad of the news that happens around the world.  

Viral Video: What If We Talked Like Reporters All The Time?

In Mourning

Sadly, death and destruction are nothing new in the life of a News Anchor- but this, this is different. Over my 20 years in the business I've honed my skills on how to deal with tragedies and report the facts, stay sensitive to those affected and maintain a distance so I don't get emotional on air. But lately- I've found myself feeling more and more emotional when I hear a soundbite that touches me or read a story that is just too difficult to imagine. I have noticed the common theme is the stories are about children. I simply do not understand why anyone would hurt an innocent child.

When I left work yesterday afternoon the news from Newtown Connecticut was just breaking. I had heard that a gunman showed up to a school but was dead. I think my mind went into lock down mode- and just thought.... oh it probably happened outside of the school, out of the sight of children and the gunman was dead.

I left thinking it wasn't a serious incident- oh was I so wrong. I went about my day and ran into one of my Producers at the station at a local store. She said there were children dead, we were sending resources there and the rest she said was a blur. HUH? I just couldn't comprehend it. In fact- I avoided any media. This was completely opposite of what I have ever done. It is my job to stay informed and I take that seriously- but something about this news story was different. It was the children. I just couldn't bring myself to hear about the deaths of many children.

As I woke up this morning I finally forced myself to watch the news. I'm glad I did. I need to know these things because it is important not only to my job- but more importantly as a citizen of this country and a person with a heart. I am a Mother of 3. My heart breaks for these families. I still can't imagine this horror.

I know very well a woman who worked with state officials to create the safety plan that Connecticut schools have in the event of an incident of this magnitude. Every person asked about the plan in the media said the followed it and it probably saved many lives. Those educators were heroes because they knew what to do. I hold on to that in this time of grief.

20 children, 6 adults at the school, the shooter's mother at her home 3-5 miles away and the gunman himself- all dead. It's senseless. I'm sadden just like you are. I am in mourning.

O.J. Didn't Do It?

That's what a new film suggests. "My Brother The Serial Killer" is set to air tonight on the Investigation Discovery Network. The brother of convicted serial killer Glen Rogers says it was Glen who killed Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman back in 1994- not Simpson.

Clay Rogers says his brother is one bad dude. Glen was convicted of killing what they think was a third woman in a cross-country killing spree. Clay also says his brother admitted to him that he killed 70 people- a claim that Glen later said was a joke.

The brother claims that Glen was a painter in Brentwood California that Simpson hired to steal some 20-thousand dollar earrings and was told to kill her.

Ron Goldman's dad Fred doesn't believe it. He says Simpson is the one.

Who do you think did it?

Bye Bye Hostess Brands

REALLY?!!? No more Twinkies, Ding-Dongs or Ho Ho's!?!!? No Sno Balls and Donettes!?!?! No more Wonder bread?!?!?!?

All operations are suspended. The company filed a motion with U.S. Bankruptcy Court seeking permission to close and sell all it's assets. That means 33 bakeries and 565 distribution centers closed. This means 18,500 workers are being laid off.

Why?  "The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union", one of the company's largest unions,  went on a nationwide strike that crippled the company and it can not continue to operate.

I just saw the interview on the Today show and the company executive seemed very determined and almost mad about the decision but he said it's over. Go to the Today show website later today- they will likely up load the full interview. Here is their written report giving more details on the decision.

When was the last time you had a Hostess treat? I'm kind of upset at this news- but to be honest with you I can't think of the last time I've had one! I feel the urge to go and buy some--- just because they won't be available anymore! Good news is- don't they last 100 years or something?

How do you feel about this news?

Take A Toke In These States

Photo: Reuters/Jorge Duenes/Files

Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize the posession and sale of marijuana use for recreational purposes. This puts these states at odds with federal law and likely sets the stage for a showdown with the Obama administration.

The U.S. Department of Justice reacted Colorado's approval: saying its enforcement policies remain unchanged, and say "We are reviewing the ballot initiative and have no additional comment at this time."

Meanwhile- Massachusettes passed a bill allowing medical marijuana there. This could help the state reap millions, if not billions of dollars in tax revenue. While Massachusettes is smaller than other states- the benefits could still be huge. Just to give you an idea- California research shows it has potential to bring in $45-100 billion dollars a year in tax revenue there.

Marathon Decision

Photo: NYC Marathon

In what is a controversial decision- New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the New York City Marathon WILL GO ON! It is scheduled for this Sunday.

Photo: @marathoner

More than 100-thousand people applied for a coveted 47-thousand spots in the race. That number includes about 20-thousand international runners. That means up to 47-thousand runners and their family and friends could converge on the city- some parts are still under water and transportation and hotel accommodations are limited.

The Mayor said that the race is vital to small businesses and he expects most, if not all power will be restored by Sunday.  Also under consideration- these runners may have been planning and training for this race for a year. They have invested a large about of their time and money into this world class race.

Race organizers are looking at the need to alter the route but with 600-thousand people still without power and the city under a travel restriction (requiring a minimum 3 people per car)... are they making the wrong decision?

Race Organizers posted the following information:

We’re adjusting Marathon Day plans as a result of the storm’s impact on our operations and resources. At every turn, we will be working to ensure that our planning doesn’t affect any recovery efforts.

As a result, our sole focus is now on Marathon Sunday and therefore we have:

• Canceled Friday night’s Marathon Opening Ceremony and
  Saturday’s NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K
• Revised our cancellation policy
• Extended number pick-up hours at the expo
• And established ways for everyone to support the relief effort through charitable donations

Wealthiest New Yorker

The wealthiest New Yorker is New York City Mayor and owner of Bloomberg LP- Michael Bloomberg.

The research firm Wealth-X recently released a report listing the richest person in each U.S. state. Bloomberg was 6th on the list. The report also found that California and New York are the states with the highest number of mega-millionaires, while Alaska, Delaware and North Dakota have the lowest number of millionaires.

Huge Storm Being Studied

While we are focusing our attention on Sandy down here on earth, scientists are studying a massive storm on Saturn. It happened 2 years ago and just now they are realizing that it was much more powerful than originally thought! NASA's Cassini spacecraft first detected the storm in December 2010. It sent temperatures soaring to 150 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.

The study's leader, Brigette Hesman said "This temperature spike is so extreme it's almost unbelievable, especially in this part of Saturn's atmosphere, which typically is very stable.

"To get a temperature change of the same scale on Earth, you'd be going from the depths of winter in Fairbanks, Alaska, to the height of summer in the Mojave Desert" Hesman said.

Flu Shot Prevents Heart Attacks?

Photo: WebMD

A new report  out of Canada suggests your yearly flu shot you may lower - not only your risk for getting the flu but also lower your risk of heart disease.

People were 50% less likely to have a heart attack or stroke and 40% less likely to die from one- compared to those who didn't get their shot.

Researchers looked at 4 previous studies of 3-thousand people. The average age of people studied was 60. Most include were older than 30. The findings say there were 187 heart attacks or strokes, including 65 deaths. Those who got the flu vaccine were less likely to have a cardiovascular even or die from them.

No word on the exact reason for this- but there's another reason to get your yearly shot.

My Sandy Advice To You

Please everyone be safe and stay tuned.

Don't Cross These Parents

Photo: AustinMac

Some Wisconsin parents taught their teenage daughter a lesson after she got "fresh" with them. They took her cell phone away for a week and then stepped into social media history with their next move. They took a series of pictures of themselves in goofy poses--- and posted it on her Facebook page. Her brother took one of the pictures and posted it on Reddit! That has elicited a thousand comments with people weighing in on the move! No word on how the teen feels about this one. What do you think- parental genius or bad move?

8 iPhone Apps For Kids

If your kids are like mine- they're always stealing your iPhone to play with it. Lets face it- it can be a lifesaver for when you need them to be patient and sit still! I'm always looking for a new app for them and found there may be some more I need to down load! With Sandy arriving today- you may consider these last minute downloads. That's if you have a battery powered charger just in case your electricity goes out.

Dinosaurs: The American Museum of Natural History Collection

Photo: Yahoo

American Museum of Natural History, Free

If you're the parent of a dino-crazy kid this one looks cool.
It opens with a beautiful picture of a T-Rex, but look more closely and you'll see it's actually a mosaic of over 1000 snaps of dinosaur exhibits from the museum's collection. Each picture reveals facts and figures and there's even a story section.

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Stack the States

Photo: Yahoo

Dan Russell-Pinson, $0.99

Stack the States combines education and fun. Isn't it great to sneak some learning value into a game?  Children will learn about the 50 states: their shapes, locations, capitals, abbreviations, and more. 

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Photo: Yahoo

Weird But True

National Geographic, Free

Did you know that slugs have 3,000 teeth and four noses? My son found this one on his own today- and I was bombarded with strange facts and figures alllll dayyyyy! LOL Hey- whatever it takes to get him to read more, right? 

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Photo: Yahoo

The Jungle Book: Disney Classics


Disney, $1.99

Apparently this is much more than just an e-book. The Jungle Book: Disney Classics is loaded with mini-games, singalongs and puzzles. There's also a reader to read the stories for the little ones.

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Photo: Yahoo

Foolproof Art Studio


Studio Mee, $1.99

Kids can take a picture with your phone then manipulate it.
They can make pictures into an abstract piece of art with one swipe of the finger. 

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Photo: Yahoo

Where's My Water?

Disney, Free

This also sells for an upgraded price- but I have the free app and my kids love it.  The goal of this one is to help dig a hole in the ground to get water to the alligator. It gets more and more difficult and it keeps the kiddos very busy and entertained.

Photo: Yahoo

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Star Walk

Vito Technology, $2.99

This looks interesting if your child likes to look to the sky.  They will learn how to locate constellations, galaxies, nebulae, and giant stars, 

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Photo: Yahoo

Wonder Zoo - Animal Rescue


Gameloft, Free

A Management games that appeal to kids?  This game uses animal graphics with game play. They will be able to build a critter-friendly zoo, breed rare species, and steer clear of dastardly poachers.

Cuomo Speaking

Governor Cuomo is travelling the state of New York today to talk to residents about preparing for hurricane Sandy. Tune in to YNN through out the day. It looks as if he will be holding a number of news conferences. At 2:30 he is speaking about storm preparedness in Kingston.

Romney Wins Key Endorsement

Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Hurricane Sandy may have given some a welcomed distraction from the elections- but with one week to go the candidates are on their final push for votes. Mitt Romney has won a major newspaper endorsement on Saturday, as the Des Moines Register's editorial board formally backed the GOP candidate's bid for the presidency.

This is huge because it is the first time in 40 years the influential battleground state paper endorsed a Republican in the general election. The last time it did was when it supported Richard Nixon in the 1972 election. Romney may have been secretly counting on this endorsement because The Register did back him in the 2012 GOP primary.

Letter From Governor Cuomo On Sandy

Dear Fellow New Yorker,

Hurricane Sandy is on course to hit the East Coast and New York State in the coming days. In preparation for the storm's potential impact, Governor Cuomo today declared a state of emergency to help mobilize resources to local governments and rapid response efforts.

New Yorkers should make sure they have a storm emergency kit ready and include items such as non-perishable food, water, cash, filled prescriptions, a battery-powered radio, first aid kit, supplies for any pets, flashlights and extra batteries. The Governor also encourages New Yorkers to check in with neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled, who might need assistance to ensure that their needs are met if emergency instructions are issued. Additional tips for New Yorkers include:

• Know how to contact all family members at all times. Identify an out-of-town friend or family member to be the "emergency family contact." Then make certain all family members have that number. Designate a family emergency meeting place where the family can meet in case you can't go home.

• Pay particular attention to relatives with special needs, small children and pets. Know where to relocate pets during a storm because many shelters are not able to accept pets. Shelters often only accept "service animals" that assist people with disabilities.

• Prepare an emergency phone list of people and organizations that may need to be called. Include children's schools, doctors, child/senior care providers, and insurance agents.

• Follow the news and emergency broadcasts of local radio and television stations that will provide up-to-date official information during a storm emergency, including recommendations to evacuate specific areas.

• Find out what emergency plans are in place in your community and how you will be notified in the event of an emergency.

• Know the hurricane risks in your area, and learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area.

• Store important documents such as insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, and social security cards in waterproof containers. Also have cash (in small bills), a checkbook, and credit/ATM cards readily available.

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