A New Blog

Hello dearest friends and family and wonderful readers. I have started a new and improved blog, http://www.denaedarcy.com/. Please visit me there! While I do love being the Blond Across the Pond, I am no longer "across the pond" and my hair color might change. :)

Thank you for supporting me these past 3 years through my international adventures. Feel free to still read and comment on articles here, but I hope to see you at my new spot on the web.

Cheers,
Denae D'Arcy

"Life Begins at 30"

Today is June 29th and you know what that means. My birthday is just a few days away. This year, I'm turning 30.

My darling Kingsley and I were chatting the other day:

Me: Pook, I'm not ready to turn 30.

Him: Pook, life begins at 30.

That's the perspective I'm going to take. Kingsley is great at encouraging me and I'm going to hop on the "Celebrate 30!" bandwagon. To do so, I'd like to record my accomplishments in my 20s. This is more for my benefit than yours but thanks for humoring me.

I was 20 when I landed my first TV job in Hazard, Kentucky at WYMT. I was thrilled to have a full-time news anchor position and that was the job where I learned to shoot my own stories and edit them. At 22, I worked for WATE in Knoxville as night side reporter and weekend evening anchor. Then, at age 24 I got a job as morning reporter, weekend morning anchor in market 33, Cincinnati, Ohio. Landing a job at a larger market (WKRC) at such a young age has been my greatest television news career accomplishment thus far. While working in Cincinnati, I was making a fantastic salary and was too flashy for my own good. I owned a Lexus in my 20s. The joys of singledom and no kids = extra money for things. But then at 26 I started itching for something more. Cue my idea for travel and higher education.

With 3 suitcases, savings and student loans I got on a plane to London. While there, I traveled to France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, South Africa, Holland and Denmark. I rode the canals of Venice, stood along the Seine in Paris and drank from the fountain of youth in Lisbon. I even survived cage diving with Great White sharks off the coast of Gansbaai.

At 27, I met my husband, Kingsley and fell in love. I also earned my Master's degree and through higher education, I examined other cultures, customs, politics and religions. World travel changed my religion and politics in the most exceptional ways in my 20s.

In my 20s, I became even better friends with my parents and brother and love the chance to spend time with them. I won awards for news stories and also became a published writer in my 20s. I played a small part on the big screen in a mainstream movie, State of Play. And the biggie: I became a wife at age 29! I'm also proud to say in my late 20s, I'm in better shape than my early 20s. I dropped 2 sizes more than a year ago and have kept the weight off with a different lifestyle of eating. (It feels so good to be thin! There, I said it. It isn't easy and takes extreme self discipline - so I will take this one opportunity in celebration of 30th and say - I like my body.)

I suffered heartache, heartbreak, sadness beyond belief, depression, anger, despair, hatred and loss. I also genuinely loved others, laughed out loud, dreamed big, met goals, made life-long friends, took chances and felt exhilaration - just being alive.

Advice for folks in their 20s? Don't stress over the small things and really, truly try to learn what you want and need to be happy - then pursue it. Life is too short to be on a campaign to please others.

My goals for my 30s include getting my husband over here on our finalized Visa, paying off all debt, becoming a first-time home buyer, investing time and energy in continued world travel, and marching on with my career goals, however they might change in this age of developing media. I also want to publish a book, use my Spanish (6 years of study) and learn to play the piano. If you know me in a few years, please ask me how the goals are coming on. :)

Fern Ridge

Nice day near the water. 80s and sunny! Hope you are having a beautiful weekend too.

Tribute to Michael Jackson

When I was in grade school, my parents bought me a little pink cassette player and my brother got one just like it in grey. We each selected a "tape" we wanted. I picked Michael Jackson's Bad and my brother wanted Beach Boys. We would play each of our tapes and nag one another with why our music was better than the other one.

I listened to my Bad tape over and over and over, memorizing all the words. When I was old enough to be allowed to watch MTV, I would try to mimick Michael Jackson's dance moves from music videos. As a young dancer in tap, ballet and jazz lessons, I was star struck with Michael Jackson and his flashy outfits.

Whether you love him or hate him, it is difficult to deny his success or talent as an entertainer. Five of his albums were the greatest selling albums of all time. Thriller sold 40 million copies alone. Most pop starts these day are influenced somewhat by his sound.

I have never been emotional about the passing of a "star." Even when Princess Diana died, I did not feel a personal connection. When the news of Michael Jackson's death hit the web, I was really surprised with the emotion I felt. For the first time, I feel that my childhood is very far away and yep, I'm growing older. Michael's music made me happy and it made me feel like dancing.

Rest in peace, Michael and thanks for the peace that you gave me through music.

My favorite Michael Jackson song is:

The Way You Make Me Feel

The King of Pop RIP

TMZ is reporting Michael Jackson has died at the age of 50 from cardiac arrest. CNN reports a 911 call came from Jackson's home late today and medics responded. They reportedly began CPR on him immediately. He died at the hospital. This is a sad day for Jackson fans. More as soon as it comes out.

On the Way to Work...

I drove past 3 alpacas today. 2 brown, 1 white. I "tweeted" about this and a nice man emailed me a link to his blog about alpacas.

Strange but true.

This is what an alpaca looks like:

Beer + Lime = Blimey!

Disclaimer: No one is paying me to write this review. I'm in Eugene, Oregon, waiting for my husband to move here from England so I have extra time on my hands. Plus, it is officially summer and I fell prey to the marketing scheme targeting women who would like to try beer but not PBR (But hey - why not? It has its own Facebook page).

The contestants are:

Bud Light Lime

Miller Light Lime

Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus

First, I tried the Miller Light Lime. It isn't bad but reminded me of those bad-girl days of high school when we used to beg my friend's older brother to buy us a 6 pack of Zima. It is drinkable - but not very good.

Next, Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus. This also tastes a bit like a wine cooler but it isn't as fizzy and the after taste is better. It has less "beer" taste overall but the major bonus is 105 calories per brew.

On to Bud Light Lime. Out of all 3, this probably tasted the best. It didn't remind me at all of Corona but if it was the only beer left on the shelf and I was going camping for the weekend, I would buy it. Otherwise, no thank you.

Nice Shot!

Pundit Danger

From one journalist to one posing as a journalist: please consider the impact of what you do and say. Inciting violence and murder through words and false excitement is horrendous. Hiding behind your misuse of the media's "freedom of speech" is even worse.

When people in the public eye, be it Brad Pitt or FOX News' Bill O'Reilly (such a nice guy watch this immature, unprofessional, temper tantrum), people listen to what you say and take it for gold. SOME right-wing, white, straight, Christian conservative men and women hold O'Reilly up to be a god (God knows why - probably because while listening to him they can justify feelings of superiority) and his veiled hate speeches about homosexuals, minorities, illegal immigrants and doctors who perform abortions may have encouraged 7 murders since the election of President Obama.

The most recent event was in Washington when white supremacist James W. von Brunn marched into the holocaust museum and gunned down an African-American guard. The suspect left a note in his car that said, "You want my weapons - this is how you'll get them. The Holocaust is a lie. Obama was created by Jews."

NPR's Jonathan Chait writes "it's somewhat apparent from Von Brunn's writing that he did identify with the Republican Party on some basic partisan questions. He cheered conservatives for getting Dan Rather fired, believed Sarah Palin was unfairly hounded by the media, and so on. Indeed, if there's anything surprising and disturbing about Von Brunn's beliefs, it's that he identifies ...closely with the Republican Party."

Pundits who encourage hatred and action through presenting situations such as: "Watch out America! Obama is going to get your guns! Protect your God-given American rights! This is not fair and America is being DESTROYED by gay men, illegal Mexicans and people who aren't Christians. What is happening to FAMILY VALUES!???? Don't let our God-blessed country GO DOWN THE DRAIN!" are irresponsible. Clearly the men (Ken Blackwell is another one that scares me with his tunnel dualism) who are paid millions to bring in television ratings do not care how their endless, ignorant, fear monger ranting effects our communities.

There are those who are not intelligent enough to consider the other side of the story. Perhaps they were raised in a poor, small community and have not had exposure to other cultures, rights, religions, differences or governments. Debate is essential in a free nation and all ideas, while not accurate, should be shared. However, in a free nation, debate should be responsible and present information, not encourage fear. Fear often leads to undue violence.

Eugene Tweetup

I really enjoy meeting new people on Twitter. Twitter - which you too can sign up for - is another social networking site where you type a message in 140 characters or less. Users "follow" other users to read their "tweets" or messages. It's great fun.

Myself (@blondacrossthep) and John (@EugeneGuy) arranged a meeting in Eugene for the local Twitter users. Among "tweeple" the meeting is known as a "tweetup."

We met at the High Street Brewery on Thursday to say hello, network and enjoy the Oregon sunshine. Good times.











tweet : a message, 140 characters or less
tweeple or tweeps : Twitter users
tweetup : Twitter user get-together

Rollin' Again

I am almost feeling more proud of myself at this moment than when I achieved my Master's degree from The University of Westminster in London.

Last weekend, I unlocked my bike and started off for a ride when something didn't feel right. The chain had come off the center cog. I parked it again and felt a little sad. I'd have to wait until the following weekend to take it to the bike shop to have it fixed.

This week, I told Kingsley (my husband) about it and he said: "You don't need to take it to the shop, you can fix it yourself!" ???!!! He explained how to do it (via Skype) and in my mind really I was thinking: "Um, there's no way I can do that. Too complicated."

The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to try to fix the $50 Craigslist bike myself. After all - if Kingsley thinks I can fix it, then maybe - just maybe - I can fix it.

So, tonight during a bit of down time during work, I watched a video that showed me how to put the chain back on. Then, when I got home, I kicked off a wild Friday night by sitting home and working on my bike.



You can see, the chain is off.

Here's another look.

I took these pictures thinking - what if I DO fix it, might want to document this moment.

I followed directions, needed my flashlight to really check out how the gears work but...

I did it! You gotta celebrate the small things...

Random, Quick Friday Night Post

I have to anchor a newscast for KVAL in 10 minutes but I wanted to quickly say: I'm excited about this summer.

Summer officially begins at 10:45 Pacific time tomorrow and this is going to be the first summer of my married life.

Kingsley better get himself over here so we can high-tail it to the Oregon Coast to splash in the waves, sip Pinot Noir while looking over the green Willamette Valley, on a whim drive to Portland to hang with the cool North Western folks, and pack up the Jeep and pitch a tent at Packard Creek camping ground near Oakridge.

Welcome, Summer. Glad to see you again.

Dumb and Dumber

The joys of hitting the streets with a microphone and a notebook outweigh the troubles. That said, wow. Some of the folks are CRAZY. Our night side reporter is on vacation so I've been reporting the last 2 nights. Going out to turn a story keeps my on-the-street skills sharp.

Tonight, I was interviewing a woman about why she thinks the county should use federal money to open up more jail beds for criminals. We were just standing in the hallway, with my photographer Kelly, quietly talking. Out of the corner of my eye, I see someone sauntering up, snickering. She starts taking pictures of us with her cell phone. That's not a problem, she can take pictures wherever she wants on public property. I respect and adore the 1st Amendment. But then... she interrupts our interview.

Crazy Lady: "Oh look, Dumb and Dumber."

Me: "Please, move on."

CL: (Walking away) "You're the only one who can take pictures here?"

Me: "We're not insulting you."

CL: (Over her shoulder) "You're insulting my intelligence!" (That was a pretty good one.)

CL: "RICK DANCER SUCKS C--K!"

(several people in the area stop and look over...)

Me: ????

I have no idea who Rick Dancer is...except that he randomly ran for Secretary of State this year after being an anchor at KEZI and I work for KVAL. The poor lady thought she got us with that comment though. Reporting is fabulous for people watching.

SPJ Awards Ceremony

A few weekends ago I attended the Society of Professional Journalists awards ceremony at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, Oregon. It was a small ceremony but I won an award for my investigative piece, Cameras in the Courts.

After the ceremony where we enjoyed a nice meal and dessert, I got a chance to snap a few pictures of this goat. It was closing time at the zoo so we didn't get to see many animals. I want to go back when I have time.

'N Boer Maak 'N Plan

(Credit goes to my friend Paul for this...)

A man in South Africa was tired of people breaking into his shop so he gave his dog a haircut. Everyone in Africa recognizes a lion...



Roar!! No more break-ins so far...

"'N boer maak 'n plan" is Afrikaans for "A farmer makes a plan..."

Our Slideshow

I made this to show just before we were announced at our wedding reception. Yes, it is cheesy but allowed our guests a chance to share in our travels and some of the moments in which we fell in love.

Dreamin'

I race into the dressing room and start fixing my hair. I realize that even though it is a short, black, permed wig, it is my REAL hair. My heart pounds. I start messing with the painfully short, straight bangs trying to make it look decent when I worry - I'm missing the beginning of the show!

Over the loud speaker is the cue: "Mic check!" I start speaking into the lav microphone I'm wearing and rush out of the room. An engineer stops me in the hallway and yells about the mic check, "Why aren't you giving us a check?" I keep counting out loud as I race down the hall and sit down at the table on the stage with seconds to spare.

The curtain slowly rises and I realize I don't know any of the lines, dances or songs for the MUSICAL I'm about to star in. I fumble on the table for the script and open the first page while faking a huge smile.

My family is in the audience and the lights are very bright.

I completely wing the first scene because I only have one line and the others in the play compliment my performance. Inside, I'm shaking. Thank goodness I wake before I have to suffer another second.

Today, I remember the dream so clearly. It must have something to do with letting go of the stress of the wedding or maybe its my 30th b-day coming up... Not sure, but I hope tonight's sleep is sound.

What about you? Have any nightmares lately?

A Link to the Professional Photos

Our talented photographer Anne Powell McGowan has posted our professional photos online.

View them by clicking on this link.

The event name is "Denae and Kingsley." The password is case sensitive as "Parker."

You will have to enter your email address to see the pictures.

The Professional Photos

One of the best decisions we made for our wedding was to hire the talented Anne Powell McGowan to do our photography. She has sent me some of the previews for use on my blog. Enjoy! ...And if you need a wonderful journalistic artist to take your wedding photos, contact her. She travels.

Beans, Beans Good for Your Heart...

Black beans could be THE perfect food. Plenty of fiber, no fat and only 110 calories for a 1/2 cup. So, I'm going to try this easy recipe (on the Bush beans can) and you should too:



Black Bean Soup
2 cans black beans, do not drain
1 can reduced sodium chicken broth
1/2 c salsa
1 T chili powder
Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped onion, cilantro (optional)

Mash one can of beans with potato masher or food processor. Pour both cans of beans into medium saucepan. Add chicken broth, salsa, and chili powder. Bring to a boil. If desired, top with sour cream, shredded cheese, onion, or cilantro.