Happy New Year

A thought for the New Year.

When I was in Italy this year, I became very ill. I'm a pretty strong gal when it comes to pain and sickness but I needed help. I got dressed, found my book about Italy and set out to find a hospital at 3:30 in the morning. (Yes, my friends wanted to help but I'm too stubborn. I went alone.) Luckily there was a hospital just a few blocks away. We were in Torino and none of the doctors or nurses spoke English.

I was running a temperature and in terrible pain. I was able to communicate somewhat to the doc by using my phrase book and sign language. I thought I had a kidney infection. Turns out I did. They gave me a shot, an IV, some fluids and wanted me to wait in the waiting room. I wasn't necessarily scared but I felt awful and was lonely. Plus, it was cold! I sat in the waiting room shivering and rocking back and forth. I must have looked pretty miserable because one of the other patients took notice.

This woman was a middle-aged. She probably had some older children. I watched her walk into the Emergency Room earlier that morning. She struggled with a limp and was clearly in a lot of pain.

Even through her pain, she noticed me. She stood and hobbled over to my chair. I slowly looked up and watched while she unwound the scarf from her neck and wrapped it around mine. Even though she didn't speak a word of English and I only knew a few words of Italian, her kindness translated. I eventually stopped shivering and later returned the scarf. I'm not sure if she knew how much her generosity meant to me but I hope someone returns the favor to her one day.

Thinking about that now, I realize it doesn't take much to help someone else. Even a smile can do wonders. Pushing away naivety, I believe there are ways I can reproduce the love and kindness I've been blessed with. Here's to 2007.

Journalistic Objectivity

You work for a local TV station. The assignment editor sends you out to shoot a story for the 5 o'clock news. As you're driving through the tunnel (on the highway), a car slams into the wall just a few vehicles ahead of you. The car ends up on its top, the wheels are spinning and smoke pours out of the hood. You pull over and watch in horror, waiting for the driver to get out. He doesn't.

What do you do?

A.) Grab your camera out of the back of the truck and start videoing the wreck.
B.) Run to the car and pull the guy out before he gets burned.
C.) Run to the car, pull the guy out then grab your camera and start shooting.

I don't think there's much argument here. A completely objective journalist would choose option A. However, a journalist that's a human being would chose option C. That's what one of my former co-workers did just a couple of weeks ago.

Dan Cavins, photographer at WKRC (pictured here) basically saved a man's life on Ohio Interstate 71. When I asked him about it the other night he said, yeah well it was only a car crash. The story was going to last through the evenings' newscasts. Was it really worth being objective to let someone get hurt or even killed?

Dan got employee of the month for his bravery. And yes, he did video the crash after he pulled the guy out of the car.

As a journalist (or viewer), what do you think? Are there circumstances where we should get involved or should we stay out of it no matter what?

The 'Nati

Good times had by all in Cincinnati. My brother drove me down on Friday evening and several of my peeps from WKRC showed up to share some memories. Eric, Dan, Mike, Chuck, Sasha, John Scott, Katy, Kevin and I really enjoyed ourselves.

We met up at Hyde Park Tavern. Then the gathering moved to The Wine Cellar in Mt. Adams. Saturday morning brunch at Greenup Cafe in Covington. A wonderful time.

Don't Make Me Come Up There

I can't sleep. Was up at 5:30 this morning worrying about my Passport. The lovely representatives at the British Consulate in Chicago made a mistake. My agent issued my student visa in September with the expiration date of January 2007 instead of 2008. Problem.

So, I called the folks at the Consulate and my guy called me back saying he would fix it. As soon as I got back to the states, I express-mailed my passport to Chi-town. That was on Saturday the 23rd. The plan was for me to mail the thing to him (check) and call to let him know it was in the mail (check). When he received the goods, he was going to fix the Visa and overnight it back to me.

Had a sinking feeling yesterday around 5pm when I arrived home. No Passport in the mail. I called my dear representative and someone informed me he's out sick. I LEAVE FOR THE UK ON THURSDAY. But not without a passport. Yikes.

I don't have a car (sold it to go to L) and really don't want to spend the cash on a last minute plane ticket to Chicago. Not sure that would do much good anyway. Going to get online and check the price of Greyhound Tickets I guess. Why must things be so difficult?

Perhaps I can hitch a ride in the bed of BIG BLUE. (See below post.) Maybe he's headed north.

UPDATE: Things aren't getting any better. Seems that the guy who is helping me with my passport is out sick again today. The receptionist says no one else there can help me because so many people are out sick. "He'll be in on Tuesday." This is an emergency!!! I calmly tried to explain my situation. I'm waiting on them to fix their mistake. She wouldn't listen. Kept saying, "he'll be in on Tuesday." I leave the country on Thursday and I don't even know if he has my passport at his office. I'm sick to my stomach.

Amazing

I must say you all surprised me with your creativity and humorous comments in the last posting. Thank you for making me laugh out loud until I had tears in my eyes. I received more of an uprising against BIG BLUE than any of my media issues postings. That's what I like to see though...passion from my readers.

Another thing that has amazed me during my jaunt back to the states is my little bro. (AKA Deener, Dan, Danno, Bro Bro, Deenon) The guy who used to chase me in circles around the house has developed class and he's growing up. Not only is Dannen now an award-winning Army Reservist (he landed a few medals for saving lives in Iraq) he is in school full-time and just earned the title of current Top Salesman in his company. That's not all. He purchased a condo a few months ago and by gosh, it is sophisticated. I'm not saying I didn't think he could do it. I'm just noticing how much the guy is (cough) growing up.

This is the kid that had a little get together we'll call it when mom and dad went on vacation years ago. He didn't realize the trash pickup was one day off that week so my parents arrived home to dozens of trash bags on the street filled with red plastic cups and a beer keg. Nice. There were also ruts in my father's prize worthy green yard where guests decided to drag race through the lawn. Don't even get me started on stories like this...

Here's to you, Dannen. Way to be the one who has it together while your big sis drops all responsibility to have fun in Europe.

What the Truck?

It is on rare occasion that I would say I'm not proud to be an American. I would argue the US is tops in military readiness, medical exploration and cultural advancement. That does not mean we are perfect. Far from it.

I cringe when I consider how our government is handling the situation in Iraq (although I wouldn't want to be in charge). I cried while watching news clips of people in New Orleans starving and living in deplorable conditions after Katrina.

And today, my blood ran cold when I saw a poor, misguided soul driving this monstrosity:

Its okay. Take a minute to look at the picture again. I'll wait.

Allow me to say I'm not against The Truck. But come on, is this necessary? You would not see a truck (or lorrie as the Brits say) like this in London. It is simply too large to fit on the roads. As you can see from the picture, it dwarfs the other cars and vans in the parking lot and takes up 4+ parking spaces.

"A" for effort I guess. Someone put some thought into the special body design. It is an 18-wheeler with a truck bed. Nice.

I saw the man get out of this truck. He didn't climb down. He had to put on some gear and rappel outta this thing. Didn't stay to watch but I'm sure when he got back in he had to dispatch a small helicopter to lift him to the running board. Check that. Not sure if this beast actually has running boards.

Can you imagine being picked up for a date in this superb piece of machinery? Some lucky woman probably gets quite a kick out of riding around in Big Blue. A hot night on the town likely includes dinner at Wendy's (with a Frosty!) and cruising around Columbus for hours.

Vroom. Vroom.

(disclaimer: Denae is obviously in a nasty frame of mind today. She normally hates poking fun at others but in this case, how could she resist?)

Um, Work?

It's not easy getting back into the daily grind.

I haven't worked a real job in quite some time.
But since I can use the cash, I'm working during my holiday break.

It's just TOUGH when your stomach is still full of the delicious goodness of Christmas dinner.

The picture of my cat Dewey says it all. I, too, wanted to lay on the kitchen floor sprawled out, resting. This was after we'd tapped into the Tower of Dessert that my mother had so lovingly prepared. Pumpkin pie, pecan pie and sugar cookies. I'm having a diabetic seizure just thinking about it.

Christmas wasn't all about food, however. Yesterday, I was able to spend some meaningful time with my friend Carol and (via phone) Lancey Pants. Carol and I went to lunch and talked about careers, boys, church and family. Had similar conversations with my dear friends Casey, Melody and Kate the day before.

I do love my peeps and am thankful and blessed to have such fabulous friends. Thanks for putting up with me (extra holiday pounds and all.)

Time Flies

Saw a quote the other day: "You're not as young as you used to be but you're not as old as you're going to be." A close friend sent me an email saying "funny how christmas just comes and goes the years just get so fast thats the reason we should try and do as much as possible as time just goes by."

I admit taking time for granted. I used to cross days off my calendar at work with a black marker...just waiting to get through another month. This year however, I've really tried to slow it down and enjoy life. Is this selfish? I'm in London, earning my Master's for me. True, I'm learning life lessons and hopefully I can impact something or someone in a positive way but my mission is to mainly do my thing. Is that wrong?

Is there one thing we can do in the new year to pull our heads out of the sand and live? What does it mean to live anyway? For me it means looking around as I walk through London, not just staring at the sidewalk. Taking a bite of food and savoring the company I'm with. Really listening when someone is hurting and needs to talk. Giving more hugs. Experiencing sadness without glossing it over. Experiencing happiness without feeling guilty. Choosing what is right for me and not those close to me. Reading more books. Setting lofty goals. Deciding its okay to have unrealistic dreams.

I was fortunate enough to talk to several friends today. I even got some great posts from my Cincy friends on my blog (what's up Johnny Lo, April, Kathy!?). I'm looking forward to seeing them. I plan to take time making new memories and reminiscing about old ones.

How to Get Through The Holiday Season

Finally got to have a Blue Moon. Mom tried a Merry Berry Margarita. Helped us get the shopping and the wrapping done. Cheers!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the D'Arcy family. (My bro Dannen, Nae, Mom, Dad) We stopped fighting long enough to smile and snap this lovely picture...kidding.


Hope Santa was good to you!


Dewey didn't get the 12 live mice in his stocking he was hoping for so he's pouting in his pic.

xoxxoxo

I Apologize

Some people think Americans are obsessed with Christmas. A major part of the American Christmas tradition is the Christmas Tree. Some families even have more than one tree. Imagine.

When I arrived back in the states, I noticed quite a few Christmas trees. Families even drape colored, flashing lights on the trees in their front yards.

Thought I'd examine this theory in the D'Arcy household.

I found one smaller tree in the kitchen. One tree in the den and even one tree in the front room. Seems that small angels were tangled in it.

There was even one lone tree in the garage. ? Why must we decorate the garage?

I guess Americans are obsessed with Christmas.

Eye-Witness Report

Despite heavy Christmas traffic, Starbucks delivery is in full force in Columbus, Ohio. One onlooker described it as "heaven on earth."

(Thanks, daddy.)

London Christmas Parties

I was invited to the Ginger Group's Christmas party this year by Kingsley. The food was good, the drinks were aplenty and the atmosphere was amazing.

We were greeted by a red carpet on the way in, blackjack table in the corner and a roulette table. Each guest was presented with 50 pounds play money and wrist bands for beverages. Not to mention we arrived in style. No chance of driving inebriated. We rode in a chartered bus to the venue! How's that for service? Not only that...the DJ played great music and I got to see some British dance moves. (They've got nothing on our Shopping Cart and Sprinkler.)

The lovely ladies you see in the pics work at the Harrow Ginger Group salon. That's where I met Kings.

This Side Of The Pond

Cat's outta the bag.

Nae's home.

Thanks for your care and concern, my faithful friends. I made it but not without tears, sweat and blood. I waited in line to check in at Gat for 2 hours and then another hour in line just to get through security. British Airlines cancelled all flights due to fog. My plane was an hour and a half late getting into Charlotte so I missed my connector. Got into Columbus at 9pm (2am London time). The most awesome part...I was upgraded to first class on my way to the US. Are you kidding me? Yes, I sipped champagne with my poached salmon.

My Sprint phone isn't activated until midnight tonight so, please hold all calls. 859-992-6139 :) I CANNOT wait to talk to you!!! Kisses.

Going Back Across The Pond

Things I will miss about London while I'm in the states:

1. People calling me "love." Example: "Do you want whipped cream on your Peppermint Mocha, Love?"

2. Decent public transport. I won't have a car in Ohio. I say decent because it took me about 3 hours to go into town and buy presents yesterday. The Circle and District lines were shut down on the Tube because of a "suspicious package" and the Jubilee line was completely down because of a Communication System failure. Nae had to find a bus that would get her to shopping meca. Mission accomplished.

3. I'll miss the mix of different people. Such a cultural melting pot here. I've learned so much from my close friends and classmates.

4. I'll miss my friends. One in particular.

5. I'll miss seeing my hard-working journalist coursemates. Keep up the good work! ((Sorry, I've already turned in Sparks' Essay and my Media Law test. Suckas!))

6. I will miss being able to find something going on somewhere at any hour of the night or day.

7. Have some free time? Want a free activity? I'll miss access to the some of the best museums in Europe...all for free.

Watch for updates from the other side of the pond.

Project Radio Show: Complete

My humble team of six did a bang up job of getting a 40 minute radio show put together today. (Top pic: Tan, Shashank, Flora, Nae, Susha and Priya) We each researched, wrote and edited a copy story, voice report and a package on various news stories.

No one cried. We didn't need an ambulance and during the feedback session with Prof no one shouted. A pretty good day overall. I'd say.

Play First Work Later?

So the Master's International Students had a HUGE project today for end of semester. We decided to approach it like any other sane person. Party down the night before! We celebrated Christmas with a get together in the residence halls (yes, security made an appearance) before everyone hopped town for their home countries. Good times had by all.

Pics:
Shashank, Denae, Tan, Michel, Ariel

Party in the kitchen!

Flatmates: Max, Denae, Carolina, Yannis and Steve

Under the mistletoe: Max, Carolina, Yannis

Nae Nae and Carolina

War Reporting

The students at University of Westminster have an exciting opportunity. Lt. Commander Rupert Nichol from NATO visited us to propose an educational exercise. Students will be selected to attend a type of fake war in Scotland, Germany and other locations for a week next year.

Basically, Lt. Nichol needs journalists for his officers to practice on. They will host press conferences and do interviews...learning how to interact with the media and the public. In exchange for our time and work (we do actual news coverage during the week long exercise) we spend a week with NATO forces getting war-like reporting experience. During that time, we'll learn more about how the military works and how to operate as a journalist in a war zone. Problem is, there are limited spaces and almost every broadcast student (British and International) hope to be a part of the course.

I'm excited about the opportunity. Never have I ever (played that game before?) had the chance to do any war reporting. I've interviewed Officers in the military, ridden in a Black Hawk helicopter with soldiers and covered dozens of military funerals. Hopefully after some persuasion I can hitch a ride on one of the NATO Navy ships.

Parking An Ambulance

UPDATE December 14th: I know it is a small picture but at least you know that the London ambulances are BRIGHT YELLOW. It was not an un-marked ambulance that got the ticket. Also, the emergency workers were not undercover emergency workers. They were trying to save a life.


Read on: I thought the Parking Rent-A-Cops in Cincinnati were the worst in the world. I might be wrong about that.

In the London Lite (a free tabloid-style newspaper) yesterday, there was a story about an accident on one of the Tube lines. Seems a man was hit by a train. When the emergency crews responded, the ambulance driver parked his rig in a no-parking zone outside the main Tube station entrance. Reasonable, I think, since someone's life was on the line.

Stay with me here.

Some moron was actually brave/stupid/sick enough to write a £50 parking ticket and place it on the windshield of the ambulance! Busted for parking in a no-parking zone! The enforcer was a legit parking police agent.

Are people on crack? Seriously.

Tower Of London

Went to the Tower of London on Friday. Very interesting to see how the fort developed and it's different uses. Kings and Queens lived here, stored weapons here and tortured those believed to be guilty of treason. The Crown Jewels are housed in the Jewel House within the compound. Absolutely amazing. I tried to snap a couple of pics near the jewels but was only able to fire one off before being yelled at by a man in a furry hat and cape.

I snapped a shot of one of the ravens in the courtyard. He's as big as a small dog. Probably give Dewey a run for his money. The ravens are part of a legend. From www.historic-uk.com:

"It is not known when the ravens first came to the Tower of London, but their presence there is surrounded by myth and legend. Unusually for birds of ill omen, the future of both Country and Kingdom relies upon their continued residence, for according to legend, at least six ravens must remain lest both Tower and Monarchy fall."

Another quite interesting exhibit was housed near the Bloody Tower. In one of the evil-looking basements, several torture devices were on display. Prisoners would come in by boat to the Tower of London to be tortured for various reasons. Including unpopular religious practices. Tough, eh?

And don't forget about the fate of some of the lovely Queens. Off with her head! The chopping block on display in the White Tower was actually used to teach a few public lessons. Yikes.

Sweet Success

I did a really nice job supervising. I even plugged in the electric screwdriver so it would have a charge. Didn't matter. The thing was such a piece that we had to use it manually to drive screws. Great choice, Denae, getting the 5 pound (that's sterling) screwdriver. Ah well. Kingsley took pity on me and used an hour of his life that he'll never get back to put together my wardrobe. I love it because of the top-notch quality and stylish design. I can't wait to fill it with goodies. The finished product...

Merry Christmas From Tom, The Resident Rodent Controller

Comforts of Home

Things I hope to partake in once back in the US of A:

Blue Moon Beer in a cold glass. With an orange.

HGTV. My favorite show, House Hunters.

The Style Channel. I miss my good friends Fiona, Stacey and Clinton.

Chipotle. Veggie burrito, rice, cheese, sour cream, guac, mild salsa. Divine.

Driving a car. On the correct side of the road.

Starbucks delivery on weekend mornings. Peppermint Mocha, please. (If you're wondering about the Starbucks delivery option, sorry about your luck. Star treatment.)

The Progress On The Project

I bought a "Natural Single Canvas Wardrobe" from Argos last week.

I also purchased an electric screwdriver at the time.

I'm going to try to put the cheap thing together myself.

Just thought I'd update you on the progress with a picture...

Cameras In The Bedroom

Interesting interview by one of my classmates today.

She interviewed a representative with campus security about the numerous CCTV cameras located around the parking lots and residence halls. Some students feel their privacy is breeched because of the dozens of cameras on campus. (Reuters says 4 million cameras are in operation in Britian at any given time recording streets, churches, banks, homes and so on.)

In his interview Mr. Security said the cameras are a part of life and no one should feel spied on. He pointed out that as students we're not to worry because as the cameras pan the residence halls, they pixel out the shots into bedroom windows. EXCUSE ME?! He said they have a "special program" that blanks out faces and licence plates in the parking lot as well.

My dear professional photographer friends, have you heard of such a program? While in record mode, the camera pixels out faces and other specified scenes?

Mr. Security ended the interview by saying something along the lines of...we don't want the cameras catching you kissing the wrong boyfriend now do we? Heheheheh.

Word to the wise...pull the curtains.

A Treat

Went to the Oyster and Champagne bar at Selfridges on Monday. Nice food. Great champagne, wonderful company. Sometimes you need to treat yourself. I've really had a hard weekend. (Cough.)

I'm working on an assignment due tomorrow for my Broadcasting class. It's a 5 minute radio interview with cue and back announcement. I'm not that pleased with it. We'll see what prof has to say.

I'm getting excited to go home for a couple of weeks. I'll be back in the states on Dec 21st and will have my regular cell phone reactivated so holla' now, hear?