Obama and His Church

I've been following the candidates a bit now that I'm back in news. I still haven't decided who I'm voting for because I need to do more research.

Meantime, I've been watching the video from Rev. Jeremiah Wright's latest press conference. Wright is the former pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago where Barak Obama's family has attended for years. Wright led Obama to Christianity and inspired his book "The Audacity of Hope."

Wright does not try to hide his disgust for some white people or his disdain of the Government. He seems to preach a bit of hate masked by his 'cultural' message. I don't care for his comments about the US getting what it deserves in the 9-11 attacks. Is that because I have a different skin color and "don't understand the culture in black churches?" Terrorism on that day took more than 4,000 lives - of different races.

There are people who go to extremes in every race, every religion and every country. I have Christian beliefs but after hearing Wright's sermons, I don't feel I sit in the same church pew as as him. I ask myself - would I leave my church if I didn't agree with the fundamentals preached by my pastor? The answer is yes, and I've done it before.

How much will this man's closed-minded views hurt Obama's campaign? He's certainly had to take a strong stance against Wright following his latest rants against the US government and American people. Again this week Wright spoke out against the US accusing the country of inventing the HIV virus in order to wipe out minorities. He said “Based on this Tuskegee experiment and based on what has happened to Africans in this country, I believe our government is capable of doing anything.” Obama listened to this man preach for more than 20 years.

News in Eugene

We reported on an explosion near Creswell, OR tonight. You can click on the link and find the video on KVAL's website.

I also reported on budget cuts in Lane County. The county has to cut 83 million bucks before the next fiscal year.

Quick Tip for Tears

So I turned a bit bohemian when I lived in London...allowing myself to get away from the tv makeup and anchor hair. It was a good change but I'm back to an inch-layer of foundation and (gasp!) hair spray. Wearing a lot of makeup is not practical when you're in a long distance relationship.

It hasn't been easy being away from my best friend and partner. We have misunderstandings as all couples do but when you're living in different countries sad times can be very lonely.

Back to the makeup...

Sitting at a stop sign on the way to work today I was delighted to be in the middle of a snow storm of pink petals from one of the gorgeous cherry trees in bloom. Something about the spring scene mixed with Frederic Chopin on the classical station set me to tears.

I rarely cry (who has time?!) so I'm not one of those prepared girls with the packet of tissues close by. I had to lean over the passenger seat letting the tears fall off my eye lashes because I didn't want to smear the MAC makeup and 2 coats of mascara I'd just applied for TV. (This is a great trick, ladies. Let the tears drip from your lashes instead of run down your face and you won't have to repair makeup.)

The makeup is a pain in times like these but that's okay. Good makeup can also make you look younger and you know I'm up for that.

Free Money

I watched a CBS story tonight about what people plan to do with their economic stimulus checks.

Here's what I'd like to do with mine:

1. Buy a plane ticket, fly to somewhere warm.

2. Go on a shopping spree.

3. Buy a King Charles Cavalier puppy.

4. Shower my family and friends with gifts.

5. Dinner out: caviar, lobster, steak and champagne.

Here's what I will be doing with my money:

1. Pay credit card debt.

Sorry, feds, I can't even afford to spend free money!

What would you do if $600 fell into your lap?

A 28 Year Old Girl and Her Bike

The amazing things you can do with steel wool! It works like magic on rusty vintage bikes.

I rode the little clunker to the bike shop on Saturday (my first venture). The guys rose an eyebrow when they saw me wheel in on it but seemed to be impressed with my purchase. "Now that is a BIKE! But it may need a lot of work..."

It needs new brake pads, the steering adjusted, and the frame has a small crack. He said if I don't plan to do many BMX moves, that shouldn't be a problem. I can either have it welded by someone local or buy a pipe clamp to make sure the crack doesn't spread. I'm not much of a biker so we'll see what the expense is.

Saturday night I decided to break out the elbow grease and shine up the chrome. I took off the speedometer, broken bottle holder and cracked cords for a light generator that is long gone. It felt good to spruce the poor thing up. It looks much better (will post a new pic soon).

After my hard work I decided to load up the little rack with my laundry and skip down to the mat. The weather is pretty nice this weekend and I was up for an evening ride.

I severely miscalculated the distance to the laundry mat.

Just to give you an idea...I stopped along the way at a market for a bottle of water and asked for quarters. ME: "Hey man, just need some quarters for the laundry mat on the corner." HIM: "Sure, no problem, oh do you mean the one at Chambers at 11th?" ME: "Yeah." HIM: "You've still got about a mile to go." ME: ".....!!?"

By then my legs were burning and I was huffing like I'd never been off my couch in my life. I wanted to get off and walk it the rest of the way but my pride wouldn't let me.

Turns out the little beauty has GEARS and I was hoofing it in the lowest gear the entire time. It was such hard work. Luckily, on the way back I figured out the gears and although not easy, the ride was okay. Should be fun this summer when I actually build up a muscle or two in my legs.

The architecture in Eugene is gorgeous. Lots of beautiful craftsman bungalow homes with green, lush landscaping.

Share Your Home

Gosh, I am such a softy when it comes to animals. I don't know why. My picture of happiness is to be surrounded by a few animals (dogs, cats, birds) in my own home with herbs growing in the window sill and maybe a tomato plant. I think we're meant to share our hearts and homes with animals that do not have the privilege of a home.

My heart is being squeezed into action by budget cuts in Lane County, OR.


Timber funding has fallen through and the federal dollars Oregon enjoyed last year are not coming this year. So...county services are taking a cut. That means the Lane County Animal Shelter is shutting down. The animals there will hopefully go to other shelters but we all know that many will not get that chance. This makes me very sad.


I could be the saviour of two animals. Little Dewey (my cat) came from a shelter in Cincinnati and my parents graciously gave him a home while I was in London. He came to love my mom and dad while I was gone and they have taken him on as their own for the time being (he doesn't like traveling). But, without Dewey, my home is empty and there are many animals that need a family. Cats especially do not ask for much more than food, water and a place to go. I am tempted to help out a little buddy before animal services close here.


Just thought I'd give an all-call to my blog pals. Consider a pet. The benefits of having a furry friend that counts on you for a little food and a cuddle out weighs any inconveniences by 100%.

Modern Day Spying - Part 2

I filed another report in my series on spying devices (click on the video link under my name).

This story is about a tiny USB connector that fits in the palm of your hand.

If you have the SIM card from someone's phone, you can download all of their text messages - even those that have been deleted.

Modern Day Spying

Today marks the beginning of sweeps in the news biz. This is the time when viewers record which news stations they're watching and we all compete to broadcast the best news. All reporters and anchors usually research and write a sweeps piece which is something editors spend extra time on. My story focuses on Cell phone spying. (Just click on the video link.)

Hair-ppointment

Yay. My poor hair is really looking forward to tomorrow. I have an appointment for a much-needed cut and color. Hip-hip-hooray!! My female readers understand how exciting this is. I seriously cannot do anything else to disguise my roots.

I'm headed to the Aveda salon here in Eugene called Gevaris Salon and Spa. Hair color service there includes a "moisture-infusing paraffin hand treatment and massage." Music to my ears.

I like Aveda because the products are all natural (made from plant extracts and so on). My b-friend Kingsley (who is a hair industry professional) recommends Alterna but it isn't as available here so I'm trusting myself on this one. I plan to relax and inhale the lavender infused oil scent deeply the entire time I'm in the salon.

What Happens When Someone Dies?

Last night's story was a bit strange. We took viewers behind the doors of a funeral home to show the process of preparing a body before burial (click on video). Some of our viewers thought the story was over the top. What do you think?

Caution Deer On Sidewalk

I was driving around Eugene on Sunday looking for open houses (homes for sale) when I thought I saw a dog running loose. As I turned up the next street looking for the mutt I realized - no dogs - just deer.

The deer were walking up the sidewalk from one house to the next munching on trees and shrubs. I tried to get a pic of them on the sidewalk but they were too quick. This is such a shocker coming from London where you might see the occassional squirrel.

My encounters with wildlife continue at work. Thought I'd share the view:

If You Can't Beat 'Em...

...Join 'em. I bought a bicycle today for a bargain - $50. It is a vintage '70s model by Sears. It rides well, has a great spot for a basket on the back for shopping but it is heavy.

The guy I bought it from asked me if I needed help loading it into my car. Ha! Me? Need help? As if. I said "no thanks" as I straightened up and wheeled it down the sidewalk. It seriously took me about 20 minutes using a kind of push - pull lever system to get the stupid thing up into my ride.

The bike is adorable though (in my opinion) and so much cuter than a 10 speed. I wouldn't know how to work gears anyway. That's why I thought I'd go simple.

Everyone and their brother seems to have a bike in Eugene. I'm not that much of a rider but this way, if I ever get back to Amsterdam, I might feel brave enough to rent a bike and ride with the best of them up and down the canals.

On the Shelf

I just finished "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath. It's an autobiography about Plath's mental decline and was originally published in the UK and held from publication in the US. After Plath commited suicide, her mother asked that the book be held from publication in the states until she passed away. The story is incredible. Sad but a good read.



Right now I'm on the 5th chapter of "Vinger Hill" by A. Manette Ansay. The main character is a married woman with husband and two children forced to move in with her in-laws. Her inner struggle to escape the cruelty of her in-laws but somehow keep her marriage and children is captivating.



I picked up "The Shipping News" at a Eugene book fair over the weekend. E. Annie Proulx's Pulitzer Prize winner is on my shelf and ready to be devoured this Saturday.

Graffiti News Story

Here's a look at my news story on residents and city officials in Springfield, Oregon combating graffiti. Just click on the "video" link.

I also interviewed the poor woman who was stranded in the snow in the back country of Southern Oregon for 2 days.

Hard News

We did a story about a missing man found deceased last night. Pretty sad because he was on a drive with his girlfriend when their car got stuck in some snow. He went for help but never came back. You can watch my report here - just click on the video link.

Sometimes You Just Want Cake

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=7414505

Monday Already?

Don't you just love the "Memory" scene in CATS? I went to the Hult performing center on Sunday to watch the one-time Broadway performance in Eugene.



A couple of us from work showed up and really enjoyed the production from ground-floor level. The best part for me is the costumes and makeup. Here's a great article explaining how the actors have to get into their spandex catsuits through the neck holes. Youch.


I also stopped by the Friends of the Library Book Fair in Eugene. There were 80 thousand books on sale for $1.50 each. Luckily I showed up late in the day and didn't have to wait in a line that wrapped around the fair grounds. Folks in Eugene are pretty serious about their cheap books and apparently waited in line with tickets to be the first through the doors.


pic from Flickr photographer .Delight

My Bio

KVAL has finally added my bio to the site and will correct any typos ASAP.

Here's a look at some of my anchoring from Friday. I'm starting to feel a little more comfortable behind the desk.

Making Friends

I was very excited to be invited out by Natasaha, Kim and Jennifer. After the 11 o'clock news we went to Bellamissa in Eugene to have a glass of Oregon wine. We had a lovely time. Kelly and Annie also showed up and it was an official girls' night. It was really nice to get to know some of my co-workers.

Park Vandals

Quick news story I did this week:

http://www.kval.com/news/local/17550089.html?video=YHI&t=a

I Really Didn't Wet Myself

Last night was BUSYYYY at work and I had about 10 minutes before the 11pm show to touch up hair and makeup. I was feeling good about things because we had a kickin' A-block (the news segment before the 1st commercial break) AND a 'breaking news' story which involved a police chase, crash and manhunt that I made the calls on.

I finished curling the wig, applied a coat of lipstick and quickly put on my jacket when a tragedy occurred. Grabbing my makeup bag, I knocked over my tea. In slow motion...it went all over my skirt and jacket sleeve. Grinding my teeth I glanced at the clock. 10:56. The show starts at 11:00:00. Four minutes. I went into emergency mode - grabbing paper towels and blotting - but the damage had been done.

The tea had spilled in such a way that it appeared I had an overactive bladder. The sleeve of my suit jacket was also soaked but instead of panicking I pranced down to the studio still blotting.

The guys in studio control saw me dabbing my skirt with a paper towel (in that area) while running down the hall. They probably think that I'm much older than I really am now - with the apparent incontinence and wrinkles.

I really didn't wet myself. I just spilled my tea. Promise.

Maybe It's the Lighting..

TV studio lights are harsh so we wear heavy makeup. Last night I was in the dressing room where the lighting situation is mimicked so we can apply our makeup in the way it will look okay on set.

I was applying foundation and thought to myself, "What is that line across my forehead? Did I accidentally smear my mascara?" I leaned into the mirror. I moved my head so the lighting was a bit different. I rubbed the line but...

...IT DIDN'T GO AWAY.

I sighed and checked again. Yep. Still there. A wrinkle has made itself at home on my face.

Gotta love this TV job. I could have stayed ignorant to the new wrinkle's presence but no. This is my own fault. I just had to spend time under the bright lights WHICH SHOW EVERY IMPERFECTION. Nice one, Denae.

The Cheese

A book has given me new insight into changes in career and personal life. Who Moved My Cheese? has been around for a long time but I picked it up off the shelf in our break room last week. Written by Dr. Spencer Johnson, the motivational tale outlines the way four mice adapt to their cheese being moved in the maze they work in.

"Cheese" is a metaphor for the things we strive for in life. Your Cheese is the thing which you believe is the key to your happiness or perhaps something you want to strive for. Is it a promotion at work, a vacation home, a husband, more money? The race for the Cheese is fierce but when you reach it what happens if you lose it?

The four mice in the book: Sniff, Scurry, Hem and Haw all have different ways of responding when the cheese is moved. Sniff and Scurry quickly put on their running shoes and go in search of the cheese. They don't spend time analying why the cheese was moved they just agree to search for it and take off. Hem and Haw hang back and discuss the unfairness of their cheese being moved. They aren't motivated to keep seeking or finding New Cheese, they continue with the old pattern of sniffing for the cheese where it used to be for a long time.

Even though they spend a few hard days searching as fast as they can...Sniff and Scurry find the New Cheese and fill their tummys.

Eventually Haw begins to laugh at himself for not moving on like Sniff and Scurry. He laces up his running shoes as well and even though he's scared to get back into the maze and he's hungary after not eating for such a long time he is at least happy to get moving. He asks himself, "What would I do if I wasn't afraid?" He also decides "The faster you get back into the maze the quicker you can find new cheese." Hem sadly hangs around where the original Cheese was and doesn't move on with his friend.

This story can mean different things to different people. For me, it is a reminder that life will not always go smoothly. My "Cheese" will be moved and I will resist change and hate it at times. However, if I choose to go with the flow and keep working hard to earn my Cheese, I will find it in the maze. Hopefully I've learned to keep my running shoes close at hand and when my cheese is moved to go after it.

A News Clip

I am slowly learning how to post video on the KVAL website. We were able to add a clip of the story I did last week about the little eco-friendly car. Just click here.

Traffic Jam

The wild turkeys were out strutting when I was on my way to work this afternoon. I saw them down a side street on the mountain near the station.

Since I was early (what??!!) I had time to turn around and snap some shots of my 'pets.' I didn't get too close and the pictures really don't show how big they are. Certainly would do well on the table for Thanksgiving. Kidding!





Sorry the video is so poor. I had to zoom in which makes the cam unsteady.

Snowy Sunday

It snowed in London today and I missed it.

Kings sent me some gorgeous pictures of our back garden. I miss my wooden chimes and bird feeder... sniff.

News From London

Under the management of Kingsley, The Ginger Group has opened another salon in London. This one is in Enfield and Kings held the grand opening this week.

Clients are rushing in and seem to be very happy with the new services. Here are a few pics of the place.... (I'm so proud of my honey.)

My New Digs

Some of my friends and family have been wondering about my apartment. It's small but my mom has a knack for decorating and we were able to find some great pieces at bargain prices before she left for Ohio. The place is comfy and cozy.

The outdoor pictures show the view from the outside space of my apartment. There are several Douglas Firs and they are gorgeous and smell so nice.

Wish you could stop by for a coffee or glass of wine!

Eugene Saturday Market

I'm afraid the weather is going to be a bit nasty tomorrow but rain or shine the Eugene Saturday Market opens after a long winter.

The market has showcased locally crafted wares and musical talent since 1979.

Apparently the people watching can't be matched with the hippies of the area coming out in force. If the rain holds, I'll be there with bells on and camera ready.

Would You Drive One of These?

I worked on a story yesterday about the insurability of 'green' vehicles.

We met up with a group of guys in Eugene who were working on a BUG G electric car kit. They say this is what people need to use while zipping around town to cut down on carbon footprints.

When they tested it out for us they got some funny looks from other drivers. Even though these are electric cars, they estimate they cost about 1 penny per mile to run. Not bad.

It's Wild

So the wildlife in Eugene isn't too hard to find. In fact, the newsroom at KVAL looks out onto a mountain and around dusk we see deer feeding.

Yesterday I was headed to a story with a photog and we had to slow down for 4 wild turkeys crossing the road.

The city is down in the valley so the most you'll see around town are a few squirrels but the view is lovely from the station.