Oooooh, aaaaaah!

We do it all the time. Especially at baby showers.

Last week we had a baby shower for one of our producers who is expecting.

It's a treat to gather, even for a few minutes, away from the grind and deadlines to spend quality time together at a 'non-news' event.

We all met in the conference room for Susan's baby shower.

Even Marlene came back for the happy occasion. Mar used to keep us in line (still does!) as Rita's right hand! You know it is a very very special event if Marlene comes back!

And with her, came the Ho Ho Cake. Again, we only unveil the Ho Ho Cake for the best!

Never fails....as Susan opened each box, each bag, each wrapped gift, the 'ooooohs' and the 'aaaaahs' became louder and louder. Why don't they make that for big people? I'd wear it!

Then the stories go around the table with the women who have children who are almost grown--on how they wish they had 1/2 the stuff today's mothers have to help them raise their children!

Susan made out like a bandit. I'm not sure what else she may need, but her car will be stuffed to the gills with the cutest, styling outfits and so much more as she makes the trek home!

Congratulations Susan!

Amanda's baby shower

When you put in an exorbitant amount of time at work and spend so much quality time with your co-workers, work /friendship /family is bound to spill over and overlap.

That is the 'feeling,' the 'mood' today.

I came in a bit early for a baby shower for one of our producers, Amanda. She and her husband are expecting their first child.

One thing for sure in television, you always find an occasion to throw a party, have great food, and hopefully HO-HO Cake!!!

Trifecta!

Today, we had a wonderful shindig for Amanda showering her with gifts to welcome her little bundle of joy.

Always a nice break from the nitty gritty to actually grab a bite to eat and hide from the piercing scanners or the phones, even if it's for a half hour or so.

The menu, superb.

Assistant News Director and Social Media guru, Howard, brought in delicious , home-made quiche. Fabulous!

A little something for just about everyone: vegies, cheese, crackers, pepperoni, cookies, chips, candy, and yes, HO-HO Cake!!

Howard braved it out being the only male in the room.

What's really fun to watch--as soon as the shower breaks up, the rest of the men in the newsroom swarm in and start devouring the leftover foodstuffs!

Like clockwork and on cue, 3-2-1.

A wonderful chunk out of the afternoon to spend with our 'extended family.'

Congratulations Amanda (and Mark!!).

May Sweeps winding down

It's the final official day of May Sweeps. The strong effort and enthusiasm remains every day, but during this 'sweeps' we had a number of enterprising pieces...and investigative stories! We should know in a few days how we fared against our local competitors.


I've listed our '30 days, 30 ways to save' pieces as well as our other sweeps stories in the margin on the right side of my blog for anyone who would like to take a look back at a favorite!


We can catch our breath for a few days and then right back up on the horse prepping for the next sweeps period!


I'd have to say, this has been one of the craziest wrap ups to a ratings month and definitely NOT a typical day on the news assignment desk.


First off, check out the new look of the Channel 3 Website. You will love it! You, too, can become more involved.


The highlights include: social, search, clip, zip! Our new website is a social network community where the viewer can post photos, start a blog, become involved in ongoing forums, give us opinions on stories, and so much more!


Our web customers can navigate a bit easier searching for stories and video clips.


And when the reader supplies a zip code, they can get a weather report for that particular area!


Next, we've been doing special tapings the last few days with some of the Cleveland Browns. Yesterday, I believe Kamerion Wimbley was in studio. Today, Braylon Edwards.


I'm a huge Cleveland fan, Cleveland Sports fan, and Cleveland Music fan. However, being in TV, some unwritten rules include, 'don't gush,' 'don't ask for autographs,' and 'don't be a nuisance.'


There are times when those rules are bent a little. Today was one of those days! Braylon Edwards came into the newsroom and all eyes turned to him! He was absolutely one of the most gracious, charming, friendly people I have ever met. I hate having my picture taken, but I must admit, I jumped on the bandwagon when the opportunity presented itself!

Earlier in the day, the women of the building gathered for a baby shower for meteorologist Betsy Kling and her husband Paul Thomas, who are expecting in a few months.


Folks from all over the building came in a little early or stayed a little later to shower Betsy and Paul with gifts of all shapes, sizes, and colors!


It would not be an authentic Channel 3 Party without Marlene AND --the infamous Ho Ho Cake! As many of you may recall, Marlene recently retired from her longtime position of Newsroom Administrative Assistant. Boy, do we miss her!


Well, as you can see, NEVER a dull moment here at Channel 3! Click the attached link to view slide show of Betsy's Baby Shower!


Photos courtesy: Romona Robinson





































































1. Betsy cutting the infamous Ho-Ho cake
2. Betsy opening her gifts
3. Weekend Anchor Lydia Esparra and Betsy
4. Education Reporter Kim Wheeler, Marlene, News Director Rita Andolsen
5. Yours truly, Lydia, Romona
6. Yours truly, Carole Sullivan, Kim Wheeler
7. Barb, Brandi, Sarah, Kim
8. Backpack Journalist Lynn Olszowy, Carrie, Lydia
9. Romona, Braylon Edwards, guest of honor Betsy