An Exciting Weekend...

A long week at work was followed by a really short weekend. However, the weekend was packed with good times.

Starting off on Friday night, I showed the wedding pictures I had taken a few weeks ago to the Bride's parents - the ones who hired me. Anyway, they really enjoyed looking at my shots and were very pleased that everything turned out well. The mom said she will tell everyone she shows the pictures to just who took them. I guess I'm getting my name out there...


Saturday held even more activities and adventures. That morning, dad and I went to the annual First Baptist Church 'Cruise-in' at the church. The parking lot was full of cars and people having a good time. Dad took his Corvette as well. My Cousin Daniel and his kids were there too. They enjoyed looking around and seeing all the neat cars.



After the car show, my parents and I headed to Huntsville Alabama to visit my brother and his family. We got there around 6:30 and hung out for a bit. The growing trend for my brother, dad and I seems to be going to the movies while visiting. So, this trip's movie of choice was Terminator Salvation - a 'shoot-em-up' flick that turned out to be kinda fun. It's nice seeing the references and continuing plot from the first three movies.

The reason for the trip was to see Abby, my brother's oldest, get baptized Sunday morning. Everyone including the in-laws were in attendance for the service. Everything was really nice.



I have come to realize one thing though...I need a bigger zoom lens for my camera.
My 18-55mm lens just doesn't reach far enough. I was having a hard time getting a good shot of Abby in the baptistery. The only question - what to buy... 70-300 maybe? Who knows...

Leaving the church, we all gathered at Michael's house for some lunch. We left there, starting our 3 hour trek back to Lenoir City. That evening at home, we said our good-byes to Daniel and his family who had been visiting for 3 weeks. They currently live in Japan but are soon moving to Hawaii. (Dan's in the Air Force)

So ended a pretty good weekend, justifying a post on blogger. ha!

Experiences of a Summer Intern

Well, the summer is continuing to be an awesome experience. I've done and learned a lot since starting on May 11. My last post was about my second day at the Knoxville News Sentinel and the adventure I was pulled into. I must say, the rest of that week didn't disappoint. On Wednesday, I went with Erin Chapin and Adam Brimer to the Knoxville Police Department to cover the busting of a prostitution ring. The officer in charge of the operation gave us the low down on what they were doing to stop the illegal activities.

He showed us video tapes from hidden cameras in hotel rooms where they held sting operations to bust prostitutes. It was so funny to see the look on these girls' faces when 10 cops bust through the door!

Thursday held more coverage of the prostitute-busting action. We went back to gather more info and to shoot photos. The cop told us about one night of 'hoe-busting' they lovingly call "Two Tons of Fun." He showed us video of the rather large ladies they had arrested - and all their weight combined...you guessed it, two tons. Wow, I can't believe people actually paid these girls! ewww.

On Friday, I went with Talid to the "Blue Plate Special," an event that brings artists in from all over. They cram themselves on stage with a huge crowd, and jam out. That week's bands were of the bluegrass genre. I never really had a true appreciation for that type of music until then. I felt like I was tearin' down a dirt road in an orange, 1969 Dodge Charger - running from Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. YEEHAWW!! haha.

The past few weeks have been a little more confined to the newsroom. I've been uploading YouTube videos, posting stories, making SoundSlides, and editing video and audio. It's been fun and educational at the same time - I guess a good combination for an internship.

Check out my staff profile page at knoxnews.com