P.F. Changs in Abilene

P.F. Changs is in Abilene. Okay, maybe not the restaurant...but you can still enjoy a variety of their cuisines here in the Key City. The other day I was grocery shopping at the United on South 14th and in the freezer section of pre-packaged means, the P.F. Changs label caught my eye. I can't recall how many different types of meals they offered, but there were at least a hand full. I bought the Shrimp Lo mein to try and it was delicious (definitely restaurant quality). So for those of you that drive to Fort Worth to go to P.F. Changs, you might be happy to know that you can still enjoy one of their meals and in the comfort of your own home! : ) I'm not sure if the other local supermarkets carry the P.F. Changs brand or not.

Remembering the life of an Abilene Police Officer

Tragedy falls over Abilene today, as an honorable police officer was killed in the line of duty. Officer Rodney Holder was trying to stop a speeder, and was hit by another vehicle, while on his motorcycle.
Officer Holder protected the citizens of Abilene since 1982. Since 2005, he was a part of APD's traffic division, as a motorcycle cop.
Abilene police witness horrific tragedies within their line of work, but we cannot even imagine what it must have been like for Holder's fellow officers to witness one of their own.
Having worked with many Abilene police officers in my career, even other employees from the department, I feel so sorry for the pain they must be feeling. My heart sincerely goes out to the friends, family, and of course the department during this time of grieving.
After talking to several of Holder's fellow officers today, nobody had anything but positive things to say about him.
I'd love to hear from others in the community about the memories they've shared with Officer Rodney Holder.

Vampires in Abilene?

I have to admit I am a little "behind the times" in the Vampire craze, both in the TV series and in the movies. I am talking about "Twilight," "New Moon," and "True Blood."

Unfortunately, I haven't read the Vampire books. I usually love to read things before seeing them on the big screen. But, I figured since I was so behind, I'd skip the books and watch the flicks. After watching, Twilight, I was instantly hooked. The story is so creative and I envy the author for being able to think it all up. Edward is an amazing character, and because of that it was difficult not to be intrigued by him (and to have a somewhat crush on a Vampire character).
There were some creepy parts to the film. Just to name one, when Edward watched her while she was sleeping...I don't know about anyone else, but I wouldn't like anyone watching me sleep.

For you Twilight lovers out there, I am sure you are just as anxious as me for the the third movie to come out. Are you for Bella getting bit by Edward and becoming a Vampire? I am mixed about it. Her family would be devastated, but it would be awful if Edward wasn't able to control his urge and resorted to biting her. I think it would make for a much happier ending if she chose her ending, rather than having it determined for her. And then of course, that brings up the argument of her only being a teenager in High School. And perhaps, the most frustrating part of all, that if they (Edward and Bella) chose to keep things the way that they are...she would one day die and he would go on living forever.

Now to the TV series, "True Blood." These shows were also very creative, but a lot more gruesome, vulgar, and explicit than the Twilight movies. Yet, they still kept my attention. What I love about True Blood is how easy it is to connect with the characters of the town, where everything takes place. It's full of characters that I feel are honest to how people would react if Vampires did exist. I think it is genius how the film writer invented fake blood to tide Vampires over from drinking (ultimately killing humans) for human blood and ultimately allowing the two species to coexist.

While these Vampire stories have proven to be successful, I am most curious what people of the Big Country think of them? Think it's a great way to use our imaginations or silly to think of coexisting with Vampires?

That's Not News!

"That's not news," and "It must be a slow news day," two of my least favorite phrases that I've heard from time to time as a news reporter in Abilene.

The first phrase, "That's not news," makes me laugh because in most circumstances the person that says this is usually hiding something. On several occasions, we'll (as a News Department) get calls in from viewers that are either witnesses, customers, patients, etc. that see or hear something going on in the community. As a journalist, it is my responsibility to check up on it. Granted, in some instances it turns out to be nothing, but in others it can turn out to be a big something.
When we seek out information about something, it is not our goal to shine someone or something in a negative light. We never gain anything from that. It is our job, as Abilene's news to bring viewers information that reflects what is or isn't going on in the Abilene community.

The other one, "It must be a slow news day!" On the outside, it would appear that some newscasts are filled with more crime events, rather then other current events happening around town, whereas some days, there may be little crime reports and more political stories, etc. This is what I love about the News business. You never really know what you're going to get. On most work days, I dig and develop my own stories after talking to my sources here in Abilene, and try to create a story that shows and tells you about it. And then on other days, we have to react to whatever is going on (ie a fire, a riot, or a drug bust).
Back to the phrase,"It must be a slow news day," I have also heard this from people when they don't want a story to be done on whatever it is that is happening or happened. Especially, when people decline to do an interview about it or don't want to give up any information, in my eyes it makes them look guilty. Is there something that they are hiding? People, businesses, and yes (journalists included) make mistakes, but in my mind not owning up to them is the worst.

For the most part, people in Abilene have been more then willing to do interviews or give information, regardless of the circumstance (and I for one, am very appreciative of that). I have found that people tend to be more open and honest here, then other places I have visited. But, with all jobs...there are just some things you come across that bug ya. Don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to their views and opinions and I respect that. My opinion on "That's not News," is that's not true. If the story is reflective of something happening in Abilene, "It's News." And "It must be a slow news day," well...there really is no such thing. Again, in most cases we really have no control of the stories that happen in Abilene, it is just our job to find them and bring you the facts.

Lucky Sunglasses

Okay, so normally I buy a pair of $5-10 sunglasses from Target. However, living in Miami for four years and having a great need for sunglasses all the time...I invested in two pairs (over time) of designer sunglasses.
At first, I didn't see the point in spending that much money on sunglasses, but I realized the amount of times I was replacing the cheap ones was adding up. So, I gave in. I've got a pair of Versace sunglasses that cost about $200. That was a big expense for me, but after I splurged...I really wound up taking better care of them. There was no way I was just going to throw away two hundred bucks. So, needless to say nearly four years later the glasses are still in pretty decent condition.
Today, that almost changed. I was out shooting a story and for whatever reason, I took the sunglasses off my head and put them on the back of the news vehicle, while I was shooting video. I got in the car and started driving away and went to look for my sunglasses...nowhere to be found. While, I started preparing myself for the worst...that's they'd be run over...I had to go back and at least check.
Several blocks away, I back tracked and walked for awhile, near where I had parked. No glasses. I decided, I didn't have time to search all day for them, and that it might be better to just move on and try not to dwell on it. So, as I am taking off...in the middle of a busy intersection on the North side of town, I see my sunglasses.
I was shocked. I couldn't believe how lucky I was that, despite being in the middle of a busy intersection for at least several minutes, they were still in one piece. I was also lucky that by the time I pulled over to park and run into the intersection that no one drove by. That probably would've been even worse had I witness someone run over my shades. I was lucky. While they are just a pair of sunglasses, I sure was glad to have them back in one piece.

TV Personalities and Cheerleading

It doesn't come as a surprise to me that many former cheerleaders would take interest in a field of Broadcast Communication, but it tends to be something many of us have in common.

While I am now a "retired" cheerleader, it still remains a passion of mine and unfortunately, I am reminded of my collegiate sport pass time any time I do something athletic. In my junior year of college at Barry University, I tore my ACL in my left knee. Not a pleasant memory of mine to say the least. However, even after having reconstructive knee surgery and going through intense rehabilitation, it still swells up. As many of you know from previous blogs, I am a diehard rollerblader. No matter how long I rollerblade for, the knee aches for days. I have just come to accept that, but it makes miss my pre-injury cheerleading days when I was entirely mobile. haha...Here's a few pictures of my favorite college cheerleading days.

And...my not so favorite cheerleading memories. This was the crazy contraptions that helped me get my knee back to normal mobility.

While my cheerleading days are over, I still help coach teams and am hoping to coach my own team in Abilene. Anybody know of any leagues needing coaches?

Killer Whale Kills

So, chances are you've heard about the recent Killer Whale at Sea World that killed one of it's trainers. I have mixed feelings about this tragic accident, as I am sure many of you do too. Hearing the stories from various people that knew "Tillicon," the whale now at Sea World Florida, it seems strange that he was even allowed to perform in their shows. A former trainer, from Canada says Tillicon was only supposed to be used for breeding purposes and never to perform. That is a huge red flag right there. Also, "Tilli" is blamed for two additional deaths in the past.
While I do agree that whale trainers are taking a huge risk, and should be aware of the dangerous possibilities....it's an all together sad situation. Fact of the matter is, a whale is a wild animal and unlike some domestic animals, there is no telling how they will behave.
It's amazing to watch the shows that the trainers orchestrate with the Whales and Dolphins at SeaWorld. I'll admit that I do enjoy watching them and am always amazed at how responsive they are to their trainers.
However, it comes to a point when you have to decide, when is enough? It seems trainers will continue risking their life for their passion for performing with the animals. Of course, there would be no letting "Tilli" back into the wild, as he is a captive whale, now but don't you think maybe he's had enough performing? Sounds to me, like he should just be taken care of there and maybe not in the spotlight.
While I clearly feel awful about the innocent life that was lost in a Whale tank, I also don't think you can just hate "Tilli," the whale. But, in addition, I do not think that trainers should continue pushing the whales buttons (for lack of better way to say it). Another huge topic for discussion is that you run the risk of traumatizing people in the audience, little kids even if a tragedy like this happens. They come to watch a show and all of a sudden they witness a death in the whale tank. That is certainly not what they came to see.