I've moved to Twitter

No updates to the blog for a while... 4 months...
I've been too busy cramming blog posts into 140 characters on Twitter. It's just easier and faster. If you don't have an account yet, it's time to get one. Even if you don't "tweet" (send out your own messages) it's a great way to get the latest info on whatever it may be that interests you. There's a whole bunch of content spreading in Twitter-verse that you won't find anywhere else.

So com'on, follow me over to Twitter!

Attending a "Tea Party"

As far back as I can remember, I don't ever recall showing up at a Tea Party before... don't even know that I've ever been invited to one. When I got my gear together and walked up on the gathering at the Rhode Island Statehouse I found no stuffy high society types with pinky fingers rising above tea filled cups. Instead, masses of focused protesters were filling the steps and the surrounding yard with banners, signs, and voices of rebellion against government ways. It was Tax Day 2009. Protests like this one were held across the country and concerned citizens turned out in huge numbers. No doubt, among each assembled crowd were people who were less concerned about the issues that had riled up the sign bearing public, and more focused on their own tasks. Get too focused on that task and you'll be bonked in the head by waving fists behind you while you perfect exposure in your viewfinder. Just dont spill any tea on my lens please!

Here's some of the sights and sounds from April 15, 2009 edited from the local television show I was shooting for.

Brush Fires on 95

Firefighters in Attleboro were scrambling earlier today, chasing several large brush fires along route 95. As I was getting off the exit to where the flames were spreading, police were directing traffic, causing a backup on the off-ramp. While waiting in that traffic I began to hear cars start beeping from behind me. My first though was "shut the hell up... that's not going to solve anything". Looking into the rear-view mirror, through the billowing smoke, I could see that flames were starting to reach across the roadway. The beeps were of scared motorists who were about to be caught up in the fire. After escaping that near disaster I spent the next 30mins to an hour following up on scanner traffic and with at least 2 major fire's going at the same time, several miles apart, there's alot going on. There were several instances where firefighters had to check on houses in the area. Imagine looking out your window and seeing flames approaching... there were a few close calls, but to my knowledge, they kept the fires contained to brush. Hopefully we get some rain soon.

The story and more information on WPRI.com

Premiere in the Theatre

Notice the fancy spelling up there... and the "Stadium Theatre" is just that. It's a restored old-time theatre (there it is again) originally built in the 1920's. You couldn't ask for a better venue for last Thursday's premiere event of "When the Reds Ruled the Roost" produced by RocJo Productions. The documentary is a collection of stories from the days when the RI Reds hockey games were a familiar pastime for Rhode Islanders. Producer Joe Rocco and DP/Editor Jim Karpeichik of Ocean State Video did an outstanding job capturing those memories. I spent the night at the fancy theatre covering the event which included live stage discussions with former RI Reds players. Considering that I wasn’t around to remember the Reds hockey team, you’d think it would have been easy to get sleepy in that dark room, but it was truly interesting and funny at times. Watch the preview for yourself and then buy the DVD at rocjo.com… 

Here’s what some people had to say about the documentary when I shoved a camera in their face, politely of course.

Rabid Rabbit

If you're from Rhode Island, you may have seen the story of a local costume shop owner who was charged with cyberstalking a competitor. She was busted last Monday while using a computer at Cranston's public library to sign-up the victim in numerous debt relief programs and other websites which would result in dozens of phone calls a day to her business. The alleged cyberstalker, Ann Bruno, requested for her side of the story to be told... she wanted to meet at her store. WJAR-TV's Jim Taricani showed up with a photographer, doing a great job of keeping his composure while Mrs. Bruno put on show. (Photo from turnto10.com)

Watch the unedited interview on NBC10's website here

The full report

I don't know, you think she's capable of cyberstalking?