A Look Back at 2008

For me, 2008 was a year filled with unbelievable accomplishments, amazing adventures and memorable experiences. However, it was also a year of heartache, as I faced the loss of a woman I thought would be here forever.

So, here now, are the top 10 things 2008 will be remembered for as we say goodbye to what was, and welcome in 2009.

#10

Summer 2008:

The beach every Tuesday.

#9

August 2008:
I went sky-diving for the very first time.

#8

August 2008:

Auditioned for "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" ... and fell short.

#7

October 2008:

Carving Sarah palin's face into a pumpkin.

#6

May 2008:

Graduated from college with a degree in broadcast journalism.

#5

October 2008:
Took a break and vacationed in Aruba.

#4

All 2008:

Waking up to Meredith Vieira almost every morning on the Today Show.

#3

January 2008:
Landed my first job in the broadcasting industry.
Hired as an associate producer at WFSB Channel 3 News.

#2
May 2008:

Took the trip of a lifetime -- Traveled with 5 friends to Europe and cruised the Mediterranean, visiting Germany, Spain, Italy & France.

#1

March 2008:

I lost my best friend, confidant, biggest fan, partner in crime and most favorite person in the world: my grandmother, Jane.

While her life came to abrupt end this year, I take her on in time in my heart and mind.

Congratulations, Mr. President

# 44

11/4/2008

11:04 pm

History was made.

(The president-elect and future first lady walk off stage in Chicago after Obama is named the 44th president of the United States)

Running the Last Lap ...

... TO THE FINISH LINE!

After all the debates, conventions, political analysis, SNL skits, campaigning, rallies, name calling, negative ads and hard work -- the time has come. Tonight one of the presidential candidates and their running mate will cross the finish line of a race they've been running (and we've been watching) for nearly 2 years.

No matter who you vote for, we can all agree on one thing; this is history in the making.

Will the first African American make it into the White House alongside a man who has much respect as a U.S. senator?

-OR-

Will a man who fought for his country in a war go from former P.O.W to President, brining with him the first woman into the White House?

Those questions will soon be answered, and when all is said and done America will usher in the 44th president of the United States.

Each candidate has put their heart and soul into this campaign, trying to prove to us that they have what it takes to be the next Commander-in-Chief. Along the way there have been fumbles, achievements, gaffs, tough questions and historic moments, but through it all McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden have kept the momentum going. Was this race unfair at times? Yes! Were the institutions that are suppose to report us the facts bias towards certain candidates? Yes! But when you take all of that out of the equation you have 4 people who, I believe, have America's future in their best interest.

I commend John McCain, Sarah Palin, Barack Obama and Joe Biden for their hard work and dedication throughout this entire election process. Each one of them has come a long way, and in their own way has what it takes to lead this country.

It is now time for America to decide. May the best man win!

What a good sport ..

While flying to a rally today, Gov. Sarah Palin sat with reporters in the back of her plane to answer questions. One of them asked her how she felt about the SNL skits in which Tina Fey portrayed Palin. This is what she said:

"I love her, she's a hoot and she's so talented. It would be fun to meet her, imitate her, and keep on giving her new material."

That right there goes to show how she takes it all in stride. There are reports that the real Sarah Palin will make a cameo on an upcoming SNL episode.

We'll have to see what happens ...

To the finish line, Madame Vice President!

Up until Thursday's vice presidential debate I had my doubts about Sarah Palin and her ability to be second in command.

Some of her recent interviews fell short of my expectations, but all that has changed.

After watching Palin go toe to toe with Sen. Joe Biden I realized that she does have what it takes.

Up until now she has be scrutinized, belittled, ripped apart and dumbed down by the media and liberal journalists with one agenda; making her look bad.

I have the upmost confidence and respect for Sarah Palin and think that she will do a wonderful job as vice president. She is just what this country needs.

Whoever wins the election on November 4th certainley has a big job in front of them. And I think Sarah Palin and John McCain will take that job seriously, and get this country back on track.

So Sarah, fuck the critics and the bias journalists.

Keep chugging along and make it to that finish line!

Picture of the Week ...

Anchors, Alpacas, Al Terzi ... oh my!

As you can see, 2 alpacas came to visit on the set of "Better Connecticut" and like many who come to Channel 3, those alpacas had to take a look at our newsroom and decided to chill with anchor, Al Terzi.

Al Terzi introducing himself to an alpaca, while Kara Sundlun and Scot Haney look on.

(Pictures courtesy of Tom Zukowski)

Dear Hollywood ...

Can you shut the hell up??!!

I don't know about you but over the past week or so I have become so sick and tired of listening to the Hollywood "elite" give their opinions of Gov. Sarah Palin.

Don't get me wrong, everyone has a right to their opinion, but not Hollywood.

Why you ask ... I'll explain.

Celebrities are in a position where everything they do and say is watched by the public. People look up to them and when they name a candidate they are choosing to support it can cause people to sway their vote. Do you for one minute think that women haven't decided to vote for Barack Obama because Oprah has endorsed him?

While we are on the subject of celebrities lets now name the 3 douche bags of the week ...

Our first award goes to actor Matt Damon.

Last week he said having Sarah Palin in the White House would, quote, "be like a bad Disney movie. The hockey mom stepping in to be president."

What the hell is that about, Matt? Can't you just say you don't agree with her politically? No, you have to make cheap shots that make you sound like an ass. If I was your public relations rep I would have quit. You want to see a bad Disney movie, I hope Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse beat the shit out of you in an alley somewhere.

Second, lets discuss singer Pink.

She said that Sarah Palin, quote, "terrifies her."

Bitch, have you looked in a mirror lately. You terrify me!! You're not even worth anymore of my time. Just keep churning out shitty songs that degrade your fellow Hollywood people.

Finally, there is Lindsay Lohan.

She called Palin homophobic. First of all, being against gay marriage doesn't make you a homophobic. I know pleanty of people who don't agree with gay marriage but have gay people in their lives that they support and love.

And Lindsay, what makes you so credible on this subject? You've been gay for, what, a litte more than 3 weeks now? Either that or you just like walking around with girls that look like boys. You are not credible, so shut your mouth. You support Obama and tried to have a fundraiser for him and he flat out told you "no thanks." Even the people you support don't like you.

Stop getting involved in politics and continue being the trash of Hollywood ... you and that he-she you are always with.

Well that does it for now. Case in point, you may not agree with what Sarah Palin stands for, but that doesn't mean you need to make stupid idiotic comments that make no sense. Like I said before, and I'll say it again, attack her or question her based on her policies, not on personal things that have NOTHING to do with this election.

I hope she becomes the first female vice president on November 4th ... just to piss off all you celebs.

And dear Hillary ... stop with all your bitter betty comments. You're just pissed you won't be the first female in the white house!

Live from New York ...

It's Saturday Night!

So I am sure many of you saw the 'SNL' skit on saturday night. It was the season premiere, and of course, they decided to poke fun of Gov. Sarah Palin.

I have to say, Tina Fey did an awesome job playing Palin. Here look, voice and hand gestures were dead on. Since this is America, and we like to make movies about everything.

I guess we know who the front runner would be to play Palin in a tell-all movie.

We shall see ...

Exposed!!

Definition of a 'friend collector': LINDSAY FAUCHER

She is a friend collector on Facebook and My Space.

Beware!

Picture of the Week

Talk about 'Going Green'

This polar bear, at a zoo in Japan, has been swimming in water with algae in it.

Now his fur coat is stained green!

Enough is enough!

I think many will agree with me that since both presidential candidates announced their running mates this election has heated up. And it got even hotter when Gov. Sarah Palin stepped into the picture.

She is the real deal, down to earth and is the type of woman we need to see take the reigns of this country.

However, I am having some major issues with how she is being treated by the media and naive Americans.

I think that it is absolute bullshit that we are questioning her ability to serve as vice president of this country because she is a mother. Shame on EVERY asshole out there who is questioning her on that, instead of her policies and beliefs.

Maybe Barack Obama shouldn't run for president because he has 2 little girls!?

Back in the 70's Joe Biden's wife and 3 children were in a car accident. His wife and one of the kids died and as his other 2 sons lay in a hospital bed recovering from the accident and the loss of their mother and sibling, Joe Biden was sworn into the senate at their bedside. Why wasn't he motherfucked for putting his career ahead of his family? Oh wait, I know ... it is because he is a man!

And lets discuss the pregnancy surrounding the Palin family. Yes, the oldest daughter, Bristol, is pregnant. People say Gov. Palin hasn't discussed the issue and guess what, she doesn't have to. By saying in her speech at the convention that "we have ups and downs like any family," she acknowledged the issue. By having the father of Bristol's baby in the audience, she was acknowledging that that are accepting and will ge through this.

I still don't know who will receive my vote in November, but from now until then the focus needs to be on this country and the direction it is taking and not her personal life. She has what it takes to lead and I am feeling the Palin Pride!!

"Palin Assails Critics and Electrifies Party"

"Knock Out! Sarah Comes out Swinging."
-New York Post

Bravo, Gov. Sarah Palin, on a job well done! You proved the media and the critics wrong; you do have what it takes to be this country's next vice-president.

And in the process, you've left me torn 50/50 on who I will vote for in November.

Picture of the Week ...

Note to self: Lower the landing gear when landing.

Pregnancy of Presidential Proportions

Let me just start out by saying that I am neither a democrat or republican. I consider myself an independent. I am sure many of you will agree with me when I say that this presidential election has been an interesting one. We are on the cusp of possibly having our first black president and our first female vice president, and if you take a second and digest that, it is pretty cool.

While I am on that topic, lets talk about Gov. Sarah Palin. First of all, I think it is cool that McCain chose a woman; it mixes things up a bit. But I have an issue with how she has been portrayed over the past couple of days in the media. First lets discuss her 17-year-old daughter's pregnancy. I understand that we love to dive into the lives of others and we do it to celebrities all the time. We have every right to question the lives of those who want to hold public office, but what does Palin's leadership have to do with her daughter being pregnant? That should not be the focus of this election. When Bill Clinton was fucking around on his wife and sticking cigars in vaginal regions everyone would say, "that is his personal life." No, that shows a lack of loyalty and dedication and you lied to your country like a douche bag. So how come we can't look at Sarah Palin's situation and say the same thing, "it is her personal life?"

People have been scrutinizing her experience as well. I like Barack Obama, but if you really want to compare straws, Gov. Palin has more experience than he does. He is a senator and she is a governor. She is a mom, who knows how to take control and all these assholes on TV who say that her role of as a mother will get in the way of her helping to run the country, well, they are a bunch of morons.

I didn't see anyone saying that Hillary Clinton wouldn't be able to raise her horse-looking daughter, Chelsea, or that President Bush and his wife wouldn't be able to raise their 2 daughters, Jenna and whatever the hell the other one's name is.

There is also the "alleged" rumor that Palin's husband got a DUI back in 1986. That was more than 20 years ago people and quite frankly, who gives a shit? Clinton admitted on MTV to smoking pot and you didn't say everyone mother fuck him over that. And again, he stuck a cigar up Monica's cooch ... I mean that is just plain ole unsanitary.

President Bush admitted to drinking and having an alcohol problem and while he got some slack for that, the issue died down.

So to sum all this shit up ... give Gov. Sarah Palin a chance and concentrate on the issues. This country has better things to worry about that who Palin's daughter's baby daddy is and that her husband got pulled over for having a Goddamn rum and coke.

Besides, she used to be a news anchor in Anchorage, Alaska and that is some pretty cool shit.

So buckle-up folks. This election is going to be one wild ride.

"Millionaire" Minus Meredith ...

For weeks I've been looking forward to going down to New York City to audition for the game show, "Who Wants to be a Millionaire." I wanted to see the show, take a stab at that million dollars and of course chill with Meredith Vieira. I'm a fan of Meredith for many reasons, I've met her 6 times in public and private settings and just wanted to see her in action on "Millionaire." However, that was not to be!

We get in the studio. I'm pumped, redy to go and excited. Why shouldn't I be? I was on the set of a popular game show, was about to see the woman I admire. What else could I ask for? Then, the person in charge of warming up the audience came out and gave me the worst news I could ever recieve. Tell me I have 3 weeks to live, tell me my car was stolen or that I should have never recieved my college degree ... but not this:

"As you all know, Meredith was just in Beijing for 2 weeks covering the olympics. She is tired and needs to relax -- so she took this week off."

EXCUSE ME!!!! Is this a joke!!! I have been waiting for this for over a month and within 7 seconds it gets ruined?! Instead they had some woman named Samantha Harris to guest host. Samantha who? She is the host of ABC's Dancing with the Stars and an anchor for a news program on the E network. I mean don't get me wrong, she did a good job and was one of the most beautiful woman I have ever layed eyes on in person, but I wanted my MV!!!

The woman who stole Meredith's seat, Samantha Harris

After watching a weeks worth of shows get taped my friends and I audition for the show. The producers pass out a test with 30 questions with 4 possible answer, just like the show. We had ten minutes and whoever got the highest score would move on to the producer interviews to get put into the contestant pool. The end result ....

I did not get chosen, nor did any of the people with me. Only 12 out of 100 people made the cut. Bastards!!! Oh well ... I had a fun day, tried out for a game show and will go back again and audition in the near future.

And next time I will make sure I don't get tickets 2 days after Meredith returns from a 2 week voyage across the damn globe. I'm not jewish, but oy vey!!!

Random picture of the week

Carla standing next to one of the biggest mirrors I have ever seen.

No nail is going to hold that monster on the wall!

And then there were two ...

(On the anchor desk: Me, Erika Arias, Kevin Hogan & Darren Sweeney)

So this week I recieved another devistating blow at work; one of my favorite anchors, Erika Arias, announced that she was leaving Channel 3.

I have worked with Erika for the past 7 months and in that time she and I have been part of the weekend team at the station.

She decided to leave on her own accord, and she will be greatly missed.

First our assignment editor Jenna left, then Darren, and now Erika. The weekend team is falling apart!

I guess what they say is true ... nothing in TV world lasts forever.

Is that your final answer?

Next Tuesday is a big day. I am heading to New York City with 3 friends and we are all going to audition for "Who Wants to be a Millionaire."

You take a test, get interviewed by show producers and if they like what they see and hear -- you get put into the contestants pool.

Now comes the hard part-- brushing up on my knowledge. I have been looking at maps, studying countires, researching famous people, studying the human body and all its elements, all in an attempt to prepare myself ... and pack my brain full of knowledge.


So here's to going the distance and auditioning for a game show. How many of you can say you've done that?

With that said, the "hot" seat is waiting for me and so is Meredith Vieira ...

Son-of-a-beach!!

So I went to the beach yesterday with some friends and as we were relaxing we realized we weren't alone. The damn seagulls began to circle and those bastards wanted in -- they wanted our food!!! Donuts, popcorn, chips, cookies ... whatever they could get their beaks on!

A warning to all you beach goers out there ... be careful. Those ruthless bastards will stop at nothing to get what they want!

On a Wing and a Prayer at 11,000 feet

For the longest time I never understood the logic of jumping out of an airplane. I mean if there is nothing wrong with the plane why jump out of it?

That all changed on Saturday morning when I went skydiving. It was a last minute thing -- I felt peer pressured. Needless to say it was one of the most amazing experiences. Taking that step out of the plane is a feeling you cannot describe unless you've done it. You let go of all control and security and for a period of 3 minutes the sky owns you.

The free fall was the best part -- traveling through the air at 120 mph. Then the parachute deploys (thank the God almighty in heaven above!) and you glide back down to earth like a bird.

The whole thing was fucking awesome ... and I was one crazy mofo for doing it.

I'm ready to suit up and dive in head first, again.

Chilling Out ...

Yesterday I watched a beautiful, mature woman walk down the aisle and marry her high school sweatheart. She is no longer Carla Caramia - the girl who grew up with me, babysat me, went to school with me and has been a good friend/sister to me.

She is now Carla Ogonowski, but I am glad to see we can still chill out together in a bucket of cold water ... likes the kids we used to be. We are all grown up.

(From Left: Dr. Chris Caramia, Carla, Krissa, Joyce, Me & Sarah)

Three's a Crowd

Over the past few days I have been trying to wrap my brain around one thing: why the fuck would you cheat on Christie Brinkley?!

Seriously, just ask yourself that question, and it is not rhetorical.

Peter Cook has been married to Brinkley since 1996 and turned to pornography and an 18-year-old wanna be for sexual gratification. You're married to Christie Brinkley asshole! Well atleast you were.

So Brinkley may have so called "anger" issues, but just look at her. I think I could live with that. And who cares that is on her 4th marriage.

She is a beautiful model, classy, successful, and the list goes on and on ...

Hey Christie, give me a call!