The Sunrise Lowdown

INSIDE CHARLOTTE'S NASCAR RACE

WHAT DID YOU SAY, I CAN’T HEAR YOU? Are your ears still ringing from this past weekend’s Nascar race?  600 miles, 400 laps is quite a workout for both the drivers and fans.  It was a great experience with more than 100,000 other race fans in Charlotte.  USA Today reports that the Coca-Cola 600 had better TV ratings than did the Indy 500 this year. 

THE VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS:  The cheapest seats at Charlotte are $39.  Because I’m cheap, those were my kind of seats and really weren’t bad.  I could see the entire track.

FAST CARS ON THE TRACK, SLOW IN PARKING LOT: Would you believe it took 1 ½ hours for traffic to even start moving in the parking lot I somehow chose at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway Sunday night.  Thankfully I took Monday off, so you wouldn’t have to see a sleepy anchor trudge through the news. 

TALK ABOUT A SPECTACLE:  If you’ve never been to a NASCAR race, think of it like a really noisy county fair that allows folks to consume adult beverages.  You want to talk about some massive tailgating, just check out a Nascar race. Outside the track there are tons of trucks with corporate displays, big companies would give out free stuff ranging from headache medicine to shower products and even deodorant.  (come on, I showered that morning)  I lost count trying to keep track of each driver’s merchandise truck and the other assorted stands of stuff you could buy.  Perhaps my favorite thing was that a major home improvement retailer handing out $10 dollar off coupons for a $25 purchase.  Here’s a hint, it’s the sponsor of Jimmie Johnson’s car.  Oh, and for the record, Johnson was leading the race when he had problems with his car.  Other big names faltered too, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was in the lead when he ran into the wall and then Tony Stewart blew a tire to cost him the lead.

   

AMAZING THERE’S NOT MORE TROUBLE:  There’s no doubt the fans at Sunday’s race were a bunch that enjoyed a beverage or two and loudly proclaimed their approval and displeasure at their given drivers.  I did not witness that much trouble considering the huge crowd.  You would think that any sport that allows people to bring in their own beer is only asking for problems.  But perhaps the worst thing I witnessed was a fan hurling a beer can onto the track.  (fortunately it didn’t hit any cars or people for that matter)

   

IF YOU SNAPPED ANY NEAT NASCAR PICS FROM SUNDAY OR AT DARLINGTON, SEND THEM TO ME.  Also, what's your best, or craziest memory of attending a Nascar race? 

WIS SUNRISE VIEWERS SPEAK, DALE JR IS THE MAN!

BIG NASCAR WEEKEND, YOUR VOTES ARE IN, DALE JR IS TOPS: Earlier this week I asked you to tell me your favorite NASCAR driver, and the previous blog comments link shows that Dale Jr is tops in your mind.  How’s this for a #2 choice, it appears that Tony Stewart.

MY PICK, THE #48 LOWE’S CHEVY: Yeah, everyone needs a driver so I’ll take the risky move of declaring mine: Jimmie Johnson.  He’s won the past 2 Nextel Cup’s, and from everything I hear he’s a good guy in the community, his website says in March of 2007, the couple opened Jimmie Johnson's Victory Lanes for campers at Kyle and Pattie Petty's Victory Junction Camp in Randleman, N.C. His golf tourney last year in San Diego, CA raised a half million dollars for Habitat for Humanity, certainly a worthy cause.  I give honorable mentions to Mark Martin (longevity and winning), Dale Jr (good guy) and Carl Edwards (young but wins races) as my back-up drivers.

A NEAT NOTE FROM A VIEWER ABOUT TONY STEWART:  A viewer, Lisa, emailed me with her reasons why she’s a Tony Stewart fan.  It might change your mind about his “bad boy” image.  Here’s her note.

“My niece was born with many health issues and requires several procedures, including but not limited to a liver transplant, an intestinal transplant, a T-cell transfusion, and more. We were having a fund raising auction for her, and I wrote to several NASCAR drivers (Tony, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon, and the NASCAR Foundation) to ask for donations of autographs to auction off for her. Tony was the ONLY one who responded, and he sent a personally autographed picture for the auction.”

AS SEEN ON SUNRISE, WHAT’S THE MAGIC JACK?  Thursday on Sunrise, we profiled a product called the “Magic Jack” which promises you only need to spend $20 a year and can have a regular home phone.  The only catch, you need to keep your computer on all the time if you want to make or receive calls.  Their website is www.magicjack.com if you want to check it out.  (Disclosure here, I don’t have this product and am by no means endorsing it, this is for information only)

  I had another viewer email me saying he uses it and loves it.  Here’s his email…

"Brian, I have two of them and they work great ! The sound sounds so clear like if the person I called from New York was right here in Columbia, SC.

It works better with broadband or if your wi-fi antenna is either a g - band or n band...

Keep in mind that your IP web address is your phone station... you are not calling from at&t, the internet is your phone line !

I give this product a thumbs up !

Brian, you don't have to worry about paying anymore fees and hidden fees from a landline phone bill..

All you pay is 19.95 a year (in January)  the rest of the year is free.

It's about time to own your phone the right way !"

SEND ME  YOUR COCA-COLA 600 PICS:  Hope to see you there this Sunday!  Send me some of your pics from the race and I’ll put them on the blog!!  Boogety, Boogety, Boogety regards!!

FOR THE RECORD, OTHER SUNRISE ANCHORS DRIVER'S CHOICES: Kara Gormley says Dale Jr. is her guy because of his nice guy image.  Ben Tanner does not have a choice, saying because it doesn't follow it closely enough, it would be too tough to make a pick.  Lucas McFadden says he's not really a Nascar fan either, but he says if he had to pick a driver, he'll go with Jeff Gordon.  Lucas's resaons are pretty simple, he tells me "Gordon is clean cut, a good driver and has a hot wife." 

WHO'S YOUR NASCAR DRIVER?

NASCAR AND HOCKEY HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON:  Really, this is no joke.  As previously said on this blog, I’m a big sports fan and I also closely watch HOW a sports event is done on TV.  Stuff like replays, graphics, theme music, camera angles and pre-done stories are all important parts of how a sporting-event plays on TV.  With that in mind, I can honestly say watching Nascar or hockey on TV is not even close to the experience you get seeing it live.  Both hockey and nascar feature fast moving objects and collisions that often are not part of the live action because they happen outside of the main camera angle.  Nascar has had some fights among its drivers recently, and sometimes (but not as often as its made out to be) some fisticuffs can break out in a hockey game too.  The thing you get at a Nascar race that you don’t get on TV is the intense sound, thunder-like feeling, and aromas of peeling-out rubber! 

STANLEY CUP FINALS ON WIS!: Back to Nascar in a minute, but since I’m admitting becoming a Nascar fan, how about some of you give hockey a try?  One of the best  announcers in the business, Mike Emrick, does the games for NBC.

This guy could make a chess match sound exciting.  He brings a lot of passion and knowledge with him and I love watching the games just to hear him.  Trust me, listen to his play by play and you too might just get hooked!  Here’s the NBC schedule of games (games 1-2 are on Versus, cable network)  Plans are in the works for a Sat, May 31 viewing party, stay tuned!

NBC GAMES: WED 5/28, SAT 5/31, MON 6/2, WED 6/4, SAT 6/7

A sample of Mike Emrick’s work…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilsTF2o4Y-Y

BACK TO NASCAR, I’LL SEE YOU IN CHARLOTTE THIS SUNDAY: Our friend Ben Tanner assures us the weather for Sunday will be great for some tailgating and yelling “boogety, boogety, boogety,” for the Coca-Cola 600.  I will be taking a friend of mine who’s never been to a Nascar race, so it should be a fun experience.

HERE’S WHAT HOOKED SOMEONE WHO USED TO NOT CARE ABOUT NASCAR:  A few years ago I thought why not check out a Nascar race, and I scored some free tickets to the All Star race in Charlotte.  One thing that Charlotte offers is FREE parking.  Yes, that’s FREE, my favorite 4 letter word!  Too often these days, sporting events gouge you with big parking fees because you have no choice but to park at their place (pro football is a prime example, where parking fees can be $50 in many cities)  But the Nascar folks let you park for free, how cool is that.

COOLERS INTO A SPORTING EVENT, YEAH BABY!: Now here’s the best part about Nascar, they let you bring in a cooler with whatever kind of beverage you want (unless its in a glass bottle)  Once again, pro sports gouges you for hot dogs, beers, soda, you name it.  A beer and a hot dog is easily $12 bucks at any pro sport stadium.  But the concept of bringing your own stuff can save a ton of cash.  Granted some Nascar tickets aren’t cheap, but it’s great to see a big-time operation not go out of its way to gouge its fans.  Think about it, people would still go to a Nascar race if they banned you from bringing stuff in, and Nascar would make a ton more money.  Do the math, if 100,000 people show up and they only spent $10 each on food or beverages each, that’s $1-million dollars in revenue.

I’M CLOSE TO “HAVING A DRIVER,” COAX ME TO YOUR SIDE!:  It’s the big question all Nascar fans

ask, “ Who’s your driver?”  Well, I’ll be like a politician and tread the fence for now, hoping to keep y’all happy.  Instead, WHO’S YOUR DRIVER!  Tell me, it could sway my decision! I’ll announce my decision on Thursday’s Sunrise show (I have Friday off)

Great, Gas Prices Are Going Up & SC Roads Are Dangerous & In Bad Shape

THIS PROBABLY WON'T MAKE YOUR MORNING COMMUTE ANY MORE PLEASANT, BUT IT'S A REALITY: A new report says South Carolina's highways are some of the most dangerous in the nation. That's according to TRIP -- a national transportation research group.

They say the number of people who die in traffic accidents in South Carolina is the 6TH highest in the nation. People from TRIP joined people from the SC Alliance to Fix Our roads Wednesday at the Statehouse. They hope to use the report as a way to promote their agenda -- keeping a well-maintained highway system throughout the state.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN, WHAT'S THE WORST OR MOST DANGEROUS ROAD IN SC? Maybe the DOT will take some action if enough of you sound off!

In Between Commercial Ponderigns

EVER WONDER WHAT WE DO DURING THE COMMERCIAL BREAKS?  Typically we get about 2 minutes of time to relax and gather ourselves during the commerical breaks.  Sometimes our Sunrise audio operator, Ben Burris, will test out his mini-disc player and give us some music.  It got myself and Ben Tanner talking about what concerts we've seen, and which ones we wish we could have seen. 

BEN WISHES HE COULD SEE STEVIE WONDER IN CONCERT:  A good choice, I too agree with him on that one.  Stevie's music has a great horn section and it would be incredible to hear live in concert.  Stevie performed recently in both Charlotte and Raleigh, NC, but both concert dates were on weekdays so it precluded a lot of folks from checking him out, myself included.

I VOTE FOR U-2 AND JAMES BROWN:  Never had a chance to see U2 yet in concert but they rival the Rolling Stones as really the only 2 bands that can consistently sell out stadium shows in the past decade.  I've seen the Stones several times, but somehow haven't gotten out for U2.  Who knows, wouldn't it be fun to see Williams-Brice stadium get rocked by U2?

Another performer I regret never having seen in concert is the Hardest Working Man in Showbusiness, James Brown.  Say what you want about his life and assorted issues off the stage, no one can argue that he sure must have put on a show on stage. 

WHO DO YOU WISH YOU COULD SEE IN CONCERT?  Let us know!

Grits, Salvage Cars and Economic Stimulus Checks

LUCAS HAS THE HOOK-UPS!: Despite what a lot of people think, we really don’t get a lot of perks in this business.  No, there are no limo rides to work, no hair or make up people, no Swedish massage after newscasts, none of that.  (only the big shots at the networks get those fancy perks)  But every now and then the newsroom gets all excited if we can snag some free food.

  Today our pal in the mornings, Lucas, reeled us in some very yummy grits and shrimp, thanks to the folks at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.  It was part of tourism week and the Columbia area is trying to show off its best restaurants.  So on behalf of the rest of the morning crew, here’s a big thanks to Lucas for scoring us some chow!

THE TODAY SHOW WARNS YOU ABOUT SALVAGE CARS: A story on the Today Show this morning piqued my interest, it was about people buying cars that end up having salvage titles.  The story profiled a woman who bought a BMW and then later found out the car had a salvage title.  (A salvage title means it was most likely in an accident and the damage was costly enough that an insurance company decides to sell it to a salvage company and cut the driver a check rather than paying to fix it)

KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY: I’ve bought a few cars off Ebay in the past, and have had no problems.  Ebay and most all sellers should specify if the car has as clean or rebuilt/salvage title.  In the Today show story, the woman bought a car from a dealer and did not ask about the title.  The dealer didn’t tell her until after they had her money that the car had a salvage title.  Cars with salvage titles can be rebuilt properly, but it’s up to the buyer to check.  For example, the Today show pointed out that the buyer did not ask for title information before she bought the car.  That’s equal to buying a few pounds of strawberries at the grocery store and not looking at them.  (perhaps the reason they put them in the clear plastic box)   If a car is priced far below what you think it should, chances are something’s up. 

A SIMPLE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK WILL DO: This morning’s Today show story also profiled a family who lost a son because the vehicle he was in had its airbags stuffed with paper instead of the actual bag.  This could have been detected with an easy test called a “diagnostic check.”  A dealer can hook up your car to a computer and it will spit out all the trouble codes.  Any car that does not have proper working airbags will show the code.  In this instance, you can not fool an airbag sensor, disabling an airbag automatically trips off the car code. 

HERE’S A GOOD SALVAGE CAR CHECKLIST, FROM THE FOLKS AT MSNBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19701315/

HOW ARE YOU SPENDING YOUR “ECONOMIC STIMULUS CHECK?”  I put the phrase “economic stimulus” in quotations because that’s what the federal government calls it.  In reality, it’s your tax money that the government is giving back to you.  Remember, it’s an election year at the same time as Washington DC politicians on both sides of the political aisle give us these checks.  As a public service, I’ve compiled a list of things you SHOULD NOT do with your economic stimulus check!  Feel free to add to the list below!

1.       Go to Vegas with entire check in pocket.

2.       Enter any gaming establishment for that matter, including the lottery, with your check.

3.       Go to favorite “watering hole” with said check.

4.       Forgetting spouce’s birthday and then using check to buy plazma TV for “man cave”

5.       Wonder how much entire amount of check will get you at an “all you can eat” buffet.

6.       Trying to bribe parking attendant at USC football game for “really good tailgating spot.”

7.       Offer to buy entire office front row Yankees tickets (will cost a whole lot more than that lousy check!)

8.       Offer to fill up all co-workers cars full of gas (probably will cost even more than Yankees tickets these days!)

9.       Invest check in any company who’s CEO is currently in prison.

10.   Buy authentic “Lizard Man” bodysuit (don’t be fooled, the Lizard Man will not allow his image to be used without his expressed written consent, and also approval of Major League Baseball commish Bud Selig, don’t ask me why, his rules, not mine!)

A Person To Count On Extra!

PERHAPS WE FOUND THE REAL NAMESAKE FOR FORT JACKSON: Her name is Cheryl Jackson, who works with soldiers and their families on their deployments and returning to the US.  She's spent more than 30 years helping our unsung heros in uniform.  I thought her Person to Count On Email nomination was pretty neat, and we simply didn't have enough time on TV to read all of it. So, through the magic of the internet, here it is.  Oh, and Cheryl, thanks for your service!!!

Comments: On a day when clouds are looming over head, you can be sure to find rays of sunshine gleaming from the office of Cheryl Frazier-Jackson.

Cheryl has given more than 30 years of her heart to the soldiers and their families of Ft. Jackson.  I have watched her  spend long hours, helping the families of the Army through her office at Army Community Service (ACS).

  Over the years, she has worn many hats:  Parade Coordinator (during the years Ft. Jackson hosted it’s annual parade), Exceptional Family Members Coordinator (where she helps military families who have disabled children/family members), during Desert Storm she was part of the In/Out Processing for soldiers and their families, among other duties.

During Desert Storm, I watched her get up before dawn to help families prepare for the return or the departure of their soldiers.  She formed support groups for the spouses and children left behind during this difficult time.  Cheryl was there to dry the tears of the spouses and children as they waived “goodbye” and she was also there, smiling brightly as she passed out US flags to welcome them home.

The highlight of her work is through the Exceptional Family Members Program (EFMP).  She spends many hours  with families individually making sure they receive the assistance and support they need during difficult times.  Cheryl also works with the group, organizing activities as a way to offer the families enduring the same circumstances, time together.

They travel to the Shriner’s Circus, bowling, water parks and many other activities throughout the year.  She also meets with the group monthly, where education is offered to the families and an opportunity for sharing joys as well as challenges is available.

Cheryl Frazier-Jackson is truly a person to count on.  When she is away from Ft. Jackson, She spends her time serving the people of Wesley United Methodist Church.

They work together feeding and ministering to the homeless monthly.  She also offers her beautiful voice to the WUMC Choir.  She also uses her angelic voice when ever she is called, for weddings, funerals, programs within Ft. Jackson and the surrounding Columbia community.  Every talent God has blessed her with, she uses to lift the spirit of others.

As her daughter, I am so proud of her.  She has been an “angel” to me and so many others.  I have witnessed the transformation of broken spirits being restored through her love and care.

Thank you for all you do to recognize the unsung “heroes” in South Carolina who quietly share their talents and love for their community. - Martinique Scott (daughter of Cheryl Jackson)

Thanks Hannah, Hello Kara

WHAT A FRIDAY SUNRISE: Sorry it took awhile to get this online, I was busy after the morning show with several other duties.  Still, I thought it was important to tell you folks about the emotional feel our show had on Friday.  We changed some of the news format to make time to thank Hannah Horne for her efforts during the past 6 years co-anchoring WIS Sunrise.  We had a surprise from Columbia Mayor Bob Coble where he presented Hannah with a key to the city and also proclaimed May 2 as Hannah Horne day in Columbia.    In case you haven’t heard, Hannah decided waking up at 3:15am for 6 years was enough, she’s taken a position with the SC Commerce Department working with the State Film Commission, helping lure filmmakers to SC.  Good luck Hannah and if you ever want to come back and fill-in, we’ll have an anchor chair ready!

WHAT I LEARNED FROM WORKING WITH HANNAH: in nearly a year time was the importance of getting out and in front with our audience.  In my 10+ years in TV news, I don’t think I’ve seen a person who was so willing to speak at community gatherings and lend her time to causes.  While having a 14 month old may preclude me from being able to spend as much time as Hannah did at events, I look forward to following in her path and being part of this fun place we call the Midlands!

HEY KARA, WHO NEEDS SLEEP, RIGHT?: With Hannah saying goodbye, we welcome a new face to the show, Kara Gormley. Well, she’s really not a new face, having served as the morning anchor at WIS many moons ago, and most recently as the weekend anchor.  Kara is doing something I don’t think many of us could tackle, recently giving birth and then coming back to work at 4am!  I am fortunate that I specifically went house shopping with the idea of having a short commute to work.  As a result, it takes me about 5 minutes to get from my front door to WIS.  Kara lives on the lake in Lexington, so not only does she have 2 little ones to handle, she has a long drive. 

THE BLOG GOES BABY: Ok, I’ve gotten a few comments about being too big of a sports fan and hard news fan on the blog, so maybe it’s time to soften things up a bit.  Kara and I have the distinction of being the only on-air anchor combo working on the same WIS show with small kids.  My Clara is now 14 months old, while Kara’s son Dalton is 2, and her new arrival, Evan is just 8 weeks!  So, we’re going to enlist you the viewers to give us some ideas and hints on keeping your sanity while raising young children.

CAN CLARA’S LUCKY SHIRT KEEP IT UP?

  Ok, how about combining some baby talk with hockey…sorry, hockey season is almost over!  Anyway, the Columbia Inferno are playing in Charleston tonight in the decisive game 5 of their playoff series against Charleston.  Clara recently got an Inferno shirt and would you believe the team is UNBEATEN, when Clara has worn this shirt at the games and even a road game.  Her lucky shirt wearing includes the Inferno big win on the road in game 5 of their previous series at Texas.  So, come on lucky shirt, another win gives us more hockey in the Carolina Coliseum!

GIVE KARA SOME SLEEP TIPS? Yes, this is today’s brain teaser.  With two little ones, any ideas could help.  I was fairly lucky, little Clara decided to sleep though the night after about a month or so.  But then we all know us guys get the easy part in this whole childbirth and rearing deal!  My Clara is a night-owl now, rarely going to bed before 9pm.  In fact, I think I have about the same sleep schedule as my 14 month old.