Storm Team 8 Super-Promo!

I have no idea if this is real...someone claims Channel 8 created this promo for the website although it never aired. I don't really care who made it, I think it's great!! Wouldn't you watch a channel that can poke fun at themselves? Or does it destroy credibility...

Coast Guard Graduation Day

Sunblock: The Numbers Game

Field of "Screams"

Facebook & Depression

How technology is taking the "social" out of social networking!

The Bitter Cold Truth: Frost & Freeze Warnings in May

MAY FROST!? What is the world coming to? I cannot tell you how many people have approached me with concerns of a delayed summer...all because of a little frost. The average last frost date according to the National Climatic Data Center is May 12th for Hartford, Connecticut. Today is May 18th so should we all start freaking out? No way...summer will arrive on schedule.

In mathematics, an average refers to a measure of the "middle" or "expected" value of a data set. Since the average represents your middle ground, sometimes your measurement is higher than average and sometimes it's below average.

The same is true in weather. So it's normal to see frost a bit after the 12th. There is a popular phrase in meteorology: "Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get". Everyday the temperature is either above or below average. That doesn't mean Mother Nature's playing a trick on you.

Bottom line, it's not weird to see frost at this time of year. Now if we're having this conversation in June...that will be a different story!

More on Frost and Freeze Warnings:

A FROST ADVISORY is issued during the growing season when it's cold enough for frost to develop on plants. Frost can damage plants but it will not kill them.

A FREEZE WARNING is issued during the growing season when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing for an extended period of time, regardless if frost develops. When a freeze warning is issued, it's cold enough to kill plants and crops.

So what can you do to save your turnips and marigolds?

If they're potted plants, bring them inside for the night. Or cover your plants with a light blanket. A blanket will help insulate plants so they do not lose as much stored heat from the day before. Sometimes soil can get cooler than the surrounding air temperature! Brrrrrr.....

THOUSANDS ATTEND GLOBAL WARMING PROTEST

Al Gore was leading the rally! Sorry, I thought this was hilarious! Thanks to my Mom for sending it in.

"Vote For The Worst" Thinks I'm the Best

There is an American Idol website, Votefortheworst.com that loves the segment we did with Normund Gentle. The number of hits to my website are off the charts! Also look at the site for all the nice comments about the piece.

One person wrote: "where do we have to move in order to get this news channel?"

Hey if you live in Connecticut, consider yourself lucky, there are people dying to watch FOX61! Haha...

Nick Mitchell & our own FOX61 Idol Garett Argianas

What To Do If You Drop Your Blackberry in Water

PANIC!!!!!!! Just kidding, it's really not the end of the world.

I dropped my blackberry in my cat's water bowl on Thursday and had a heart attack (or maybe just a heaping dose of adrenaline). It's my work phone which is NOT covered by insurance. I quickly snatched it out of the water after being completely submerged for what felt like an eternity (really only 2-3 seconds). Then I frantically googled search strings like: "dropped blackberry in water" and "will I lose my job for breaking $400 work phone". I found this simple solution and I want to share it with you in case you are ever in a similar situation.

1) Turn off the phone, remove the battery & sim card
2) Find some dry uncooked rice in your kitchen
3) Cover your phone, battery and sim card in the rice and shake gently
3) Leave the phone in the rice for 3 DAYS (no exceptions)

Now my phone is working perfectly thanks to a container of basmati rice. Here's the most important step of all: I don't care how nervous you are...DO NOT turn your phone on for three days. Otherwise, curiosity may end up killing the phone. Any moisture could fry the electrical pieces. It was the hardest three days of my life. I had to physically walk to my computer to check my e-mails. It was like living in the Stone Age! Haha....kidding! (Kind of)

Forecast From Saturday Night

This video has been deleted, sorry! Check back here for more forecasts every weekend!

NORMUND GENTLE IN FULL FORCE!

OK so some people say this was out of line for the 10:00 News. What do you think?

Comments Section FIXED!

Hi everyone...Apparently there was a problem with "comments form". Being the dork that I am, I messed with the HTML and fixed it. YAY! So now you can feel free to leave comments (just the nice ones, haha).

Can Social Networking Cause Depression In Teens?

Usually when I report on a story, I am gathering research, getting interviews and writing a story in a matter of just 3-6 hours. Many people don't realize the stories you see on the news were all slammed together in the course of one day (with care of course).

Today I had the rare opportunity to start a special assignment story. This means I have more than ONE DAY to prepare for my story. I am always concerned the usual time constraints restrict the quality of my work and now that I have this extra time....I don't know what to do with it! Haha!

So what's the story I'm working on? I found new research that determines social networking, texting, and other forms of communication through technology can increase depression in teens. OK, I know what you're thinking..."not another new study that no one cares about". But think about it. Today's teens may have 500 facebook contacts but how many of those people are really close friends? Today's youth don't sit down face-to-face and talk through problems, they text message!

Think about how fast rumors are spread by whispering through school hallways. These days gossip travels instantaneously (or at the speed of your latest DSL connection). Today I spoke with teens and a psychiatrist about the relevance of the new study. I'll let you know when it's ready to air...But you don't want to miss it!

Weather Pics

This is a pic a viewer sent me. It's so nice, I had to share. OBVIOUSLY, it's not from today! This was taken Saturday night during Sunset at Cedar Lake by Eric from Wolcott. If you have any pics, send them in. Even if it's just a rainy day pic!

What's Missing From My Blog?

What would you like to see more of? Pictures, news, weather forecasts, personal stuff? Please let me know! In four months my blog reached 3,000 hits that span over 14 countries, 40 US States and 87 cities in Connecticut. I couldn't be happier with the response...But I want to keep you coming back! So let me know what I can do to make this blog more interesting! Thanks in advance for your feedback!