Internal Affairs

We have, yet again, lost our prominence on the Dallasnews.com homepage. This blog had big ambitions at the beginning of the summer. Now, it just seems as if no one cares about our poor Internal Affairs.

I can’t say we don’t deserve it. We do. For the lack of attention we all give the poor blog, it should be off the home page.

We all should be ashamed. Very ashamed.

Note: I started this post before I saw Matt had posted something, but got distracted doing video editing. We should still all be very ashamed at our lack of blog effort.

Posted by at 5:02 PM | Permalink | Comments

I love okra. Eat it in gumbo. Even better fried. And earlier today, I picked it. I went to Nevada (no, not the state) to film another Webisode of Try My Job. It should air in about two weeks.
Things I learned:
1) Picking okra is not as much fun as eating it
2) A baby okra can grow to about 3-5 inches (a good size to pick) in a couple of days
3) Okra has fuzz on it that can cause severe itching

Posted by at 3:37 PM | Permalink | Comments

Looks like the interns are going to have a mightly long day this coming Monday. Matthew, Tara, Josh, and I, will all be headed out to Texas Stadium. Some even long before it's bright and early (we're talking 4 in the morning), to interview, take photos/video, and blog from the massive first-round auditions. More details to come.

Posted by at 3:41 PM | Permalink | Comments

"Yup, Go-to-Guy's the only one who liked this movie." (Universal)

So what do employees on the 4th floor do when there's an Internet outage? We chat about movies. While I'm sure the Web News crew was running around in a panic, Stephen and I talked about recent movies, Billy Wilder movies, last year's best and worst, this year's best, and the merits of the Black Dahlia. So, to borrow from my post in the Screening Room, what's the best movie you guys have seen this year? For me, it's David Fincher's restrained but still frightening Zodiac. Look for my review in tomorrow's GuideLive section.

Posted by at 3:16 PM | Permalink | Comments

I am on my way up to Jackson Hole until Thursday of next week, so I am desperately trying to clear off my desk. So why am I wasting time on this blog?

Because I couldn't help myself...

...I'm a weak man.

Posted by at 2:25 PM | Permalink | Comments

Since I wrote an article a couple of days ago about the growing population of houseflies, I've received plenty of phone calls (how did they get my office phone number??) about tips for eradicating houseflies. They vary from putting slightly cooked meat in a liter cola bottle to spraying your yard with an organic spray.
Mosquito Nix called and told me that they have the best eradication spray. Not sure who to believe.

And now, apparently crickets are the becoming a problem.

Interns, what insects are bothering you?

Posted by at 2:23 PM | Permalink | Comments

Yesterday's explosion got me thinking. A lot of the interns did great work covering the main bars -- who, what, when, where, why and how -- but a lot of the rest of us, if we were working on the story, were doing ancillary work.

I helped out with a story about how the blast affected different people and businesses by calling the Mary Kay people and a number of downtown hotels.

All in all, though, it was still exciting to be working on breaking news, even if I wasn't in the thick of it.

What about the rest of you? What did you think of the experience?

Posted by at 1:36 PM | Permalink | Comments

Matthew, Mike, Sarah, James and I were all out covering the explosion (or the "go boom" as I prefer to call it) most of the day today.

I learned something very important about breaking news reporting -- Nothing happens. A lot.

While there are extremely exciting moments, and it is too cool to be closer to the action than most will be, there is an awful lot of downtime waiting for press conferences in the middle of a street or hoping to see something funny. It was a good experience, and I'm glad no one was seriously hurt, but as Mike and I were just discussing -- there's not much story here. A great escape for the metroplex to watch some pretty destruction, but nothing terribly compelling.

One action-packed moment though: From the press area, I saw a couple of the canisters blow apart after flying nearly a half-mile.

Posted by at 3:41 PM | Permalink | Comments

I've always dreamed of a job in a downtown where all the big boys and girls work, but I don't know about Dallas after it blowing up for the second time this summer. The first time was a warehouse fire down the street from Wednesday's explosion.

That blue building the firefighters keep hosing down on the TV is my dad's mechanic's shop. Or it was. And I hope this doesn't mean nearby Sigel's will be closing.

Of course, I found out about today's explosion the hard way: My usual route to work was detoured just before I get on the Zang bridge. I followed traffic, thinking that would be the smart thing to do. But I got way lost and ended up going every direction except toward downtown. Luckily, once I got to Commerce Street, I was in familiar territory and found a way across the river. Good thing I had the Texas heat to keep me company. Anyone else get detoured? What did the explosion sound and feel like from inside the building?

And the intern brown bag was canceled, which is sad because I was really looking forward to it, learning about photos and graphics. Crazy morning.

Posted by at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments

Yesterday I traveled to NorthPark Mall and Galleria to do some interviews and take some pictures of mall-walkers and how they feel about college and such, which will be featured in the Back to School section of QUICK next week (get excited!). The things I learned:
1. Starting a conversation with the words, "Excuse me, are you in college?" or "How old are you?" isn't easy, and frequently didn't end well.
2. Cameras/camera bags are outrageously heavy. I'm pretty sure I woke up this morning and my right shoulder is far lower than my left. My back is killing me! I have a lot more respect for photographers.
3. If you carry a camera around your neck, people assume you're foreign... even when you talk with a clearly Texas accent.
4. Most people who go to the mall at 11 o'clock in the morning don't take a shower or even attempt to look nice. And then when I ask for their picture they get angry and say "I look disgusting!" If they were looking for a compliment, they certainly didn't get it from me.
5. I should stick to writing. Photography isn't really my thing.

Anyone any good at massages?

Posted by Trish Byron at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments

So today I went to my first film screening as The Reviewer. It was rather exciting, sitting a few seats away from one of my idols, Gary Cogill (no, I wasn't starstruck. I've met him a few times before). And was that elderly lady behind me legendary entertainment reporter Bobbie Wygant? Maybe. I didn't really have time to ask. See, I was running a little late. Directions are not Go-to-Guy's strong suit. But then again (and I'm sure Trish can back me up on this), unless you frequent NorthPark, it can be a little confusing to navigate. There aren't many opportunities to get to the floor you need. Make a wrong turn and you could wander around for a good while (terrible idea if you're wearing Converse) before realizing you've made to the complete other side of the mall and are still no closer to your destination.

But I do enjoy NorthPark. It (well, how can I put this without sounding snooty?) attracts a different crowd. Let's just say there aren't many shabbily dressed loiterers at NorthPark, unlike Firewheel in my neck of the woods. Anyway, it was good to see a film with some old pros (I was the youngest person there by about, oh, 15 years). Hearing their pre-movie banter, like "TriStar Pictures presents: A Milos Forman Film. Fred Savage. Cuba Gooding, Jr. Daddy Day Camp" was great. Look for my review Wednesday, Aug. 8, and my interview with Fred Savage(!) on the 10th.

Posted by at 6:07 PM | Permalink | Comments

While browsing the Sports Illustrated On Campus blog recently, I stumbled across this entry, which details an interesting way of paying interns.

Apparently, the University of Notre Dame has worked deals with three newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, to reserve spots for Notre Dame journalism students. The university agrees to pay the interns' salaries, so the paper essentially receives free labor.

It might be just me, but doesn't this seem like a win-win? Papers seem to be very selective with their internships, but if the publication isn't footing the bill, shouldn't more opportunities open up?

I realize that most schools don't have the resources of Notre Dame (I mean, they do have God on their side), but in a business where papers can barely afford to keep full-time staffers these days, maybe they're on to something here.

Posted by at 2:38 PM | Permalink | Comments

I couldn't help myself. I had to put up a Lindsay Lohan blog post.

I'll admit, I buy into celebrity gossip nearly as much as anyone, if only to make snarky comments on it (I know, I know -- Snarky? ME?!?). But I can't help but love this trash! It is the journalism equivalent of a Whataburger double-double. I'd even like to believe it is a generational thing, yet I'm watching LiLo (as Bridgette tells me the 4th floor nerds call her) on CNN right now, and the teenage set isn't exactly their target market.

My questions are these:

Is there any historical equivalent to the hollywood trainwrecks, or is this an Internet-fueled revolution?

and

What is everyone else's journalistic guilty pleasure?

Posted by at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments

I've been up since 5 a.m. and had to take someone to Love Field at 6 this morning. I'm tired and starving. But apparently my day is pretty good compared to this person. If convicted, she could go to this beachside resort.

Posted by at 8:21 AM | Permalink | Comments

My post on Potter seemed to draw a lot of attention. I think it’s because Josh decided we should have a celebrity death match type of thing going on with Frodo Baggins of Lord of the Rings fame and Harry Potter.

I’m saying this now – in blog form – to trump you comment-only people: Harry Potter would win. He’s got a wand. And Josh, it doesn’t matter if he can’t do magic without it because Frodo wasn’t nearly as cool without the ring.

Plus, Harry has an invisibility cloak. And he’s got a cool scar. Guys with cool scars win over hobbits any day.

I’ve said my piece. Now, would someone care to explain why the apple strudel Pop-Tarts have re-appeared in the vending machines and aren’t being purchased by intern-loving staff members with more pocket change?

Please, someone eat the nasty Pop-Tarts.

Posted by at 5:13 PM | Permalink | Comments

I spent last week covering the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was, to say the least, really crazy. Not the people or the book, just the hype around Harry Potter in general.

I think, as journalists, we fear that we may potentially over cover an issue. There was no way to do so with this release. It was, no doubt, the most read book this weekend. (For the record, I finished my copy at 10:20 a.m. yesterday morning while eating strawberry waffles.)

After four Harry Potter stories, three of which were on the front page of the newspaper, the other was a GuideLive cover, I can definitely say we covered Potter fully and fairly. Michael Mooney did a great Potter story on Sunday as well. He reported it all Saturday as people like me were reading the book.

I think it’s fair to say, looking back, that the interns handled the Potter mania quite well.

Posted by at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments

So, after an exciting weekend (a cinephile's dream, even), I began to wonder several things:

1) Will our blogging be back up to its frequent, snarky self this week?
2) Was Tara more excited about a front page story or having the most-viewed video on a holiday weekend?
3) How many of you read my On the Town feature in the Guide?
4) How will my screening of Daddy Day Camp go tomorrow?

and of course...

5) Will we interns be getting a raise tomorrow? Minimum wage is going up to $5.85 an hour!

and let's not forget...

More questions will be asked in the Screening Room, but those will obviously be movie-related. Let me know your answers.

Posted by at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments

I spent the majority of last week on area golf courses but lucky for scorecards everywhere, I was not among those hitting the links. I covered the Dallas Junior Golf Championship (stories here, here and here) Wednesday through Friday and hoped to catch up on sleep this weekend. However, for a variety of reasons, that sleep never came, and after a long, tiring weekend, I must admit it was difficult waking up and driving in to work this morning.

But I was given a reason to wake up a few moments ago. I'm currently working on an advance for a youth event being held in the Dallas/Fort Worth area this week, and after discussing my angle for the story, my feature was bumped up to 16-18 inches and I've been told it could be up for SportsDay front page consideration.

Now, this is nothing new for interns. In fact, James and Michael essentially claimed Page 1 for the interns on Sunday morning.

But I have yet to break the page C1 barrier, and the shot at making the section cover with this next feature is a ginormous (count that as two ginormous uses in three posts on Internal Affairs) incentive.

Posted by at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments

Apparently Matthew missed my awesome coverage of his TMJ series and felt he needed to introduce himself. I realize I missed quite a bit last week, but as he can clearly see, I am two cubicles away, healthy, and not in the least in Boston. So... ya know... You might want to... stay out of my territory or I will make train noises and drop you Terry Tate-style:

Writer's note: Fenway was awesome. Glad to be back though -- I have a couple of fun stories in the works.

Posted by at 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments

Today is Monday and that means one thing: it's Try My Job time. Check out this week's video as I twist and turn in a race car at Texas MotorSports Ranch. And while you're at it, check out my previous videos.

Posted by at 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments

I’m on deadline, but the posts below – about the decline in blogging enthusiasm – got to me (see Matt, not just your stories affect people, your blog posts do to). So here I am in the dark, quiet office, on a Saturday, taking a moment away from typing up a story about the egantic (I try not to say ginormous, since Merriam-Webster made it all official) beastly phenomenon that is Harry Potter. Like Tara (who has had a series of good stories about the book release), I was out at the Potter parties with pen and paper present. Then this morning I made another round of stops at bookstores to catch a whiff of the hangover. Then to another party at the Dallas Public Library, where kids answered ridiculously obscure jeopardy questions about the series, dressed up adorably, and read.

Prior to this story, I had only read one of the books – the first one, in a Banned Books class at UT – but I knew it was big. I just didn’t realize how big.

The stats on how big this thing is are overwhelming. According to Nielsen, 15% of all Americans 12+ have read all the previous Potter books. 28% have read at least one. The first four movies grossed more than 3.5 billion dollars. The soundtracks have sold more than 1.1 million copies (and had more than 180,000 legal downloads). Since June 2002, Americans have spent more than 11.8 million dollars on Harry Potter food products.

I know this office doesn’t get busy on Saturdays until late afternoon, but so much quiet in a place that is normally so abuzz is surreal. The only sounds on this side of the building are the hum of a fan and the regimented meter of me typing this post.

Posted by at 3:42 PM | Permalink | Comments

One of the many reasons I got into journalism was because I wanted to make an impact with my stories. Well, today, I did just that. I got an e-mail from someone who wants to let the 20 students from Dallas Independent School District's Chefology 101 class this week go to a local sushi restaurant for further cooking lessons. And if the kids can't go, I'm thinking about taking up the restaurant on its offer. I'd love to make some Tuna rolls. I'd even enjoy one. Like right now.

(Check out the video Nathan Hunsinger/David Leeson II did on the cooking class. It's great)

By the way, you're right Tara, what happened to the interns and the lack of blogging?? This reminds me of when I started blogging on Internal Affairs in the middle of May. I was the only blogger. Then again I was the only intern here at the time...

Posted by at 2:21 PM | Permalink | Comments

I’m starting to think, seven weeks into this internship that our blogging interest in waning. I’m thinking that we need to get excited about this again. I’m not quite sure how, but it seems as if we need some pizzazz.

Any thoughts?

Posted by at 5:11 PM | Permalink | Comments

It's quiet in the Dallasnews.com area this morning because fellow intern Josh Davis isn't here. He told me Wednesday afternoon that he was going to Boston to see the Red Sox play the Chicago White Sox.

Truthfully, I'm not that jealous. I despise the Red Sox, mainly because they beat my St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series. But I'm not that upset, because we won last year.

Posted by at 8:16 AM | Permalink | Comments

Apparently someone at the DMN is trying to send me a message, because my Try My Job videos are moved down/taken off the site within hours of them being published. Here is a link to all of the videos on one page. Enjoy.

Posted by at 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments

With Matt and Josh out, I really need an intern to pick up the slack on the snide comments. I can't do everything, people. Anyways, today's Brown Bag was terrific. That "Yolanda's Crossing" package was powerful stuff. And I really loved the SXSW package, even though we didn't get to spend much time on it. Fantastic coverage. Oh, and it looks like it's that time again: time for shameless self-promotion. Here's a link to my review of the Format's electrifying show. Anyways, I've got some events to do and hope that Firefox starts working again (it locked up for some reason--oy). Now quit reading the ending to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and get back to work!

Posted by at 1:24 PM | Permalink | Comments

Hot Rod: Will Samburg break the curse? (Paramount Pictures)

So my ears are still ringing a little from the Format's show last night at House of Blues, so if you try and get my attention and I don't answer, I'm not ignoring you. The long walk from the West End station to the venue was worth it: the Format has solidified its status as my favorite band (as of now). Tonight I'll be accompanying movie critic Chris Vognar on my first film screening as a member of the press. We'll be seeing Andy Samberg's Hot Rod. Will he be a Mike Myers or Will Ferrell, an SNL alum who can shine with comedy outside the confines of a sketch show, or will he fall into the ranks of just about every other cast member? Read this plot synopsis from IMDb and let me know what you think:

"Self-proclaimed stuntman Rod Kimble (Samberg) is preparing for the jump of his life. Rod plans to clear fifteen buses in an attempt to raise money for his abusive stepfather Frank’s life-saving heart operation. He’ll land the jump, get Frank better, and then fight him, hard."

Anyway, tonight will be fantastic learning experience that I'm definitely looking forward to. Hopefully I'll be able to hear what's going on by then. And in case you missed the flurry of comments about Mr. Nicolas Cage, there's this. Enjoy.

Posted by at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments

Sorry for the late post, but I've been distracted by Nic Cage videos all day. Once again, Matthew's Try My Job series "takes off" for another exciting installment. He really "paves a runway" for future journalist. I thought this series would "crash and burn" but it has really "hit the air with the engines full throttle."

I "hate puns." They are a "defense mechanism." I wasn't "hugged enough as a child."

Next Week's Episode:
Racing with Fear!
Same intern time, same intern channel!

Posted by at 4:14 PM | Permalink | Comments

I'm about to start my write-up on my cheap date from last night, in which I dragged my girlfriend to the roller derby in Garland for a lil down home, trashy entertainment.

It delivered in spades.

All the subculture oddities that Mike and I were just sharing our love for showed up, including my personal favorite, a Klingon in full ceremonial garb, including a big, steel, scythe-like weapon. Why was he dressed as a Klingon? I asked, but never got a straight answer from him.

He did, however, tell me that "Klingons love to party," while he hugged my girlfriend and asked if I had a camera.

I was a lil angry about it, until Mike turned me on to this video, which quickly remeinded me he probably doesn't get a lot of love.

Seriously, if you only click one link on this blog all year, it should be the one above.

Posted by at 2:26 PM | Permalink | Comments

I just returned from lunch with one of my mentors in the business, SportsDay "superstar" columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. Jacques has been one of my primary contacts and sources of help since my sophomore year of high school, and he and I were finally able to carve out some time to grab lunch and talk about the business.

In addition to stepping on his "soapbox" about a couple of issues, he was able to drop some advice on a variety of different topics, including:
- The importance of building relationships on a beat
- Always looking for news and finding out "why things happen," even if it doesn't matter 95 percent of the time
- Finding out who you can trust: both for stories and for advice
- Certain events or stories that stick out in his mind
- How to position yourself for good jobs and steps needed in college to do so
- How he obtained his columnist position after years in beat writing
- Why he refuses to believe the people who think "doom and gloom" for the journalism industry

We even had time for some other topics, including one of the best sporting events he's witnessed, as well as our shared infatuation with the NCAA Football series (including NCAA Football 08 dropping tomorrow - a day my brother and I will meet with much joy and celebration).

But now I return to my desk with things really beginning to pile up. I'll be covering a golf tournament later this week, which is making the amount of High School Football Preview work I have left seem much more daunting.

Posted by at 1:08 PM | Permalink | Comments

Orientation at UNT was Tuesday through Thursday, and I think I'm about as ready for college as I could be. Now, I'm back here and ready to work, writing something other than my comments on whether or not certain sessions were helpful or not. Tonight's a super-big assignment (for me, at least): I'm reviewing The Format, easily one of my top five bands. Check out my pre-show write-up here. It's an exciting time. I've also got my "Cheap Date" entry coming up this week in the Guide. Oh, and check out my comment manifesto and "The Mid-Year Awards" on the Movies blog here soon.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Thank You for Smoking
Kid #3: My Mommy says smoking kills.
Nick Naylor: Oh, is your Mommy a doctor?
Kid #3: No.
Nick Naylor: A scientific researcher of some kind?
Kid #3: No.
Nick Naylor: Well then she's hardly a credible expert, is she?

Posted by at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments

Thank you to Misty Bailey for hosting such a great party this weekend!

I had a really great time at the BBQ, and I'd like to think everyone else did, too. It was really nice to just hang out and relax with not only the interns but the other people we work with and probably don't know. We shared funny stories and could talk more about "our feelings" as interns and the ups and downs of it all. The food was super tasty and there was so much of it. I took my best friend with me and we walked out and she said, "Wow, I don't think I've ever heard so much talking come from one group of people in my entire life. You guys ask a lot of questions!" Haha. We are such journalists.

Anyway, if you missed it you really missed out.

Posted by Trish Byron at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments

Next week, the annual Mary Kay seminar is starting, and that means thousands of women will come to Dallas, and hundreds will drive away in pink Cadillacs. But the company is offering a bunch of new models this year, including the Escalade.

I know most of you have seen Escalades, whether in person or in a music video, but until you have seen a giant pink one, you can't actually appreciate their sheer magnitude.

My preview of the convention will be out early next week, complete with pictures of the new Escalade. So if you're interested, take a look.

Posted by at 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments

The headline isn’t an understatement. Lately, I’ve been working too much. On Wednesday, I went to Grapevine for an assignment and worked until almost 10 p.m. Yesterday I reviewed The Fray and filed a review by 11:40 p.m.

The concert ended at about 10:40 p.m. By the time I got back to the newspaper and sat down to actually write, I had only 30 minutes to do so. That’s the joy of overnight deadlines.

I’m working tomorrow too, but only for a couple hours.

Not complaining really. There’s an air of “you did this to yourself” that goes with being a journalist. We never really get days off and our work often follows us home. There have been plenty nights where I am editing video while watching television. It’s not even bad time management on my part.

I told my mom once that this sort of work isn’t just a job. It becomes a lifestyle.

Maybe it's just me...

Posted by at 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments

DMN FILE

What's better than today being Friday? There is free cake in the metro department. And it has strawberries on it. Does that make it healthy? I think so.

Posted by at 3:54 PM | Permalink | Comments

So, I'm sure that the loyal readers of Internal Affairs (all two of them) have been wondering why I've been slacking off on the blog lately. Turns out I've been working on stories. On Wednesday, I spent the day chasing down the story on the apparent marijuana growing operation in a Richardson home. That was exciting, especially when a man hung up on me repeatedly when I called, an attorney called and asked why I had called his client and then when I received a series of suspicious and anonymous e-mails.

On Monday, I wrote about the store that sold the winning Mega Millions ticket ($126 million!!). I was kind of bummed to write the story, mainly because I wasn't holding the winning ticket. If I had won, I can assure you that I wouldn't be in the country anymore. Maybe here. Or here. Or on this.

Intern Freudian slip of the week: Vasanath Sridharan, the business intern, introduced himself at the intern meet-and-greet (publisher Jim Moroney and executive editor Bob Mong were there) as the business editor.

Posted by at 8:50 AM | Permalink | Comments

Nope. The cards are stacked against me like Michael Jackson at Disneyworld, but that's never stopped me.

I'm breaking my own self-imposed rule of not revealing my projects after the Samir debacle at the start of the summer. I am among the recruits that will be covering the American Idol tryouts, but I had to open my mouth and take it a step further. I will be entering the competition.

Now, keep in mind, my musical prowess is somewhere between a less talented Bruce Willis and Bruce Campbell if he was a member of Alvin and the Chipmunks. Expect voice cracks the likes of which haven't been seen since those awkward times in 6th grade.

So, my challenge to you is to give me a song. I need something I can belt out terribly, preferably that I can theme a costume around. I was thinking Mr. Roboto, but you all can do better. Post 'em in the comments.

Posted by at 4:08 PM | Permalink | Comments

I got back not too long ago from lunch with Matt Wixon at the only restaurant easily walkable, Subway. We talked a bit about how he broke into the business and his humor blog and columns.

I was once again reaffirmed in my belief that there is no right or wrong way to break in to this business. I also decided I wanted to step my humor writing game up, as we decided that there would always be a place for entertaining writing.

Matt was extremely nice and seems to really like what he does, both qualities of everyone I've put in my rolodex so far in my time here.

Up next for the HS interns is a focus group about the website at 1:30. I should have a lot to say there, and may give up a few snippets later, as long as Momma Belo doesn't get too offended. The college interns ought to be back shortly from their session, so hopefully they will have something to add as well. Either that, or I'll just post Matthew scooping tiger dung again.

I enjoyed that.

Posted by at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments

I just got off the phone with Sean Mackin, the electric violinist/back-up vocals/back flipper of Yellowcard. Pretty much the coolest interview I've had so far! It was so exciting and such a rush and I'm just on cloud 9. What a great way to spend my summer...
P.S. Just in case anyone was wondering, there really is a place called Ocean Avenue.

Posted by Trish Byron at 5:50 PM | Permalink | Comments

The brown bag lunch today was about investigative reporting, which has a very loose definition according to DMN investigative reporter Doug Swanson, who gave the talk. He discussed his involvement in three different stories:

1) A case of many doctors in Texas maintaining certification despite enormous problems that included drugs, sex with patients and total ineptitude.
2) A story about a “non-profit” foster care center outside Houston whose managers were making millions as children in their care died.
3) The recent TYC stories about the disgusting abuses in delinquent centers across the state.

He talked about having the “ah-ha, something isn’t right here” moments, and the occasions when he has to tell his editors he’s been working for weeks on something that is actually nothing (“the trick to that is, always have another story ready to give the editor… ‘this isn’t working, but this one looks promising.’”

Mr. Swanson told us about backgrounding everyone to cover yourself and to benefit the story. He said 990 forms and Inspector General offices are endless sources for stories. He mentioned some of the stumbles he’s had a long the way (believing a boy he shouldn’t have, mis-hearing the cost of a fire truck).

Then, because all the interns missed school so much, we were asked if we had done our homework for the Web critique session tomorrow afternoon. Answers ranged from nodding heads to “homework?!” It was a familiar response to a question I only thought I wouldn’t ever hear again.

Posted by at 2:24 PM | Permalink | Comments

So fresh off of my first radio interview on Monday (available here thanks to the crack team at DallasNews.com), I just received word that I'm being invited back at 7:47 tomorrow morning to talk Mizzou football. So whereas I survived the easy "talk about yourself" questions on Monday, tomorrow comes the true test of legitimate radio reporting and correspondence.

**The radio broadcast has been reproduced with permission from 990 AM The Sports Fan

Posted by at 4:26 PM | Permalink | Comments

Poor, poor FrontBurner. This is what happens when you let a bunch of private school boys run a blog. (Note: We have one intern from a private high school.)

Our blog prefers to stick to things that are impossible to get wrong, like what Kip did yesterday, or what movies Kip likes, or quotes that motivate Kip, or Wick Allison's full name (Wikipedia, my friends) or homeless men Kip ran afoul of on the DART rail.

Posted by at 3:11 PM | Permalink | Comments

In case it doesn’t come up at the intern meetings, everyone should know that American Idol is coming to North Texas on August 6. The star-making machine that spurred Burleson native Kelly Clarkson into fame is looking for the next big singer.

There’s talk of letting some of the interns cover it. I did a little cheer when I was told this today, really. It’s not that I’m head-over-heels for Idol, but I enjoy watching the outtakes and got a little attached to William Hung once upon a time. (You know, the guy who slaughtered Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” and then went on to have a huge cult following.)

GuideLive.com is soliciting demo videos from people planning to audition at the local try-outs. The folks up on the fourth floor will post the videos on the site and let viewers rate the performances. Want to add yours to the mix? Videos should be no more than two minutes, and in Quicktime or Windows Media. Submit here. Don’t wait, the deadline is July 20.

It would be totally awesome if Matt could convince someone to let him take Simon Cowell's place for a round or so for his ongoing "Try My Job" series. How about it, Matt?

Posted by at 1:49 PM | Permalink | Comments

My page one debut came today with a story about the fan culture and community of Harry Potter.

During my reporting, I’ve come across a large group of people who really, really love Harry Potter. There was this fiery passion in the eyes of one of my sources when she sat down with me for an interview about the boy wizard.

It made me wonder. What is it about these books?

“You have to read one to understand,” a source told me.

So I read the 320-page Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, citing background as the reason whenever someone asked why I was carrying the book.

And then I read the second. Then the third. Then the fourth. Tonight I’ll finish the fifth. I’ll probably start the sixth too.

I’m hooked on Harry. My sources were right, there’s something about the books that draw the reader in and make you want to read more and more.

I think it’s fair to continue justifying my newfound understanding as background, after all, I hear more Potter-related stories may be coming my way. The greatest part about being an intern is that I’m not confined to one beat. My stories subjects range from food to health to books to entertainment. There’s a wealth of knowledge that comes with knowing a little about a lot of things that is going to be valuable in the future. I suppose knowing what happens at the end of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, for example, is just part of that collective knowledge.

Posted by at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments

My editor just told me I will have a phone interview with Yellowcard this week.

Is it really hard for anyone else to not get SUPER excited for stuff like this? Rob asked me if I was a fan, and I said yes. Little does he know I really love them. Oh man. While some interns really do make copies and coffee runs all day long, we get to do stuff like this.

Oh my... now I have to concentrate and think up some good questions...

Posted by Trish Byron at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments

Like I've said before, seeing my work published always lifts my spirits. And boy did they need lifting today. I'll just put it this way: The News is now my only job. Retail is not worth it. And reading my contribution to the GuideLive front page itself reminded me that no matter what's going on that's so lousy, I've got so many other, better things going on. I, too, can be as cheerful as Gene Kelly if I wish to be.

P.S. - Tara also contributed to "Revel in the Rain."

NONSENSICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana." - Groucho Marx

MEANINGFUL QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I guess I could be pretty [upset] about what happened to me... but it's hard to stay mad, when there's so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst... And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain and I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life... You have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm sure. But don't worry... you will someday." - Kevin Spacey in American Beauty

Posted by at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments

Going to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix this week, that's what you're doing! I'm not going to talk about it yet... Just read my review in Quick later this week (Wednesday, I believe). It's awesome. Best one yet for sure! Even if you haven't read the books, go! It will make sense to you anyway. And even if it doesn't make sense, it's still going to be awesome.

Posted by Trish Byron at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments

Matthew's "Try My Job" series continues today with him developing a mancrush on a tiger (he is really impressed with the beast's muscles). As previously covered in this blog, he does not end up mauled.

Sorry I ruined the ending.

Next Week's Episode:
Safety Slides... OF DOOM!

Same intern time, same intern channel!

Posted by at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments

I'm back after contributing to the general lull in activity around the office last week, and what do I return to find? Derek and Mike again with great front page stories that slowly add to my all consuming jealousy, and Ross has a radio spot along with his coverage of the Global Games championship.

I, meanwhile, found a quarter walking in to work from the parking garage. So, I guess we all know who the real winner this weekend was.

[HINT: It was me.]

Posted by at 8:17 AM | Permalink | Comments

I'm currently sitting on press row at the gold medal game of the Global Games basketball tournament at SMU's Moody Coliseum. Before the game tonight, I was approached by a man who handed me a business card listing him as the President and CEO of 990 AM The Sports Fan, a local sports radio station.

In speaking with him, I learned that he had read several of my articles and thought highly of my work. He had spoken on air to columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor earlier in the week, asking him about who I am and what I'm doing. Jacques, a mentor of mine even before I began my internship, told him that I was one of The News' "high school projects."

To make a long story, er, conversation, short, I will be on 990 AM at 8:20 a.m. on Monday to discuss recent events I've covered, as well as my internship experience as a whole. While The News is providing me print opportunities I couldn't even fathom before my internship began, this new enterprise into radio will give me a first look at other avenues of journalism in a business that's beginning to lean heavily toward convergence.

Posted by at 9:21 PM | Permalink | Comments

I've mentioned this site on the blog before, but it's worth a plug again. Gangrey is a place dedicated to promoting narrative journalism in newspapers. They generally scour papers across the country for interesting stories that incorporate various storytelling elements (scenes, foreshadowing, conflict).

Either way, the reason I promoted them again is that they promoted me. They put me on their list of "fresh talent". Getting on Gangrey has been a career goal of mine since I stumbled upon the site. Other things on that list include publication in The New York Times magazine, covering the Kentucky Derby and being blasted on Frontburner.

Joy.

Posted by at 7:48 PM | Permalink | Comments

The benefits to having your bylines say "Staff Writer" rather than "Intern" are endless. While surfing the blogosphere between contests here at the Global Games, I came across this gem from Double T Nation, a blog devoted to Texas Tech sports.

The author of the blog questioned in his entry whether or not I was the new beat writer for Tech sports. Now, the NBA recently put an age limit on high school kids hopping to the pros, but now I pose this question to Bob Yates and the SportsDay staff: Anybody up for allowing me to forgo my four years of college and ship me out to Lubbock? Am I the next LeBron James or Kwame Brown? Let's hope for the former.

Posted by at 6:01 PM | Permalink | Comments

I'm currently courtside at Moody Coliseum at SMU, where Day 1 of the Global Games basketball tournament is underway. I spent the first game within proximity of the Puerto Rico bench, picking up only small bits and pieces of conversation with my limited Spanish.

I am now adjacent to the team from Argentina, as they have taken the bench near me for game 2 of the quadruple-header. Before the game, a manager for the Argentina team came up to me and inquired in Spanish about wireless Internet in the arena. I could barely muster a sentence in my old broken Spanish trying to help, or should I say "ayudar," if my memory serves me correctly.

All of the sudden, the 12-15 hours of Spanish I'm going to have to take in college are looking a bit more valuable.

Posted by at 5:08 PM | Permalink | Comments

I have to concur with Matt, my colleague from the third floor, and say that the life of an intern truly does rocks.

Today I found out that three videos I recorded and edited about “how to cook the perfect steak” that posted yesterday on the news site, got a huge number of hits. The steak videos beat the Paris Hilton’s prison release video from a couple weeks ago.

That actually made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I beat Paris Hilton.

By the way, what happened to this blog? Matt is the only one who has posted anything today. Come on people, pick up the pace.

Posted by at 3:17 PM | Permalink | Comments

After a month and a half of this internship, I was finally rewarded today.... with ice cream. One half of the Lunch Lady duo is no longer here, so a replacement was needed. Co-worker Kimberly Durnan, who I've worked with multiple times before and shoots the Try My Job video, offered the other half of the duo. So for 20 minutes this afternoon, I was a Lunch Lady.

We reviewed seven Paciugo gelato flavors, including Deep Ellum Blue Pecan and Banana Beet. One of the best gelatos was Lime Chili Mango, which, when I closed my eyes, swept me away to a lush, tropical beach in Mexico. Great balance of lime and mango, and a wonderful and strong but not overpowering chili burst at the end.

Posted by at 2:27 PM | Permalink | Comments

It's 10:19 on Thursday, and this place is empty. Really empty. Seen two maybe three people walk by my area in three hours.

You know, the boss is out for the week, and no one is here... think they'd notice if I left early? Like 5 hours early?

Posted by at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments

By coming to work every Monday -Thursday, I'm doing probably the best thing I've done so far in my life. Lately, however, I've felt overwhelmed, exhausted and irritable. It's probably the fact that I'm working two jobs and haven't had a full day off in over a month.

HOWEVER, I'm going to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix TOMORROW afternoon at 2 p.m. A week earlier than everyone else. BAM. Take that, stress.

This job is so exciting and fun, even without perks like these. Even when I'm tired, seeing my name in that newspaper or getting a new assignment is the best feeling ever.
P.S. is anyone else going to the showing tomorrow?
P.S.S. is anyone else even working today?

Posted by Trish Byron at 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments

Independence Day is one of those holidays when it seems as if everyone disappears from the newsroom a couple of days early. I drove into the garage today and there were hardly any cars. The cafeteria was near empty at lunch. And I haven’t had to share an elevator ride all day.

It’s a little spooky actually. I don’t want to worry our supporters. We’re still here reporting the news. It’s just a little vacant around here. Though I did just run into fellow intern Erika Nunez at the supply counter. It's good to know I'm not alone.

Posted by at 2:17 PM | Permalink | Comments

So, I've seen some scary things in my time, mainly the movies of Italian horror maestro Dario Argento, and even a dead body on the streets of Deep Ellum, but I've never been more scared for my safety and the safety of others than today riding the DART train. Everything seemed to be fine: the two fare enforcement officers were checking passes and pulled a woman aside who obviously didn't have one and were going to write her a ticket.

She seemed calm and then all of a sudden started yelling and ran back to a man who she thought didn't have the correct pass either. I honestly felt scared for this guy. Then the lady came back to the front of the car and began her profanity-filled tirade at the officer about how it was unfair, that her only objective was to "ruin my {expletive} day." But the officer took complete control of the situation and my fear soon subsided (it was completely gone when she was escorted off the train at Pearl Station).

This officer did an incredible job. She was calm and level-headed. I tell you what, I would not have been able to handle all this lady. I probably would have lost my cool and started yelling back at her, but it wasn't me writing the ticket. So thank you, DART police.

Anyways, today should be interesting as all my bosses have had to find new workspaces due to continual computer issues. I'll be working with Tracy. Should be interesting to have a new boss for the day. And then tomorrow is America's 231st birthday. Alright!

NONSENSICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY: Animaniacs (oh, how I loved this show)
God: "I've decided to make it rain for forty days and forty nights. I command thee to build an ark."
Noah: "OK, fine. What's an ark?"
Indiana Jones: "It's what I've been searching for! It's this incredible bejewled box containing the power of the heavens. And it melts Nazis."

MEANINGFUL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Plato is my friend — Aristotle is my friend — but my greatest friend is truth." - Isaac Newton

Posted by at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments

Not every day do you see a wild man run down the hall pushing a chair. It's happend twice already this morning, and I'm starting to get concerned. You know, I chipped my tooth in third grade by running down my elementary school hallway and falling.

This kid (he looks like a hormone crazed 16-year-old) has given Josh and me no explanation. Think I'm going to report him to security.

UPDATE: Make that three times.

Posted by at 10:10 AM | Permalink | Comments

I'm "borrowing" this link from an Eric Celeste post from FrontBurner, so I apologize for that, but it makes for an interesting read. Seems kind of like the goal of this blog, but without the hopelessness and lack of enthusiasm that (apparently) affects a lot of people in this business after awhile.

A small voice within a big entity is often the most important one to listen to.

Posted by at 9:57 AM | Permalink | Comments

Thanks to everyone who participated in the chat today. I think it went really well and I've received a lot of response on Sunday's story.

What I was busy with right after the chat is a new story I am working on with Katie Fairbank for this Sunday (on top of another story I'm already working on for Sunday). I can't get into the details, but they are gruesome.

And working on this story, I leave for Houston early (very early) tomorrow morning and will probably be there a day or two.

Wish me luck.

Posted by at 6:50 PM | Permalink | Comments

The link to the transcript of Paul's chat is here. Mike's busy on a story, so I figured I'd post for him, plus I had a lot of fun as Tony Danza.

This might be the weirdest chat ever hosted by Belo, so that's historic -- but put together a room full of comedians and this is what happens.

It also has me hankering for an intern chat somewhere down the road. Is there a market for that? Do co-workers have any questions?

Posted by at 3:28 PM | Permalink | Comments

I think it's safe to say that interns are never really assigned to true "beat" reporting, but rather "jack-of-all-trade" assignments (i.e.: boomerangs and briefs). Over the past few weeks though, that's begun to change and I'm loving it.

Last week, I was handed a press release from USA Basketball noting the players invited to its 19-and-under team trials in Dallas. That release helped spawn this story. That story led me to press row at SMU's Moody Coliseum last night for this scrimmage. All of the sudden, a miniature beat is on the horizon.

I'll be featuring another American team competing at the Global Games for an advance on Thursday, as well as covering the final on Saturday.

Over the last two weeks, I've bounced from golf to streetball to Wimbledon, but for the next week or so, I'm planting my flag at the Global Games. This development of familiarity and rapport with the teams you cover for a beat is the exact reason I'm trying to work my way into this business.

And yes, this blog was a thinly veiled attempt to provide several self-promoting links. To be fair, though, I sit across from SportsDay blog czar Tim MacMahon, so anyone familiar with his work knows I'm picking this up by osmosis.

Posted by at 3:27 PM | Permalink | Comments

Cold-hearted Haag has the lead story on the home page if you hadn't noticed yet. Beardguards abound.

Next Week's Episode:
TRIAL BY TIGER!

Same intern time, same intern channel!

Posted by at 2:50 PM | Permalink | Comments

RIGHT NOW!

It's Paul Varghese, the up-and-coming comedian. Intern Michael J. Mooney profiled him in Sunday's paper.

So far he hasn't said anything funny. I'm still waiting...

Posted by at 1:12 PM | Permalink | Comments

So it appears everything will be kicking into high gear this week and won't slow down until mid-August, which is the way I like it. So I perhaps had one of the most fantastic weekends of my young life:
Thursday: My Cheap Date assignment. The gf and I went to Blue Goose (you must try their brisket tacos) and headed to Blockbuster and got Scoop, A Prairie Home Companion, United 93, and The Black Dahlia, but only got to watch APHC (which I liked, but it's definitely not for everyone. I was surprised how much I liked it because, like most people, I'm not the world's biggest NPR fan).

Friday: My best friend Daniel's 19th birthday. We went bowling (and my record of never passing 100 remains unbroken) and went to Texas Roadhouse. Everyone finished eating rather quickly, so we sat and talked for the next hour. It was great.
Saturday: OK, so nothing really happened today, but nothing bad happened either.
Sunday: Got to visit my old friends Tricia, Louis, and the gang and went to Chili's with Calvin, Bobby, and Trey (who's about the funniest guy you'll ever meet). I also finally got to expose my dad to the greatness of Mission: Impossible III and then went to the Larnelle Harris (Think Al Green in his gospel years) concert at my home church.

And now, I've got a Cheap Date write-up to do, and start contributing to The Screening Room (if I can find it). I may even find time to finish Mere Christianity during lunch. Good times, indeed. Hooray for Wednesday. Happy birthday, America!

NONSENSICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY: Family Guy
Mila Kunis: "Dad, Mom's on the phone."
Seth MacFarlane: "Please be Somerset Maugham. Please be Somerset Maugham."

MEANINGFUL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"With great power comes great responsibility." - Stan Lee

Posted by at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments

Ugh. I don't know if it's the holiday week or just an exhausting weekend, but I am worn out today. If you didn't catch it, I had an education story that ran Saturday in Metro that I think came together pretty well. It was certainly the best lede I've written since I've been here, which is a relief because I consider that to be a strong point for me. I had never written a pure "hard news" story before I got here, so I've been adapting to that style, and it doesn't really lend itself to "artsy" writing.

And again Sunday, Derek and Mike held down the front page -- those kids are sick.

In my continuing efforts to make sure I don't have a dime to show for my work at the end of the summer, I went to Spamalot yesterday with my girlfriend and loved it, although the first act was a little shaky. I was however shocked to learn that she had in fact never seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail -- which as Matthew and I were just discussing, is completely unacceptable. I was thinking, what other movies fall into the category of "If you have a pulse, you're expected to have seen it?"

My top three would have to be Caddyshack, Blazing Saddles and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

What are yours, fellow interns, co-workers and Internal Affairs fans (both of you)?

Posted by at 8:47 AM | Permalink | Comments