Gainesville, FL

Georgia vs Florida Men's Basketball

Since I was on Duet, and had a set day, I didn’t really have a whole lot to do to prepare for the game. So I walked around and took some photos.

The 3D cameras are larger and heavier than normal 2D cameras.

There is a left eye and a right eye.

I would like to tell you how it all works, but I don’t really know.

I believe one of the two eyes alone is what is “sent” home to the 2D viewers. The two eyes combined are what makes up 3D and is “sent” home to the 3D viewers.

In the truck, everything looks blurry unless you are wearing the 3D glasses.

I never really “got” what was so great about televising sports in 3D until today. Watching basketball in 3D was an unbelievable experience. So thankful for the opportunity!!

Columbus > Gainesville, FL

Today started at the un-God-ly hour of 4:15am.

I went to bed around midnight last night.

I had a 5:55a flight to Atlanta. Those first few hours were a complete blur.

Thank God for First Class. I slept like a baby on my flight to ATL. I am pretty sure I snored.

I had a really tight connection in ATL, but we landed early, so there was time to hit the SkyClub in Concourse C for half a bagel.

It was only a mere matter of moments after sitting down on my second flight that I passed out again. Small RJ, but I had 2 seats to myself.

Landed in Gainesville, headed to the hotel.

Room wasn’t ready, so I had to change out of my sweats into grown up clothes in the lobby bathroom.

Grabbed a breakfast sandwich en route to site and let the fun begin!

Today is a first for me…. I am working on a 2D/3D simulcast. It’s a first for a lot of people considering that this is only the 2nd time the network I work for has tried this. (the 1st time was this past Friday on a boxing event)

For about 1.5 years now, the network I work for has been televising 3D broadcasts. However, the technology forced them to have 2 of everything…. Meaning 2 completely different productions, side by side. Which is Latin for very expensive.

They have figured out how to streamline the equipment (for the most part) so it can provide both a show in both 2D and 3D; from one production truck. Of course there are still a few exceptions – but technology has progressed a lot in the past year.

Is it easy? No.

Is it cheaper than 2 separate broadcasts? Yes.

Is it perfect? No.

I am doing Duet for this game. The Duet will not be seen by 3D viewers; only 2D viewers. Whew! Less stress for me!

The Viz is being seen by both 2D and 3D viewers. But there is a designer on site to help the Viz op as he discovers issues.

Basically, since the Viz is being seen by both viewers, it’s not truly 3D. If it were, it would be all blurry to the 2D viewers. So it’s kind of ‘fake 3D’. But I gotta say, it looks pretty damn cool when you have the glasses on! I can’t imagine what it looks like when it’s “true” 3D!

My day was uneventful. Since this is all new, there is a lot to be explored and planned.

I built a few graphics and spent a lot of time just learning more about 3D. I am a tech junkie. But most of what I ‘learn’ anymore, goes right over my head!

Once checked in and settled at the hotel, I ordered room service.
So much for the hummus plate...  most of the celery was rotten.

February 18th – 20th

Columbus > Charleston, SC

Friday
So earlier in the week I had dinner at my friend Patty’s house. Got caught up on all that was going on with the kids, dog, etc. I also had dinner at Jessica and Dave’s house – where I got to play with the baby!

Then I did a NHL game and we aren’t going to talk about that. I was not at all happy with the crew I worked with. I also did a OSU Women’s game.

Mom flew up late last night and we spent this morning together.

Now I find myself back out on the road.

Got down to Charleston in the late evening. Ordered room service and headed to bed.


Saturday
Vermont vs College of Charleston Men's CBB

Kinda cool view from my balcony this morning

Wait, what are they setting up in that park? Is that a doggie pool?

Sure enough, it was one of those jumping contests. Pretty cool! Wish I could go.





Off to work!

Took a while to figure out where the crew parking lot was. There is some sort of street festival going on this weekend and there is a maze of people.

Eventually found my way and got to the truck a little late.

Was working with a new AP so I knew I had my work cut out for me.
But she was very sweet and eager to learn – which makes all the difference in the world.

We went to lunch at a very packed Q-doba. While we were in line I did a triple take at one of the tables… OMG that IS what I think it is!! I whispered to her – “there is a huge snake at that table”. She turned and had a look of panic in her eyes. Meanwhile the restaurant dude was asking what we wanted but we were in such a state of panic that neither of us could focus.

Eventually I gained my composure and said, “I am sorry sir, I can’t think straight – that person over there has a snake at the table”. He looked, excused himself and went and kicked the people out.

Neither of us could really eat… we were so rattled (no pun intended). So we chatted and headed back to the truck.

Game went pretty well.

Afterwards, I went back to the hotel to meet up with my “family” who lives in the area. Auntie Gayle, Uncle Mike and Mike. Also in town were Rich & Linda. We headed to some place on the water that Auntie Gayle liked.

It took about an hour to even get a table. The food was ok. But it was awesome to see everyone and catch up. I wish I could do so more often.



Sunday

Early flight home.

Mom picked me up and we spent the day doing this and that. She flies home tomorrow.

February 12-13th

Saturday
Durham, NC > Lansing, MI
Took a midday flight from Durham to Lansing with a stop in Detroit on the way.

I gotta say it’s VERY weird to not be working on a basketball Saturday!!

Got in to the hotel, got settled, had some dinner and headed to bed.

Got to get up at 4a tomorrow.


Sunday
Michigan vs Michigan St Women’s Basketball

It’s not just cold, it’s CRAZY cold!

Just another basketball game. Nothing really to report.

Was able to catch a late flight home.

Durham, NC

12 Oak Hill (VA) vs Christ School (NC) High School Basketball

Worked with one of my favorite APs today… Alex. Always a treat!

The game was played at Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke because two of the players are Duke recruits – Quinn Cook & Marshall Plumlee.

Oak Hill defeated Christ School 78-64.

Columbus > Durham, NC

Ten days since I have stepped foot on a plane – WOW!

Ten nights since I slept in a hotel!

Had a stretch of games in Columbus, now it’s back to reality!

Got to the airport about 50 minutes before my flight. Drove around for another 10 looking for a parking spot. Had to park on the 5th floor which is going to totally throw me off when I return. I always park on the 4th floor on the north or south end; depending on the airline I am returning on. That’s the secret to me finding my car.

Today, I had to park on the 5th floor, on the west side… there’s no chance I will remember where it is come Monday.

Managed to get thru the regular x-ray and not the naked x-ray. Yah! But they nabbed me for having a bottle of water in my backpack. Oops! I truly didn’t know it was there. That’s what happens when you don’t deal with the TSA for 10 days.

So that delay had me getting to the gate 25 minute prior to departure. Wasn’t boarding yet, so I got a bottle of Dasani from the Coke machine. Agh… my secret to getting real water at my airport – from vending machines! If you go to the stores, they sell crappy tap water in a bottle.

As I was walking away from the Coke machine, I realized it was one of my favorite Lyon engineers sitting there at the gate. Yah! As we talked, we discovered we were on the same flight, going to the same event. And not only were we working together on Friday, but also Sunday. Sweet!

The new Raleigh/Durham airport is very nice! So much better than the old one! (I bet the cab drivers at the new one also know where Duke is located)

Don’t know what I referring to? Check out the March 14, 2009 blog entry.
GREAT story!

Anyway got to the hotel, worked on email for a bit and then had dinner at the hotel bar… called Blue. Hah! The logo was half light blue/half dark blue… get it? Carolina blue and Duke blue. Where I proceeded to have the best steak quesadilla ever!

Columbus

San Jose vs Columbus – NHL – CBJ Vision

I guess when I work at home, I don’t have much to say about the games. I guess there is less “adventure” to my days.

Columbus

The Buckeyes didn’t have the best of games. But you can’t win them all!

After the game, I was able to meet up with my friend Jeremy and his family. They were in town to watch Brittany play.

Little Marley is just too cute!

It’s always nice to see old friends.

Columbus

Edmonton vs Columbus – NHL – CBJ Vision

Another night of hockey in Columbus!

I guess it’s getting better. My bitterness is subsiding.

Columbus

Michigan State vs Ohio State Hockey

Nothing like spending a weekend at home AND working.

Nice change of pace.

Columbus

Smokey and Claude came back to Auntie Nic’s for a few days. I am working in town the next week and their Daddy is on the road. So I am happy to have them again!

They enjoyed watching the wildlife from the warmth of their perch.

Cleveland Visit

Today I rode up to Cleveland with my friend Dave. He was working the Cavs game, so I decided to keep him company for the drive and then visit friends while he was working.

First I visited my friends who work for the Cavs. Always so good to see everyone!

My friend Amanda is very pregnant, I don’t know how she’s doing it these final weeks.

My friend Matty took me out to see the start of the game.

After that I headed over to visit my friends Cliff, Boo and baby Avery.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take any photos. I suck.
Avery is growing like a weed though!

I spent a few hours catching up with them and then headed back downtown to pick up Dave.

It was an excellent day spent with friends!!

Columbus

Chicago vs Columbus – NHL – Comcast Chicago

Nothing really to report.

January 28th-31st

Friday – Travel Day
Columbus > Atlanta > Orlando


Flew down somewhat early. Wanted to get to the hotel and settled before my parents arrived. They are joining me while I work at Disney this weekend. We are staying at Animal Kingdom Resort.

Got to the hotel and had the usual Disney touches.

Of all the Disney properties I have stayed in, I like this one the most. The room is just like any other, it the view that’s pretty cool.

I was exhausted; only got about 2 hours of sleep last night. So I made a nest in the sun half way in the room, halfway on the balcony to nap.

There really wasnt room on the balcony and I just really needed some sunshine on my Ohio white skin.

After my parents arrived, we met up with Stephanie. She got us reservations at Epcot at the Japanese Steakhouse tonight to celebrate my mom’s birthday.

We walked around Epcot for a while and then had dinner.

Saturday – Set Day

The lacrosse disk makes it debut tomorrow. It is in the new “Platinum” look that was launched in the fall for football and then basketball. So I am here to dissect it. Always love these challenges!

Had a good set day… except the Duet kept going back in time. It was very bizarre. When it would get to a certain time of day, it would reset back several hours. I guess it was having it’s own little Groundhog day.


Sunday – Game Day
Team USA vs Maryland Women's Lacrosse
Team USA vs Notre Dame Men's Lacrosse

Games went well. We figured out the quirks of the new look for lacrosse and made lots of notes. I was great to be back with my lacrosse crew again. Looking forward to another season!

My parents left after I went to work.

After the games, I went to the airport for a late flight home.

Cincinnati > Columbus

Michigan vs Ohio State Women’s CBB

Drove back this morning, worked on packing for this weekend’s trip and then headed in to work.

This is the time of year that starts to be a grind. The weather is terrible. And then am working somewhere different almost every day. Nothing like the consistency of football season.

Columbus > Cincinnati

Rutgers vs Cincinnati CBB

Drove down to Cincy around noon.

Went ahead and stayed down there since it was a late game. Just makes for too long of a day.

Columbus

Anaheim vs Columbus – NHL – FoxSports West

Today I worked visitor feed for Anaheim.

They are a really nice and easy group to work with.






There was the possibility of the game being delayed or cancelled because Disney on Ice had been in the arena yesterday and really screwed up the ice when they pulled out last night.

I had my fingers crossed as I really didn’t want to work.

But they were able to get the ice up to code around 4:30 pm

Columbus > Atlanta > Athens, GA

January 21st – 22nd

Mississippi State vs Georgia Men’s CBB










Happy National Squirrel Appreciation Day! (Jan. 21st)

Took the “kids” back home on the way to the airport on Friday. Always an adventure! Mainly, capturing them to get them in their crate. Then getting all their accessories loaded up into the car and then back out of the car once we get to their house.

But it’s worth every second! They are the best!

Flight to Atlanta was fine. I slept the entire way.

The drive to Athens went by quickly as I talked on the phone the entire time. As usual, there was traffic, so the 1.5 hour drive took at least 2.

After checking into the hotel, I decided to walk a few blocks to have an early dinner. I didn’t have lunch and I was starving.

So I set out to Pauley’s – which is a crepe place.

I have been there a couple times and am in love with the Buffalo Chicken Crepe.

Tonight, I fell out of love. It wasn’t’ as good as it was the other times. Maybe it’s cuz I wasn’t there with my SEC Family? I dunno. Just didn’t taste as good.




Got back to the hotel and worked on some stuff for a while and watched TV.

Was asleep by 10:30p.

Woke up at 1:30a and could not go back to sleep.

The heater was driving me insane as it turned on/off constantly. It wasn’t too hot, it was just smothering in there. Ugh!

Finally at 4:55a I decided to get up and take a shower.

That did the trick. Was able to sleep from 5:15 to 7:15a!

Then got up and started the day.

Went to this organic place I have been to before for breakfast.

Never again.

It’s really good, but the staff is just plain rude. I thought it was an isolated incident last time. Nope. Still rude.

Headed over to the arena.

I have never done basketball here.

Just swimming/diving and football. Maybe Gymnastics? Maybe volleyball? Never hoops though.




The day went really well!

I was on my football truck and got to also see my friend Jill.

For lunch, I tried to go to The Last Resort – but the line was out the door. So I drove until I could find a parking spot (easier said than done in downtown Athens). Ended up eating at Five Guys.

After the game, I made the drive back to Atlanta which is never fun. The majority of the drive is on this road that has tons of traffic. You will be going 65 and then out of nowhere, you have to slam on the breaks and go 20 for a few miles. There is no rhyme or reason to it. It’s very frustrating!

Had a snack in the SkyClub and headed to the gate.

Boarded and was just settling in when I realized there was ‘something’ going on. We were not going to depart on time. The guy next to me was all frigidity and driving me nuts! I had convinced myself he had to be a terrorist.

The captain informed us that they were looking for a piece of paper. The plane had come in from the Bahamas and was supposed to have a TSA mandated security sweep. However, the piece of paper proving the sweep had been done, was no where to be found.

Time passed.

The gate agent came on the plane and announced that they still could not find the document. Due to a shift change, they were not able to reach the supervisor that was present for the alleged security sweep that had allegedly take place. Therefore, we had to deplane so they could do a new security sweep.

This went over really well with the passengers.

I was like the 5th person off the plane. I had walked towards the left of the gate area to sit against a wall (on the floor) so I could stretch out a little. A Delta “Red Coat” (supervisor) started screaming at me that I had to sit to in a chair to the right of the jetbridge. I yelled back and it really did no good. So out of spite, I walked about 2 feet to the right of the gate, stopped, looked at her and plopped down on the floor. Very mature of me.

She kept yelling at everyone that we had to stay in the gate area since it was “sterile”. No one could leave the gate area because they would become un-sterile.

Oh dear god, how is this person a supervisor?

ALL OF THE AIRPORT (past security) is sterile you idiot!!

Several other of the Red Coats told her this and eventually she was convinced so she started to let people go to the bathroom.

It was quite the scene.

After about 40 minutes, they let us board the plane.

Landed in Columbus about 1 hour late.

I can’t wait to fill out the post flight survey for this flight!
(Delta emails me surveys for almost every flight I take)

January 18-20th

Smokey and Claude came to stay with Auntie Nic for a few days since Daddy was out of town this week. We had lots of fun!

Well except for Smokey’s current obsession with Q-Tips.

Here is the trash can rummaged thru; in the tub!

It took Auntie Nic a few times of cleaning up the trash before she remembered to keep it up high on the shelf.

Claude could see the bottom of the food bowls, so she was really upset with Auntie Nic.  She expects them to be full at all times.

January 16-18th

Sunday - Travel Day
Columbus > St. Louis > Columbia, Missouri

Sunday night after my OSU game, I had to fly Southwest because it was the only way to get to St, Louis before midnight. I would then drive 2 hours to Columbia.

My friend Andy ended up on the same flight since his United flight was cancelled. So once we got to St. Louis, he drove us to Columbia.

We got in just before 10pm.

It was kind of a short night since crew call was 7:30a on Monday.

Monday - Game Day
Big Monday Presented by Bud Light: 24 Kansas State vs 14 Missouri Men's CBB

Monday was interesting for sure! I was doing Duet and it had several issues. There was also a Viz on this show. Thank God I was not the Viz op! It was all messed up and it took 6-7 hours to get it up and running. My Duet issues were solved in about 30 minutes.



But because it didn’t look like the Viz was ever going to get up, I had to built the Viz graphics on the Duet. So I had a heavy workload and didn’t have time to take a lunch.

I also never had a chance to get into the arena to take photos :(

After the game I walked to the restaurant next to the hotel. They had this stuffed Tiger in the entrance. I thought it was funny because the tiger was tethered to the cart; as if he was going to run away.

Tuesday - Travel Day
On Tuesday morning, I went to the smallest airport in the country – Columbia, MO. Well the smallest one I have seen at least.

This is the airport – all of it.

I was very early because the hotel clerk last night ordered me a cab and she insisted I needed to leave at 430 for a 6a flight. I tried to argue with her, knowing it had to be a small airport and all… but she said the security lines can get really long. Well, what do I know, I have never been to this airport.

Since I was INSANELY early, I went upstairs to have some breakfast. Which was interesting because there was not an elevator; hard to believe that is allowed with all the ADA laws anymore.

This was the restaurant.

It was ran by a cranky old lady. She made very salty scrambled eggs for me.






After going thru security, I sat down in the gate house. Which was, I believe a mobile home/barn they constructed after 9/11.

The new security screening equipment likely took up all the space that was originally the gate area.
I just found it amusing.

Columbus

January 15-16th

Saturday
Penn State vs Ohio State Men’s CBB
Tonight was my first game of the season for BTN. Which is always a thrash because I only do a handful of games a year for them; so I struggle with remembering how their graphics package works.

I got thru the day; as messy as it was.

Tonight was also interesting because Dave and I worked together on a remote. Something we have never done before. So that was fun.

The game was really good! Ohio State needed the win to become #1 in the country. They defeated the Nittany Lions 69-66.

Sunday
Michigan State vs Ohio State Women’s CBB


Today I did the women’s game. It was a short night on last night since I had to be back at the arena at 6am.

The Duet woke up cranky, so the engineers had to work on it for the first hour. Which made me cranky; cuz I could have been sleeping!

My longtime friend Jeremy had flown up to watch his sister, Brittany play.

Wait – there is Brittany on the front of the Schottenstein Center!

(left)

We were supposed to meet up after the game, but we never found each other since his cell phone had died. Oh well, maybe next time.

Off to the airport!

Lexington, KY

I had an off day in Lexington today. I could have driven home last night – but only to return this evening. Figured it would be less frustrating to just stay put. I hate driving anyway.

Was actually able to sleep in – which would of never happened at home.

Also got in a nice work out – again, something that never seems to happen at home.

I spent the rest of the day working on the blog and expense reports. As I am MONTHS behind on both.

Just a nice relaxing day!

In the evening, I went to A La Lucie’s. It was a recommendation from a friend of mine whom has spent a lot of time here.

It was sort of French, sort of New Orleans… but very good!








I had a fabulous “Kentucky Lemonade”.

(Okay, maybe I had more than one)

Lexington, KY

Georgia vs 10 Kentucky – Women’s CBB – ESPNU

The migraine subsided around 12:30 this morning.  Thank God!

I got up at 4:45a to download updates and paperwork for my game today – something I planned on doing last nite.

Today’s game was good.  Still trying to get in the swing of doing hoops again.

The Lady Bulldogs ended the Wildcats’ 25-game home win streak – so that was pretty cool.

After work I stopped by the concierge lounge at the hotel for a snack.  Headed to my room to work on emails and the blog before setting out for dinner.

Due to the severe cold weather, I decided to just eat at the hotel bar.  And got exactly what I expected – sub par food.  But I didn’t have to go outside!

Watched TV until my remote control died.  But since I am in a hotel, I just have to call the front desk and viola!  A man appears at my door with a new one.

I think I want to live in a hotel.  Preferably a Hilton so I can ensure my “Diamond” status (and level of service).  There’s just something about going to work and coming ‘home’ to find a clean room, made bed, tidied bathroom and snacks in the lounge.  I would just have to find one with better restaurants though!  (That’ll be the day!)

Frisco, TX > Louisville, KY > Lexington, KY

WHAT IS THAT NOISE?!!!!????

Oh yah… it’s the wake up call!

Someone, had the grand idea of going out last night. And if memory serves me correctly, I stayed out until about 3am local time and didn’t go to bed until 4am.

That “noise” was the 7am wake up call.

Dear God have mercy on my soul!

I made the bold move to stay in bed until 7:45, even though I knew I needed to leave by 8:15. My lack of shower was just going to be something my fellow passengers would have to deal with today.

There MAY have been a lot of 4 letter words muttered from my mouth in that 30 minute span. (mainly just one in particular)

My brain was just not functioning at full strength.

Wandered around the parking lot looking for my co-workers rental car. He gave it to me since I didn’t have a car – he jumped in with someone who had an earlier flight. It’s something we do all the time. We don’t all get cars in an effort to save the company money – since we usually have similar flight times in/out.

I drove in a complete haze to the Dallas airport. I am not quite sure what was going on with the toll roads – but allegedly the car had some sort of tag that automatically pays the tolls. The real confusing part is when you get to the airport, you pull a parking ticket – but before you get to the rental car place, you have to pay for parking. What? I so did not understand that part!

Go to the rental car facility and walked a mile. More 4 letter words.

Rode the shuttle bus and got checked in. Thru security with no issue at all.

Walked to the SkyClub…. VERY LOUD 4 letter word exited my mouth.

There was a sign stating that the SkyClub would be closed this weekend.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

This is the ONE day I need quiet time, away from the airport commoners. WHY is it closed?! I was so looking forward to my free water and free bagel and warm/cozy couch to help lessen the burden of a hangover.

This is just not my day!
Ended up at a restaurant… had some Mexican egg thing that was delish, but burned an even larger hole than the leftover vodka was burning.

Made it to my flight. Thank God for the upgrade to Atlanta! Was able to sleep for almost all of the 2 hour flight.

Spent some time in the SkyClub in Altanta.

I once again feel human.

Flight to Louisville was on a small RJ, so I was crammed in like a sardine.

Upon landing in Louisville, I got in my car and drove to Lexington.

Oh ya… that minor detail. When I booked my travel, I thought I was doing a game in Louisville tomorrow. However, I am actually working in Lexington – so I have to make the drive.

I did get a Coke before leaving the airport. I had a low level migraine brewing and I thought the caffeine would do the trick.

Upon check in at the hotel, there was no turning back. The migraine was in full force. So much for all those things I was going to do tonite.

Got to the room, dug out the essentials from my bag, took a hot shower and crawled into bed around 6pm. Was preparing myself for a long struggle.

Had taken my meds, but I could tell this one would be a doozy!

Got myself into the “migraine coma” – lying flat on my back like a corpse. For hours upon hours of mindless agony.

January 6th - 7th

Thursday – Travel/Set Day

Tampa > Dallas > Frisco, TX

Myself, Josh and Mike worked together last night on the Under Armour game and then had to get up a few hours later to fly to Dallas. All three of us are “Delta people”, so it killed us that we had to fly on American.

We were pleasantly surprised and hated to admit how good their customer service was though.

A crazy storm was passing thru Tampa this morning, so we were very delayed. Which resulted in us being even later to our set day.

Travel/work is never fun. It basically means you are getting up at 3am and racing thru an airport and usually late to work.
Finally got to site and it was lunch time. So we all went to some burger place across the street.

Steph had been building all morning on her laptop, so we weren't too far behind.

That evening we got to the hotel. We were all so exhausted!

I ended up going to dinner with Steve, Jerome and Mike – to a Mexican place. The majority of the crew was already there. It was really good!


Friday – Game Day

The 2011 FCS National Champions are the Eagles of Eastern Washington University, who defeated the University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens 20–19.

After the game, we discovered that Frisco is in essentially a dry county after 10pm on a Friday. That didn’t go over so well.

Steve and I grabbed 2 drinks each at the hotel bar during last call when we got back.

A while later, we saw some of the guys getting back from the truck. We broke the news to them and they decided we needed to go to the next county over for our last hurrah.

And did we ever. Ugh.

It was a lot of fun… went to some sports bar, followed by McDonald’s drive thru on the way home.

So that’s it. The football season is officially over. So much fun!! So sad to say goodbye.