nancylewis's Blog

I just got some great news about someone I did a story on and wanted to share it with you!

Check out www.russelleasterwood.com

We brought you Russell Easterwood's story last year (search Russell Easterwood on this site to see the story). Russell is a local artist who battled mental health issues, drug addiction, and homelessness, but never gave up hope, or his artwork. Russell's paintings are described as "outsider art."  He uses vibrant colors, a sense of humour, and a surprisingly innocent point of view to create something completely fresh.

After our story aired, Russell has had openings at several galleries. He has another one coming up on July the 11th, at the Late Show Gallery at 1600 Cherry. Hope to see you there!

You can also check out his website  www.russelleasterwood.com to buy some of his completely original greeting cards.

So glad to hear the community is supporting Russell Easterwood!

Nancy

YOU ROCK!!!

Okay, so remember when I said I loved Kansas City? Now I love it even more. I knew you'd come through for Roy Whalen. He's the guy who said God told him if he worked on His house, God would work on Roy's house. His childhood home was torched not long after he tried to get drug dealers out of the neighborhood.
Well, you certainly haven't disappointed me. There are work days planned almost every weekend, and Kansas City is stepping up!
I can't wait to see how his house turns out. If you'd like to volunteer, contact Tracy McDaniel at 816-365-8082.
Another number you might want, if you saw the story on Russell Easterwood. He's the man who's been homeless on and off for the past ten years, and has found a way to make a difference in the world through his artwork. His cards are great; you have to take a look at them. You can get a brochure by calling 913-281-3106.
Keep up the good work, Kansas City! You make me proud!

Nancy

I love Kansas City. I'm not wishy-washy about it. I'm not a fair-weather fan. I passionately believe it's one of the best places to live in the United States. Maybe that comes from growing up in a small town and dreaming about living here. Maybe it comes from a personality that doesn't take things for granted. Either way, there are thousands of reasons I'm thrilled to be here.
My story tonight reminded of reason #6,708. I did a story at a Senior Center that may not have Christmas. I LOVED the people there (I wanted to adopt Blanche), but that's not 6,708. It's knowing that something will happen. I can't tell you how many stories I've done and heard the phone ringing right after the report aired; or checked my e-mail the day after a story only to find it filled with offers of help. #6,708: Kansas City has the biggest heart of any place I know on earth.
I guess I have all of you to thank for loving where I live so much. Thanks for #6,708.

Nancy

**someone just wrote in and asked for our favorite chili recipes. Here's mine. Don't laugh!
Nancy


Cheat's Chili

Okay, I know this is an absolute cheat. It's almost all out of a can or a pouch (even the onion and garlic are optional!) and any self-respecting chef or chili gourmand would snicker at the recipe. But my husband likes it, it's quick and easy and that's okay with me!

(you can double this easily)

1 lb ground round
1 small onion (chopped)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 can Brooks Chili Hot Beans
1 can Just for Chili diced tomatoes, Medium with Onions
1 pkg Lawry's Chili seasoning
1/3 little can of tomato paste
bit of beer (O'Doul's works if you prefer non-alcoholic)

Brown the beef with onions and garlic, drain. Add the beans, tomatoes, beans, seasoning, tomato paste, mix well. Add enough beer so it's as thick as you like. Some like it thicker, some like it soupier... up to you.
Cover and simmer on medium low for oh, say, half an hour.
That's it! Easy peasy!

Nancy

Okay. So we've shot the story and we're back in the door. The first thing I do is "log" the tape; meaning I listen to the interviews and write down the sound bites I think are best. I also write down compelling "nat sound". That may be the sound of water rushing, someone shouting in the distance, or laughter. I also note the best pictures.
I then begin to weave the story around all of those elements. Once I have a finished script a newsroom manager takes a look at and approves it, it then goes to back to the photographer for editing. Some of our photographers use computer editors, called Avids, some use tape-to-tape linear editors. They put all of the sound track, sound bites and pictures together on one beta tape for the finished package.
Sometimes all of this is done in the field in a live van. Other times, we'll edit at the station. After the package is complete, we'll jump back in the car and meet the live truck on location. We try to get there as far ahead of time as possible, but sometimes, we cut it too close for me!
Voila! That's it! Okay... now you really do have to write me back.

Nancy

When I was at Primitivo Garcia Elementary School last week, Miss Plum and her 1st grade class gave me a present I'll treasure my whole life.
It was this photo, of me getting a hug from Buck O'Neil. They'd taken the photo without me knowing it at an assembly the year before, when they'd named O'Neil their "Hero of the Year."
I'd like to know how many other people got a hug from Buck O'Neil.
He was not only able to reach out and speak with so many groups of people over the years, he was also able to reach out and touch people, literally.
A hug from Buck O'Neil was memorable. You felt like he meant it. You felt like hugging him back with the same warmth he was giving you. You felt like you were special.
Thank you so much to the children at Primitivo Garcia Elementary, who caught this moment on film. And thank you to Buck O'Neil for showing so many of us the power of love.

Okay... blog number two!
So here's what happens after the photographer and I head out on assignment.
The photographer always drives. (Good thing, because I'm not the greatest driver in the world!) I am the navigator. Those who know me would laugh at that, because I also have a horrible sense of direction. It's amazing we make it anywhere! Thank goodness for Mapquest!
When we show up at the scene, the photographer gets set up for video while I try to figure out who we're talking with, and get a little background.
Then we shoot video and the interview. Some people are a little nervous when the camera starts rolling, but they shouldn't be. I don't have a written set of questions. It's not high pressure at all. At least with me, an interview is exactly like a conversation. We just chat. Almost everyone I've interviewed tells me they can't believe how relaxed and easy it is.
Plus, almost all my interviews are on tape, not live, which means if someone stumbles horribly or, say, sneezes in the middle of an answer, we can just start over again. Easy peasy.
So how do all of those pictures and interviews become a story?
Check out my next blog... the ongoing saga "A day in the life of a reporter".
Talk to you soon!
Nancy

Hi!
This is my first blog, ever. I thought I'd get started by telling you how my day starts here at Fox 4.
I'm a nightside reporter, which means you'll normally see me on the 9 and 10pm newscasts. I'm usually in by 12:30 in the afternoon, so I can do a little research and have a few good ideas to pitch in the 1:30 meeting.
I check websites, papers, and my mail and e-mail. Most of my good stories ideas come from people like you who tell me what's going on!
In the afternoon meeting, reporters pitch ideas to producers and managers. We give our ideas our best sell job. I always hope I'll be assigned a story I pitch. If I pitch it, I usually have a good feel for how I'll visualize it, who I'll talk to, etc.
So the producers and managers pick which stories they want for the evening's newscast, or if they're not in love with any of a reporter's ideas, they'll assign them something else.
The meeting usually lasts 'til about 2, which gives me half an hour before the nightside photographers come in to make phone calls and try to get things set up.
Usually by 2:30, I'm ready to hit the door and get started!
In my next blog... I'll fill you in on what happens next!
I'd like to make this a conversation with you, so let me know what you'd like me to chat about, okay?
Thanks for reading, and thanks for watching Fox 4!