One more

After I took that last picture, I saw this and thought it was better.

Quiznos by the windows

Cheer Up My Brother

Some people just don't get it.

As I left my house this morning to go to my assignment, my roommate asked what I was going to shoot.

"I'm heading to shoot a Cub Scout Pack's pinewood derby," I said.

"Oh, that sucks," he replied.

He just doesn't get it. Not only did I compete in my fair share of pinewood derby's as a Cub Scout, but I also saw the potential for awesome pictures. Sure, it's not the most sexy event to cover but who cares?! Just because it's not a high profile game doesn't make the pictures any less interesting to look at. It's this hometown journalism that makes this job so much fun.

I put together a little slide show from the event.

Now you tell me... does it look like this event sucked for these kids?

A couple of firsts

First of all... I've got a quick work out tip. If your plan is to run to the gym, work out, then run back... DO NOT sit in the sauna for 15 minutes before running back. You will be worthless and you legs will feel like noodles.

Now then, I've got a couple of firsts I'd like to share.

I got a new camera on Monday. Well, new to me at least. And I've always been kind of superstitious when it comes to new cameras. I want my first picture with the new camera to be somewhat meaningful or good. So when I finally got the camera up and running, I took a picture of my wall.

My plan was to also share the picture from my first assignment with the new camera. But that assignment sucked. So plan B is sharing the first picture taken with the new camera that I like. The state police flew a helicopter to Southdown Elementary school today to show the kids. So I parked myself in front of the kids as the chopper flew over before landing.

44

Growing up through the Boy Scouts I learned a lot about the U.S. flag. We learned how to properly salute it, post it before a ceremony, fold it correctly and many other aspects of what the flag means. In school, they taught us about what the stars mean, what the stripes mean and how the flag has changed throughout the years.

In short, I learned one way to honor my country was to treat the American Flag with respect.

And I carried out that respect into my adult life. I stand at attention and look at the flag during the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. I remove my hat anytime the Colors pass by me. I make mention every time I see the flag being displayed incorrectly. (Such as not having a light on it while flying at night).

I've given the flag respect throughout my life because I feel it's been my duty as an American do to so. But in the past few years, I've lost my sense of pride towards my country. I never stopped treating Old Glory the way it should be treated. I just felt like I was doing it only to continue tradition.

But now, after Jan. 20, 2009, my pride in the USA has been restored. I'll look at the Stars and Stripes now with honor and say that I am proud to be an American.

Today was just an awesome day. Like nothing could go wrong. It's going to be on of those "where were you when...?" days. My only regret is that the answer to that question for me isn't going to be Washington DC. That's alright though. I can at least say that I voted for him. And took a picture of my TV screen. (see above) That's the best I could do.

One more piece of history... my favorite number since I was in grade school as been 44. Yea, you can put two and two together. (no math pun intended there ether)

Now lets get to work!

CP3 shooting 2

At the hornets game today vs the Pacers.

Lots of big 12 players. TJ Ford. Brandon Rush. Jamaal Tinsley. And Ju-
Ju wright.

77 Years

I met an amazing man today... Fernand Cavalier is 98 years old and his wife of 77 years died Wednesday evening.

They were the longest known married couple in Louisiana. I met them two years ago when we did a story on their 75th anniversary. Fernand can't hear very well, so we'd have to ask his daughter a question, then she'd ask him in French, and he'd answer in English. He kept saying "Hard work never killed anybody."

Anyway, I made some pictures of him today as family members came from out of town for the funeral. Everybody shared stories and had no problem with a photographer being in the living room. It's the first time I've been in a situation like this and not felt uncomfortable.

So here's some pictures of Fernand as he talked about his wife, Emily. At first he started to break down and cry a lot... but once the stories started rolling, he was fine. The woman in the first picture is his daughter-in-law saying hello after arriving from Shreveport.

It was really great to spend time with someone like this. He just lost half of his life, but was still very open and welcoming. He must have asked if I wanted coffee 5 times. It's assignments like these that remind me why I love my job.

That's right... it's a purple tie!

I'm sure he's just as bummed about the KSU loss on Tuesday as I was.

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Cool story...

Today the Courier had their quarterly office birthday party. Nothing really special, just some birthday wishes and they recognize the employee of the quarter announcements.

But this party was a little different. The door prizes were actually worth going to this party for. I have this afternoon off so I didn't plan on going to the party.

They handed out those little blue tickets with numbers for the door prizes. I asked four people if they wanted to trade tickets. And nobody bit. Everybody thought I was crazy for wanting to trade tickets. They'd say "Well, what if you win with my ticket?" and I'd say "Well, what if you win with mine?"

And sure enough, the first number picked... Mine. I turned around to all the people I asked to trade numbers with and just smiled.

So now my next year's membership at the YMCA is free.

Other prizes included 25lbs of shrimp, a bath robe, some gift cards to flower shops and a coffee mug.

I just joined the Y last month, but they just take money out of my bank each month.... so now I've got a letter that'll put a stop to that.

Now I'm taking off the rest of the day... I'll probably go work out.

CP3

At the hornets game.

Snow in Houma.

Since we missed out on the real snow last month... We make our own.

It's about 65 out right now.

I could be a big loser

Wish it were a dime.

I would have won a bean burrito!

A penny gets me a funny look from the girl at the register when I
threw my hands in the air to celebrate this awesome accomplishment.

Flying over Terrebonne

New year