Why is it that one insignificant comment from a misguided person can upset us?

After the newscast today, I checked my email.  I received a very disturbing email from a viewer.  I won’t repeat all of it.  Apparently this viewer is not very happy about Barack Obama getting the Democratic nomination for President.  The person wrote that “all of us who have enjoyed the benefits of affirmative action must be very excited.”  Well, needless to say, I was hurt and a little angry.  I have worked very hard to get where I am and I’d like to think I have a little more to offer to my employer than the color of my skin. 

When I was working in Texas, my news director decided to launch a morning newscast.  There were many people, black and white, who wanted the job.  For whatever reason, my news director decided I would be the best person for the job. (Thank you, David Lowell.)  After a few years, I got the job here in Indianapolis.  When I left Texas, David Lowell did not try to find another black female to replace me.  He gave the job to a white man.  So much for trying to keep up with a so-called quota.  David looked for the best person for the job.  That’s what made him (and continues to make him) a great leader. 

I hope my current boss doesn’t mind me saying this… but I think most station managers only care about one color… green.  If they thought someone with pink skin and purple hair could bring in high ratings, they would hire that person.

My husband, as well as Paul and Tom agreed that I shouldn’t give such an ugly email a second thought.  It did make me think, however, about the fact that being a public figure means anyone can contact me at any time and say whatever they want.  It’s o-k, though.  We have freedom of speech in this country.  I chose to believe that most people are kind and chose to judge people on the content of their character.

And as we get ready to elect a new president, I chose to believe our leader will do his best for all people… black, white and all of the beautiful shades in between.

So, how daring are you?  Today we had a story about a new ride coming to Holiday World next Spring.  It’s called Pilgrims Plunge and it looks pretty awesome.  Riders will take an open elevator to the top of the ride and then plunge some 135 feet at 50 miles an hour.  I will be the first to admit that I’m not exactly a dare devil.  I’ve been known to get dizzy on a merry-go-round.  At the same time, I love water rides.  I just might have to take the plunge and check out this ride next year.

Paul made it quite clear that he has no desire to check out the ride.  He says he doesn’t like rollercoasters or anything that whips him around or tosses him about in a small seat.   I think being a part of a live newscast five days a week is enough of a “thrill” for him.

Dan wasn’t too excited about the new ride, either.  He doesn’t mind rollercoasters, but he doesn’t like water rides because then you’re all wet for the rest of the afternoon.  As Tom and I pointed out, it’s usually hot enough for you to dry off pretty quickly.

Oh, well.  If there’s ever a GMI road trip to an amusement park, it looks like Tom and I would be the only ones to dive into some water-related fun.  Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer, so hopefully you and your family can find a way to make a splash and have a little fun.

Wow… you never know what members of the Good Morning Indiana crew go through to make it on the air.  Late yesterday morning, I learned that Paul had quite the time getting ready for yesterday’s show.

As I mentioned yesterday, Paul attended the Colts game Sunday night.  Rather than drive all the way home, he decided it would wise to just sleep at the station.  Apparently he slept upstairs on a nice cozy couch.  At least, it seemed cozy at first.  Paul says he had some strange dreams and finally decided to get up after maybe two hours of shut-eye.  Paul was in the process of getting “pretty” for t-v, when he discovered his head wouldn’t quite fit in the bathroom sink.  (I know, I know.  Insert joke about t-v types having big heads.)  At any rate, Paul says his hair was a bit of a mess, so he decided to go to Plan B.  He put a little shampoo in his hair, went to the station’s backyard, and rinsed his hair with a garden hose.  Oh… if only I would have arrived at work a little earlier Monday morning!  I could have taken pictures with my cellphone!  At any rate, I missed a golden opportunity.  I must say that Paul did a fantastic job.  I don’t think anyone could tell that he had hose hair.  I think it’s safe to say that Paul has a lock on finding creative ways to get ready to face the cameras.

Happy Monday, everyone!  I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend.

My husband and I finally saw The Dark Knight.  Of course, when I told Rafael that Joe and I were going to see the new Batman movie he said, “Wow… there’s another one out?”  Yes… I know The Dark Knight has been out for awhile, but my husband and I are usually running about 2 months or more behind people with normal schedules.  At any rate, I really enjoyed the film.  It was disturbing on many levels, but it was well shot and the actors did a fabulous job. 

My mother-in-law and sister-in-law came to town this weekend.  It was great to see them.  They had a ball with the kids and of course, the kids had fun too.  My sister-in-law is one of those angels on earth.  She is one of those people who jumps in and helps out without having to be asked.  She is great with kids and always seems to have the right response or action to maintain peace.  During her visits, she always encourages me to take a nap or do something for myself while she plays with the kids.  Before she can say… “Grace, why don’t you…”  I’m already up stairs with the sheets over my head.  Yesterday my husband and I even went out to brunch by ourselves.  Imagine… three dates in less than a week.  It’s almost like we’re a young couple again.

I did pass on one fun opportunity this weekend.  WRTV-6 had a suite at the Colts game last night.  It sounded like fun, but I knew if I went to an 8-o-clock football game, I’d be behind the 8 ball all week.  Hopefully I’ll have another opportunity to see Lucas Oil Stadium in the future.  Dan and Paul joined other members of the RTV-6 staff for the first half and had a great time.  They both agreed it was a great way to kick off the week.

I hope all of you had a ball this weekend.  I hope you can join the Good Morning Indiana crew again tomorrow.  I’m sure by then Paul and Dan will be well rested.

Happy Friday!  I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. 

My husband and I are finally going to see the new Batman movie tonight.  I have yet to hear one bad review.  The other members of the Good Morning Indiana crew who have seen the movie really enjoyed it.

Tom and his wife have another busy weekend ahead of them.  Needless to say, campaigning is hard work.  (As many of you know, Tom’s wife is running for judge.)  Good luck to Tammy and Tom… and hang in there.  November will be here before you know it.

I believe Dan and Paul are joining some others from the station and attending the Colts game Sunday night.  That should be so much fun.  I have yet to see the inside of Lucas Oil Stadium.  I have driven by and it is quite a sight.  Good luck to the high school teams competing in the Peyback Classic and good luck to the Colts.  I hope our hometown team has a season as impressive as their new stadium.