Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-Newsjunkie Notes
Member Center:
Thank you for checking out my blog. Here you can learn more about all the hot topics in Central Illinois and around the globe. I plan to give you an in depth look at how reporters, producers, and anchors put together the stories you see everyday. Plus I love volunteering in the community so it will be my goal to highlight service projects happening in a town near you.
If you ever want to know more about the stories you see on T.V., save Newsjunkie Notes to your favorites. I look forward to hearing from you and hope that you will find this blog informative and entertaining.
You can reach me at liz.adeola@wandtv.com and you can also follow me on Twitter @WatchLAeveryday .
4/06/12
IT'S SPRING!!!!! I'm excited about it but it's not like we really had a winter this year. One thing that mars the season is gun violence. We went from going a month or two without a shooting to a shooting every week. I interviewed former NAACP President and Caring Black Men leader Jeffrey Perkins about this and he said something that hit a nerve, "Our young people are very angry."
I agree, I think the pressure that young people face today is far more than what I faced growing up. As each generation passes it seems like kids are expected to shoulder more and more responsibilities to compete at a higher skill level and their youth/childhood is lost along the way. I am happy to see organizations reaching out and people donating their time to help our youth and get to the root of the anger some of them are holding onto.
In other newsroom news it is an exciting time here at WAND. Word in the cubicles is that we are getting new systems to edit our stories. This will give reporters more time to focus on writing and editing our stories without being rushed out because someone else has to get in. You will see the difference on air.
I think that's all I have for now happy hunting this Easter!
1/31/12
Happy New Year! Hopefully 2012 has been good to you so far. I usually work most holidays Thanksgiving, Christmas, but I like to take off for the New Year so I can come back refreshed and excited about the challenges it can bring. So far in the newsroom things have been a little slow since I've returned. It can feel like we are still in "holiday mode" almost but something very exciting that is happening is we are finally starting to fill all the vacant spots we had and get new equipment.
Another thing I am head over heels for is this weather. It makes a huge difference in your mood and personality when you can go outside and feel the warmth of the sun. No winter blues this year!
I did not make any New Year's Resolutions (last year I made about 50 and...) but I am taking steps to better my health and become a better person. I also plan to get in the kitchen and try new recipes more often and read more books. What are your plans for the new year and how are things going so far? Shoot me an email and let me know or leave a message on my WAND Facebook or Twitter Page.
10/05/11
Is it just me or does it seem like news comes in cycles? For a while the big story was Kim Kardashian's wedding and Beyonce's pregnancy.. now more pressing issues Amanda Knox is a free woman, Springfield one of the most dangerous cities in America (according to Forbes) and then there's the Conrad Murray trial.. are you watching?
This week I covered water restrictions in Decatur and was shocked to find out that Decatur is in a drought. When I first moved here over 3 years ago it seemed like we never went a week without some sort of rain. Homes near Lake Decatur were surrounded by sandbags as homeowners tried to keep the water at bay and now just a short time later we are experiencing almost drought like conditions. I hope it rains soon but I would love if this drought was a sign of a warmer than average winter. One can only hope.
6/01/11
It's official.. but not really... kinda.. sorta summer!
I don't care what they say when the sun is hot, the bugs are out, and the motorcycles are reving that means it's summer time! I love summer, it's my favorite time of year even though I am from the desert.
During the summer I like to workout, read, and travel (when gas is reasonable). Perusing Facebook I see a lot of my friends exciting plans for summer trips... this year I hope to make 2 or 3. The big one that I am looking forward to the most, NABJ which will be held in Philadelphia, PA.
After attending an NABJ I feel like I've grown tenfold and I always meet new journalist to network with. I also hope to make it home once again to Phoenix sometime or visit my little brother in TX who recently signed up for the U.S. Army. What are your summer plans? Shoot me an email or hit up my Facebook page and let me know.
P.S. Remember to stay hydrated to beat the heat!
5/06/11
I have a few minutes so I've decided to update Newsjunkie Notes today before the noon show today. Mother's Day is just a few days away have you gotten your mom a gift yet? Even though I was tired after work I made sure to put mine in the mail so it would actually get there early this year.
Mother's Day always brings back fond memories of my Mom. Like when she would wake me and my brother up at the crack of dawn to drop us off at the sitter before work.. my job was to hold her scorching hot coffee that always was filled nearly to the brim and never seemed to have a lid. Ahh the good old days, but all joking aside I think the most important thing my mom instilled in me is to choose a career that I would love to do everyday. Life is too short to be miserable and surrounded by miserable people so I thank her dearly for that and always have an ear ready for her to talk about how her day went.
This morning I saw that gas jumped to $4.19 a gallon, and to think I used to scoff at paying the extra .05 for premium gas... now we're all paying dollars more. I think a new hot gift for Mother's Day will probably be a gas card with these high prices. Hopefully they go back down instead of up in time for Father's day... I never though the day would come when a gallon of gas would cost more than a tie but the way things are going just hold your breath and prices will change again...
If you are on Facebook, please be sure to like my page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Decatur-IL/Liz-Adeola-Wand-Tv/179743828729845
4/22/11
I feel like a zombie today but the weekend is almost here! It's so close I can taste it. One thing though.. why does it always seem to rain on my days off? No matter the weather I plan to make the most out of it. It had been a year since I had weekends off so when the chance came to fill in for Tara Barrett M-F I was chomping at the bit (if that makes any sense.. I just googled it.. it does) to have a break from the weekend.
But as the saying goes... the grass is always greener. Waking up before 5 M-F has been a rude awakening. Working the weekend schedule I typically work nightside 2 days and dayside 9:30-6:30 2 days a week (muy bueno). Working my current shift.. let's just say if you see me wearing glasses it's because I have not finished putting on my eye makeup. It is rough!
I always had the utmost respect for the work that Tara did but now I am counting down and eagerly looking forward to her return. I've enjoyed my time thus far and I feel that I am growing as an anchor/producer but I miss being out in the field reporting and meeting folks. We shall see what happens in the months to come. Time for me to go anchor the noon, later!
3/27/11
I am back from the enchanting world of debutantes and escorts. I had a wonderful time commentating at the 14th annual Fashionetta Debutante Cotillion. If you have never heard of this type of an event it's kind of like a coming out affair for young girls usually around the age of 16. I was a debutante years and years (okay not that many years) ago. It involved many long months of community service, etiquette and ballroom dancing training.
Last night it was incredible to meet Springfield next generation of young leaders, many of the students involved plan to become engineers or serve our country. The event was put on by the Nu Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., which is also the sorority I belong to. I co-hosted the event with a reporter from another local station and it was good to network and mingle with people I don't normally see on a daily basis in Springfield.
Here are some pics as promised from the event.
I will check in again soon later this week! Now I'm off to anchor the 5pm. Crossing my fingers that golf doesn't run over because then I'll have to drop some stories.
3/24/11
Hello Central Illinois! I am back from a lengthy vacation (and lengthy special projects.) Here is a quick update: Today I came in to do liveshots for the United WayBlitz that will also help Red Cross Relief efforts in Japan. I am always impressed at how the community steps up to the plate and brings home great results for people in need. In all the community (you) helped raise over $180,000 in just a few hours!!! It is amazing and incredible how people will come together and work selflessly to help others.
You may have noticed that I was gone the weekend before last... That trip home to AZ that I've been talking about for the last 2 years finally happened and I met my new nephew Landon James seen here:
About 5-10 minutes after I picked him up for the first time he threw up on me! But isn't that what babies do and we still love them to bits! I also ate.. and ate.. and ate in Arizona.
I am a huge foodie so I had to visit some of my favorite haunts... Pete's Fish and Chip (Mesa), Rita's (Phoenix), Lucille's (Tempe), Monti's (Tempe)
and Peter Piper Pizza (all over AZ).
I may have put on a few pounds but the hot hot sun didn't let them stay there long.
I also re-connected with old friends from high school and my aunts and cousins (who have multiplied healthily). A big reason why I was motivated to get home quickly.. my little brother (Landon's Dad) is shipping off for the first time this May with the U.S. Army. So it was really good to go home and see all of them before the big send off. We went to an unusual exhibit called Amococo where we had to take off our shoes to go inside these tunnels where music was played and the lighting was amazing. Here is a creative pic I took of someone taking a pic in the exhibit:
This Saturday I will host the 14th Annual Fashionetta Debutante Cotillion in Springfield. I will post pictures from that event this weekend and I will also upload a few Twit Pics if my phone allows me to do so. (I've been having tech difficulties.)
Work-wise in about a week you can look forward to seeing me fill-in for Tara Barrett on the morning and noon shows. I like to believe that I can be a good early riser as long as it's not snowing or 10 below. Scot England will fill-in for me on the weekends at the desk while I am gone and I am looking forward to having a few weekends off again. I'll check in soon and don't be a stranger you can always hit me up by email liz.adeola@wandtv.com or on Twitter @WatchLAeveryday.
1/09/11
Day 9 and the withdrawal has set in big time. What am I talking about? Well one of my resolutions for 2011 is to take time to smell the roses and stay off Facebook, Twitter, and celebrity gossip blogs for 3 weeks. It has been a really tough journey because it seems like nowadays everything is connected to social media.
Several times a day I get email messages from Facebook or Twitter, and it's like they are saying 'Hey remember me?' I've already fallen for a few traps, finding a video or email message that I like and linking it to Facebook and Twitter. It's interesting how these sites have become so intricate in our daily lives. It's like they are almost ingrained in the fabric of who we are, or are they?
Tell me what you think, could you take the challenge and survive 1 week or 1 month without social networking? It really makes you think about living real life versus the virtual one that has been created for us. Until my next post, I guess I will have to get my Facebook fix from the 'Social Network' which will be out on DVD Tuesday 1/11/2011.
1/07/11
Happy New Year! I hope the holidays brought you and your family a lot of good times. This is the time of year when many people make resolutions. I found myself making a long long list that almost turned into 2 pages of resolutions on New Years Eve, but I hear the best way to make a resolution and stick to it, is to keep it simple.
What are some of your New Years Resolutions for 2011? And were you able to keep any resolutions in 2010? Shoot me an email and who knows maybe we may have some of the same resolutions and we can help encourage each other to keep them throughout the year.
10/19/10
I am back, fresh of a trip to Washington D.C. and ready to get back in the swing of things here in Central Illinois. I had a good time on the trip and met a lot of interesting people. I attended the WJI Alumni Conference and got to hear from New York Times Commentators, and Politico writers about the upcoming election season. Established journalists also shared how they made it to where they are.
This week I am planning on attending a stress management workshop put on by Big Brother's Big Sisters of Central Illinois. I also need to look into getting a new gym membership. I enjoyed working out outdoors until the temps recently plunged. That's all for now, take care until next time.
10/11/10
2 blogs in one day? I can do it! (Note: See CIL Biggest Loser Blog) It's been a very busy last couple of weeks. Some of the highlights, I went to the DISC's 10 year anniversary celebration and that was loads of fun. I took my "little" from Big Brother's Big Sisters and she scaled the rock-wall, competed on the giant Nintendo Wii obstacle course, and learned a few basketball tips from the Millikin Women's basketball team. All in all it was a great day.
I pulled out my thick wool sweaters preparing for the Fall, but the weather has been really warm, and I'm not mad at that. In about 3 days I will head to Washington D.C. for a conference sponsored by the Ethics and Policy Institute. I look forward to it because I will get to hear from established award winning journalists from The New York Times and hopefully glean something new from them. In the meantime Chris Nguyen will keep my spot warm at the anchor desk.
Before I head to D.C. I plan to shoot 3 CIL Biggest loser stories and I will also fill-in anchor the noon newscast again on Tuesday. (I produced and anchored the noon today.)
9/28/10
Sorry it's been so long since I last blogged! So much as happened this month. Let's see, I have taken over the Central Illinois' Biggest Loser blog, I surprised myself by running the Shoreline Classic, Fall has arrived with a vengeance and I have a brand new nephew Landon James!
Let's start off with Central Illinois' Biggest Loser. You can find the blog here: http://www.wandtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11134255 and while you are reading you can check out pictures and updates from the contestants. I have made it my goal to meet all 30 contestants during their journey and I will introduce you to them on the blog on Facebook and Twitter an through weekly reports every Tuesday on WAND Stormcenter 17 at 5.
I found out I was running The Shoreline Classic umm, lets say about 2 days before the race. I am not "in shape by any means" I idea of a workout consist of a weekly jog around the block and maybe shooting some hoops. But in the back of my mind, I thought 'I can do it.' I used to run cross country. Well that was 10 years ago in high school! The thing I hate the most about log distance running is cramps and by the 2nd mile I was hurting. It didn't help that I drank cold water before the race, but knowing that was the source of the cramps helped. I tried to drink more water as I ran and it just ended up everywhere except in my mouth. My goal running The Shoreline was to keep running and not walk or stop and I did it, without my Ipod and with the power of prayer.
On the last day of Summer my nephew Landon James decided to make his debut on this earth. He was born September 22 and weighed 7lbs 7oz and 21 inches long. Here is a picture of the little guy who looks almost several months old:
I can't wait to meet him when I go home to visit family in Arizona.
9/06/10
Happy Labor Day! I could gripe about how I have to be at work today, but really I am very thankful that I have a job. There are so many people out there who are down on their luck and struggling to make ends meet. It really makes me reflect and appreciate what I have and the blessings that have been stowed upon me.
Today I'm in search of a few people who are in the same boat as me.. working on Labor Day. My goal is to go beyond mattress sales and find some local businesses that are staying open.. perhaps for the first time this year to make a few dollars. Everyday I set a goal to try and turn my stories by noon.. so far I'm batting about 3 out of 5,000 stories lol, but I'm going to keep working at that goal.
Community service while up next on my radar is bartending at a celebrity bartending event for BBBS of Central Illinois. Not sure how that will fare since the only experience I've had pouring drinks was at a Susan G Komen Wine Tasting event in Reno, NV a few years back, but I will give it my best try. Who knows, maybe they'll need someone to pass out napkins or put the little crazy straws in the cups, I'm sure I can manage that.
Today the Decatur Public Library is having a huge book sale at the Decatur Civic Center, so if you are an avid reader like me you may want to head out there and check it out. Also free food opportunities abound at the Arthur Cheese Festival, be sure to check that out too, just be sure to keep TUMS on hand. Well I think my photographer is finally here so I will head out and see what's in store this labor Day. Hope you get out and enjoy the holiday if you don't have school or work, and if you are at work today county your blessings.
8/21/10
Another day at the desk and I am so glad to be there with my new Saturday co-anchor Chris Nguyen. Typically during the weekend I wear many hats, producing the show, posting stories online, and staying on top of everything in Central Illinois so I am grateful for all the help I can get.
This morning I awoke to news that a young woman died trying to navigate flood waters. It is a sad but important lesson about the danger of trying to drive through flooded areas that I hope everyone heeds. It seems the weather changes so quickly here in Central Illinois that things that were once safe become hazardous even life-threatening in just moments. I hope that you all have a safe and happy weekend and I will try to add another blog post Sunday. Until then you can catch up with me on twitter @WatchLAeveryday. Take care!
8/13/10
Back from California and boy is it sizzling out here in the MidWest! I spent last week visiting family members in Northern California and there were time when I had to wear a coat. Going from a cool breeze to high temperatures and humidity took some getting used to but I hear the weather was perfect for this year's Decatur Celebration. While hunting down the best food vendors I ran into my "Little" with Big Brother's Big Sisters who was on a mission to find the rides.
I've been a volunteer with Big Brother's Big Sister's of Central Illinois for over 2 years and recently they put a call out to "Bigs" to be a part of a calendar. Yesterday (Thursday) after I took my "Little" to a pizza party we headed to the "photo shoot" where we got to paint our favorite activity (cheerleading). We had tons of fun as we took turns painting and showing off our best cheers in the BBBS Decatur office.
7/27/10
You may not see me on air for the next week or so because I am heading to sunny San Diego for the annual NABJ convention. It's a time where I get to reunite with colleagues and mentors that have greatly influenced me over the years. Each year I like to attend at least one journalism conference to get my work critiqued, meet news makers (this year Dr. Oz, CNN's Soledad O'Brien, Director Spike Lee, U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, RNC Chair Michael Steele, Actor Boris Kodjoe, Gospel Legend CeCe Winans and Google Executive David Drummond).
The conference is 4 intense days filled with workshops, plenary sessions, and short courses but there are also networking events that are a lot of fun. I look forward to attending the debut of NBC's Undercovers where the lead actor, Boris Kodjoe; will be on hand to answer questions about the show. I also look forward to fresh seafood and going to the beach. I grew up in Arizona and I've never been to a real beach before (not counting Navy Pier) and who knows I may stick my toe in the water and take a picture by a surf board.
After the conference wraps, I'll fly north to San Francisco to visit my older sister, brother, and nieces and nephew. It will be a long trip but it's one I've looked forward to all summer long. I will return next Friday, just in time to host the Decatur Celebration with Greg Trumbold and that should be a blast. Until then you can follow my journey to the West Coast on Twitter @LizAdeola.
7/20/10
Good Morning! July is going out with a bang weather-wize. On Monday I was working on a story about Decatur's "Fire Starter" program, but as my photographer Andy and I drove we kept noticing one thing... people stopped working, stepped outside their offices and were looking at the sky. A giant ominous black cloud hovered over Decatur, and my "photog" (as we like to call them in the biz) and I worked double time to shoot my stand-up and nab an interview with the fire department.
As we walked back to our truck rain poured down and I did not have my umbrella, but I thought hey.. I won't be on camera again so who cares if my hair gets drenched. I wore a skirt and sandals to work so my photog was nice enough to stop by my house so I could change into jeans and flats before we went back to the station. Little did I know that back at the station the wheels were turning.
15 minutes later I was in the edit bay when I heard what many reporters hear on a daily basis in bigger markets: "Liz, we need you to drop everything and head out to Assumption to cover weather." Good think I had changed my clothes. I grabbed a snack and filled my water bottle and we were off in the live truck, not knowing what kind of situation we were driving into. I used my phone to call the CHristian County Sheriff's Office to see what EMA workers had found, but they could not tell me much.
When we arrived in Assumption there was not a single block that did not have tree's blown down. We tailed the fire department out into the county to a call where power lines were down, but there was not much video to be shot there. The true story was back in town where massive tree's threatened to crush homes family's had already fixed and re-built after their last bout with storms.
While we were gathering video and interviews, I noticed a common theme; there were dozens of people working to fix homes that were not even theirs. Who knows where they came from, but the point is they rolled up their sleeves and showed up to work. It did not matter if one family did not have the machinery or the money to fix things neighbors pitched in to help neighbors. I think that it is amazing that here in Central Illinois no matter how hard the weather hits, there is always that silver lining.
7/08/10
Hope you all had a happy Fourth of July! The fourth is always a time when it's good to reflect and give thanks to the men and women to put their lives on the line for our country. With that being said summer is officially here, temperatures are up and many people are flocking to the pool to cool down. Please, please, please watch your children around water.
I did not learn how to swim until I was 13 and had 3 or 4 close calls when I was a kid. The first time I was about 2 years old and all I can remember was the bright yellow slide was calling my name.. My plan was to stop before I hit the pool but little did I know there was a stream of water that made it impossible for my little arms to stop at the bottom of the slide. The next thing I knew I was under water for about 2 minutes, my cousin had to perform CPR to save my life.
It is a fact that it takes only a few seconds to loose someone in a pool, lake, or river. Even a small amount of water can prove deadly. One story that has haunted me happened last year when a child died from a "dry drowning." He had been in the pool but complained of a headache. The child went home and went to sleep and passed away hours after leaving the water because water got into his lungs when he was swimming. Please watch your children (and sub-par swimmers like myself) around water this summer.
Here is a release from ISP:
The Illinois State Police would like to remind the public to be careful in and around the water this summer. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for individuals 0-44 years old. The two main causes are swimming and boating activities. Most victims know how to swim, and are within 10 feet of safety and are people who did not intend to be in the water. The following are the top ten reasons for adult drownings:
Not admitting you are a poor swimmer (to yourself or to your group)
Alcohol or Drug Use
Trying to Rescue Someone Else
Jumping Off Cliffs or Bridges or other High Risk Behaviors
Wading off Steep Drop-off
Swimming after wind-blown objects
Falling in Without Intending to
Cold Water-Hypothermia decreases physical ability
Falling Off Flotation Toys
Over Estimating One's Ability
According to Captain Hollo, District 12 commander, the following are tips to help keep you safe while in and around the water:
Watch Your Children-Stay within an arm's reach
Swim with a group
Do not use alcohol or drugs
Respect the water
Respect the weather
Always wear a life jacket
Please be careful this summer on the road and in the water. Buckle up in your car and wear a life jacket in and around the water!
Hope this helps!
6/27/10
What a roller coaster of a day! Started out bright and early at the Komen Race for the Cure and I think almost everyone in Decatur was at this event. I have never witnessed blocks and blocks of parking lots full in town (except for the Celebration). I arrived 30 minutes early and still had to park at Millikin by the main building. Good thing I was not running because I was out of breath just walking to the race.
At Fairview Park a sea of people decked in Pink greeted me, I almost had to catch my breath (not just because I am out of shape). I lost my Aunt Lillie Mae King to breast cancer when I was young and to see the support and the survivors come out in full force it was incredible! I was supposed to walk with J.C. and Ashley Fultz but there was no way I was going to find them so I just merged with the crowd and met a new friend Deloris who encouraged me to keep walking. Afterwards I ran into Lisa Sparrow who actually ran the race (maybe I'll join you next year Lisa) and we took a picture that you can check out on Twitter.
After the Race, there was tons of goodies, but I turned off my free food magnet and headed to Aspen Ridge to volunteer at a bingo game. There I met a woman who is 105 years old, still tickin' and proud to let you know that she still got it. Her secret? Her faith. It was very inspiring and I definitely want to volunteer there again to hear more stories about history straight from the source.
After a rousing start to the morning time for work and today *royal trumpet salute* we said goodbye to tapes and switched to HD. A million things could have gone wrong, some did but after that we regrouped and came out stronger in the 10 p.m. My biggest fear as I sat at the desk tonight.. sweat stains in HD coming through my suit jacket because boy was it hot in outdoors and in the studio! But luckily my antiperspirant kicked in and I lived to tell more stories another day in HD.
Thank you.
 | All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and wand. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. |
