Newton’s Notes

It’s a necessary evil in this business. While I am not going to proclaim to be a germaphob, I will say the public restroom is the least favorite part about my job.

Reporters and photographers are stuck out in the field all day, everyday. During the morning show, we are parked in a live van for about 3 hours. Usually, there is not a restroom anywhere around, and if there is, at that ungodly hour, it’s typically closed.

So, pardon me for being blunt, but after three hours, and my morning coffee or diet coke, I really have to pee!

That means as soon as we are finished with our live shots, first thing’s first, we find the closest bathroom. When I finally see this sign, the angels start singing Hallelujah! I’m on the home stretch!

I’ve been in some clean ones, and unfortunately, some not-so-clean ones… but usually by the time I’m there, if it works — I’m using it!

No, the Guadalupe Shredder isn’t a piece of office equipment or the nickname for some psychotic killer… it is what I call the beautiful, yet painful, river that runs through New Braunfels, Texas.

I float the Guadalupe each summer, but every time it feels more like I’m dueling rather than relaxing in an inter-tube.

When the river is low, which it currently is, the rapids are more like exposed rocks. This year, the aforementioned rapids knocked me out of my tube, and I proceeded down the exposed rocks on my stomach. It was painful, but the war isn’t over yet! The river won this time, but next year I demand a rematch!

 If you’ve never been, I would definitely recommend going, but be prepared for some bruises, scratches, and yes, maybe even a little blood. In the end, the scenery is well worth it. 

Police have arrested three people in connection to the deaths of Matthew Butler and Stephen Swan.

The two young men were found shot to death outside of Butler’s recording studio, Zion Gate, in Garland.

Last night, police in East Texas found Swan’s stolen car, and arrested three men. They are being questioned about the murders. I will update you on the latest, as soon as we know something.

If you want to share you’re condolences to the families, or share more about Matthew or Stephen, please do so by commenting on this blog.

This is one of those senseless stories that leaves you asking why.

The owner of a faith-based recording studio and the engineer for Zion Gate Records were found shot to death in the parking lot of the business this morning.

Matthew Butler, the owner, was only 28. His friend and coworker, Stephen Swan, was 26.

Thanks to the Internet and Myspace, I was given a glimpse into their lives. Both seemed to be devote Christians, and Butler was a loving father and husband. Butler leaves behind a 22-year-old wife, Jamie, and two babies. I could not even begin to fathom what it’s like to be so young, and now a widow, and single mother. Please keep this family in your prayers.

Right now, police don’t know the motive behind this shooting, nor do they have any suspects. They think the shooter may have taken Stephen Swan’s car — a tan 1995 Crown Victoria with license plate# S05VCD

 here are links to Zion Gate Records websites:

http://www.myspace.com/ziongaterecords

http://zgrecords.com/home.php

Matthew Butler’s myspace page: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=8393078

Stephen Swan’s myspace page: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=25407526

NBC5i.com Story
NBC5i.com Video

I am not into scary movies or superstition, BUT the story I was covering this morning creeps me out!

A woman was attacked with a knife this morning while trying to break up a fight. But this wasn’t just ANY knife, police say the guy used a MACHETE! Now, here’s the irony, today is Friday the 13th… I don’t know if you ever saw the horror movie, “Friday the 13th”, BUT the serial killer in the movie, Jason, used a machete to hack up his victims!! (insert creepy music here)

Anyway, the woman suffered some very serious injuries… Not sure of her condition right now, but when the helicopter picked her up it wasn’t good. I didn’t say this on air, because I didn’t want to be too graphic, but her arm was basically hanging on by a ligament.  Very sad…

Here are the links to the story:

NBC5i.com story 
NBC5i.com video

I went home early today because I am sick, but I felt guilty for not blogging yesterday, so I am blogging from home.

I was laying there feeling puny, and thinking about what to blog about. Then I saw it… my collection!

I collect mic flags from each station where I have worked. I only have 4, but each represents a chapter in my life.

All of the mic flags were given to me by photographers/friends when I left.

This one is the most special. It is from my first station, KTXS in Abilene, TX. It was given to me right before I left for Oklahoma, and was signed by all of the photographers.

But THIS is the mic flag that started it all. NBC5! Years ago, when I was just a college intern at NBC5, a photographer gave me this mic flag.  Our mic flags now say NBC5 HD — but this one, was before High Definition. I promised myself then, I would work for NBC5 someday…

Now, when I look at my collection, I am reminded of the amazing places my career has taken me. Who would have thought the road would take me right back to where I started!

As I told you in an earlier post, my 11-year-old niece came to visit me! We went to several places, but the place I found the most unique was the Fort Worth Water Gardens.

This is a picture of us there.

It’s kind of neat. You’re in the middle of this concrete jungle of tall buildings, and then out of nowhere, you walk up on this series of stair-stepped waterfalls.

I was expecting it to actually be a GARDEN, but there weren’t any flowers there! If you’ve never been, pack a picnic lunch, and check it out…

My niece only stayed the weekend, instead of an entire week, but she should be back at the end of the month. We will check out even more of the sites and wonders you have all mentioned. Thanks again to the viewers/readers who shared your favorite DFW hot spots! 

One of my favorite things to do, is listen to live music.

I love going to concerts, but prefer to find the talented artists that haven’t gotten the recognition or fame that they deserve… So, with that said, let me introduce you to one of my favorites.

Meet Paco Estrada. Cool name huh? With a name like Paco, how can he not be famous?

Anyway, many of you may know Paco better as the front-man for the former band South FM… Their biggest hit was “Dear Claudia”. An excellent song in and of itself, but EVERY song Paco sings is amazing. He’s got such a calming voice that just makes you melt. He could sing about taking out the trash, and it would still make a hit song!   

I’m tellin’ you friends, this man will be MUCHO famous one day… Now, go buy his CD, so I can say I told you so.

By the way, here are a couple links to his websites.

http://pacoestrada.fancorps.com/

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=109288134

If you read my last blog, you know it’s been one HECK of a morning for me… but all’s well that ends well.

I was in Allen this morning where an 18-year-old autistic boy went missing yesterday. After more than 12 hours of searching Taylor Hartley was found SAFE!!

Interviewing his family, and being there for the emotional reunion was the best feeling I could have asked for. So many times, I see families in their worst moments, struck with grief, heartbroken, and in the midst of the most traumatic experiences of their lives… BUT NOT TODAY! It was smiles, laughter, tears of joy, and kisses!!! 

It’s amazing how contagious joy is! I will be honest and say I was in a very crabby mood this morning. I had been yelled at, I was stressed out, and had probably the worst live shot in my history of reporting, but less than an hour later, I was grinning from ear to ear!

All thanks to Taylor! He had spent 13 hours in the woods. He was covered with mud, and still had a smile on his face! How amazing is this kid! This is a picture of him after he was found. He was taken away on a stretcher, but he was ok. He just has problems walking. Anyway, I bet I looked pretty funny running after the stretcher in a 3-inch heel and a skirt, trying to snap a picture with my camera phone!

I am so glad Taylor was found safe, and that I got to experience this loving family’s joyous moment! 

Ever have one of those days where your brain is fried? Today is that day for me.

I can’t get through a freakin’ live shot without stumbling. I know what I am trying to say, but somehow it is getting lost between my brain and my mouth… 

I am out covering this story about a missing autistic teenager this morning… and all hell is breaking lose behind the scenes!

We are down in a valley area, so we couldn’t get a live signal until 5:30. Completely out of our control, but regardless, the powers that be (aka, my producers) weren’t happy. THEN, I wear a little ear piece to hear the anchors — but imagine that, today, I hear nothing! Top it off with this violent wind that is whipping my hair, and even more concerning, OUR LIVE TRUCK, all over the place. The truck is literally ROCKING because we have a big mast in the air and its catching the wind! SCARY!

We had no video or interviews, so we were shooting between hits… typically, the adrenaline rush during these circumstances gets me going, but today, not so much! You can’t take yourself too seriously in this profession.. IT’S THE JOY OF LIVE TV! I always say, you are only as good as your last live shot, AT LEAST my last one was decent… even though the second to last - SUCKED!! ;)

The story was still cool… wish I had a link to the humiliating live shot for your viewing/laughing pleasure… but here’s one of the reports. I’m sure the embarrassing one will end up on youtube!  http://video.nbc5i.com/player/?id=259667