Longer than Mark's AND I wrote it myself
10:04 PM February 27, 2008
I am trying an experiment here, in an effort to drive our webmaster crazy. I am actually writing this on my own Microsoft word document; and then I intend to ‘cut and paste’ it onto the blog itself. If this works, that means I am will be able to actually spell-check my dispatch to you; and at some point add pictures and links and all sorts of cool unauthorized things.
I am one of those semi technically savvy people; I suppose I could become much better in terms of my knowledge and operation of all this technical stuff but then I risk becoming another cyber-guy and that is a very dangerous place to be. So, in my semi-technically savvy place; I now have a cell phone and a blackberry…because I can’t quite figure out how to make calls off of the blackberry; and besides who can possibly transfer all those phone numbers. And that is the way I am with a variety of “systems” in my house, and in my life as well. At KTLA we have very fancy high-end computer systems. I know just enough so I can write my stories each morning, and make sure the words that I write are the same words that appear in the teleprompter. I can’t do anything else. Some of our reporters can edit the tape of a story; add music, and bake a cake, all from the very same computer that I am using; but that would have required some sort of training session; and really, who has the time.
I don’t know about you, but every single morning as I am getting ready for work and trying to lay out my day; I quickly come to the conclusion that in one single day I never have enough time to accomplish all the things that I want to get done. Compared to the genuine problems that many people face, this certainly doesn’t really qualify…but still…my huge moral dilemma on Wednesday is that my watch battery had died. I could go to the Century City store where I got the watch years ago and get a free battery replacement; or I could go to a different store and pay for the battery. But, by not going to the mall I would save at least 15 minutes or so; and that seemed a fair trade off to pay for a watch battery instead of getting one for free.
This afternoon, I was just about to walk my middle daughter Rory over to a friend’s house, when a repairman from the gas company came over to look at my gas meter. Of course my daughter wanted to dash and I wanted to talk to the repairman. “We have got to go,” she bellowed; and I thought to myself with the adult logic that makes no sense to a six year old; “this gas repair guy is going to fix something that will help make the pool heater work, so even though we have to delay going to visit your friend; the delay is worth it, because the pool which you may actually like more than your friend will finally be working.” Long story short; we were late to the friend’s house AND the pool heater still isn’t working.
I have an interesting story that is running on the 24 cable channel devoted to movies; The Reelz Channel www.reelzchannel.com involving leap-year and the movies. The Oscars in 1939 was held on February 29th; and instead of being placed in television, the ceremony was filmed, like a movie, and shown in theaters around the country. It was held at the Coconut Grove; which was at the old Ambassador Hotel on Wilshire; (site by the way of my own University High School Prom),. Anyway, 1939 was a banner year for movies from “Gone with the Wind,” to “The Wizard of Oz.” and at that time the Oscars generated considerably more interest than they probably do now. The main reason I suppose, is that so many more people actually saw the movies. Now that the Oscars are over, there is considerable Monday morning quarterbacking over why the ceremony had such rotten ratings. The main reasons are obvious; not that many people saw this year’s crop of movies; and in this day and age; when no one has any time….I don’t think people can sit through a nearly 4 hour ceremony; and I know technical people work very hard and bring their mad skills to the movies; but people really don’t care about the technical awards.
That’s about it from my end…..this may not have been as incredibly verbally eloquent as my colleague Mark Kriski….but I know also know for a fact that I wrote it.
Posted by Sam Rubin | Permalink | Comments (36) | TrackBack (0)
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I enjoyed your blog, Sam. But Rory is your middle child?? I thought she was your youngest child...Peri being the oldest. Wassup?
Posted by: Cubby | February 27, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Sam...
It's clear to me you wrote your blog yourself. As someone who regularly ghostwrites, I can tell you it's really difficult to write in the other person's voice. Mark's ghostwriter must be the worst (but most eloquent) ghostwriter in the world. Good for you for keeping your "voice" in your blog!
Brad
Posted by: Brad | February 28, 2008 at 07:02 AM
Always like your input on the entertainment stuff........and your family is always a fun thing to hear about too...........from a mother of 3, kids are a great part of our lives..........
Posted by: Patty | February 28, 2008 at 07:18 AM
Nice blog. I totally understand why spell check is so important. I don't know what I'd do without it (besides looking completely illiterate). But you still need to proof read your writing for other silly errors as two thoughts come out as one "i am will be...."? lol
Posted by: Danielle | February 28, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Always enjoy what you have to say. When you're on vacation or off for employer sanctioned "time off", I don't listen to the broadcast nearly as much. You're quite an intelligent man. Probably too smart to be reporting on the entertainment industry.
Love the 9am segment. Great guests. Also a plus when you can speak your mind and don't get canned for it.
Posted by: cissy | February 28, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Sam your one of my favorites I have been watching since the first show. although recently I must admit I am now watching channel 11, I don't know what is happening at your place but I followed Carlos. So what's up with you I also thought Rory was your #2 daughter, do you have three now? and where's the wedding ring? is that to personal, it's just that I feel like I know you guys and actually I did sit in front of you many years ago at a Rod Stwert concert so there you go, good luck with the blogy thing... Kathie
Posted by: Kathie | February 28, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Longer than Mark's, yet saying so little. Half the blog is about how amazed you are that you typed it with your fingers. The rest might as well have been your grocery list. You could use Mark's ghostwriter.
Posted by: Johnnie | February 28, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Dear Sam,
I love the KTLA Morning Show !! I watch it every morning BEFORE breakfast. I enjoy your laughter and light-heartedness. You guys have TOO much fun sometimes !! :-)
I read your blog, read the comments but nobody seemed to help you with your watch battery problem... :-( ! I bought an Eco-Drive watch from Citizen and they run off sunlight, lamp light or any ambient light. I had my other watch in the drawer for months and the battery was in need of charge. I placed it on my dresser for the length of my shower, which isn't that long and it recharged in time for my day out. No battery replacements needed buddy :-) !!!!!
Keep up the wonderful work, laughter and remember to keep smiling.... it makes people wonder what you've been up to... LOL :-) !!!
Paul Nelsen
Posted by: Paul Nelsen | February 28, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Sam, obviously your shortcomings and inadequacies led you to title your blog as you did. English classes teach us to be short and concise when writing. Your rambling blog was boring and unpleasant to read....much like watching you on the morning show.
Posted by: Alex | February 28, 2008 at 08:29 AM
First of all, I think you are the best on television news! We love you! Frank...you gave Michaela a shop vac for CHRISTMAS???? Who does that? Side comment...we miss Carlos and Jennifer York!
Posted by: Diane Thomas | February 28, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Sam...two words...PROOF READ! The only other comment is When the heck did you have a third daughter??? "Your MIDDLE daughter"????
Posted by: Dan | February 28, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Sam-your blog doesn't need to be longer than Mark's or anyone else's. It's too 'wordy'..like a long song that goes on forever.
Just let your humor out-I'm sure you've got tons of humorous stories to tell!
Posted by: Terri | February 28, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Good Mornin' Sam,
I TOTALLY enjoyed your blog today! A little about work, a little about life. Who cares if the T's aren't crossed or the I's aren't dotted. It's about sharing who you are and how life is treating you! Isn't that what a blog is for? Thanks for just being the down to earth person that we all know and love. Now as for Mark..ask him for me, if he wrote that blog entry that HIS NAME is on, what was the point. What about him were we suppose to learn about him?
Posted by: Bonnie | February 28, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Sam,
Great blog, but, and here goes the but...a bit too long! It's not a thesis paper. And yes, I could tell you wrote it yourself! Can't wait till your next one.
Posted by: Jill | February 28, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Sam you have a great life, please check out my original rock band "House of Mercury" on myspace..Working class and a little older, but we never gave up on our dreams..taking care of our families and playing at night...i hope you enjoy the music..Wolf
Posted by: William Wolf | February 28, 2008 at 10:10 AM
T Ihink all your Blogs are great Sam does sound like himself and In this day and age I appauld a man who takes time to be with his daughters . Mark you I remember from your first EartQuake and not knowing what or who to Grab first your wife or your baby . we have come a long way since then and learned a lot .I do not Blog people but I could not pass this by Julie
Posted by: none | February 28, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Sam, the Morning Show can really do without "heavy-set
guy" trying to interpret the
day's entertainment news in the newsroom. AAAANNNOYING!
Posted by: Marie | February 28, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Hey Sam... come on now, we've been friends now for the 16 years with the morning show and have followed everyone that have come and gone and you have kept us all informed. But you my friend you have been verrrry quite about your "third daughter" and of course Julie! I realize talking about everyone else is easier than discussing your own situation, but really, it would be nice to keep up with ALL of you! We care. Fill us in on your next blog, or on air. Just let us know!
Lou
Posted by: Lou | February 28, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Yeah having been with the Morning News since day one I too was quick to pick up on Rory being the "middle daughter."
But you are all right to bust Mark on having someone ghostwrite his blog - its not the purpose of a blog. Blogs are by their very definition personal online expressions and if you can't express things for yourself then stick to reading weather script where you don't have to think and skip the blogging.
Posted by: Diane | February 28, 2008 at 01:26 PM
You guys are hilarious. I've been watching you for over a decade and I cannot see myself switching that channel. You guys are real, not like others on the other channel pretending to be celebrities. You have educated opinions that sometimes makes us laugh without Britney Spears being the center of the discussion. Thank you for your honesty and professionalism. See ya tomorrow morning.
Posted by: Maricela | February 28, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Sam,
I've watched you guys since almost the beginning. It wasn't always the case, but you've become my favorite of the AM news crew. I think because I love your laugh.
Your writing does need to be more concise, although I sense that you'd rather not write a blog at all. How were your grades in college when you had to write papers, etc.? Did you just dribble on and on so you could make the assigned work count?
Hoping better from you next time. And remember, most of us are intelligent, so you don't have to gear it to a 9-year-old!
Posted by: Pat | February 28, 2008 at 04:40 PM
The older you get, the more you value time.
Posted by: Susan | February 28, 2008 at 07:03 PM
What the hell is Mike doing above with all of those URL links.... that's crazy! Some of those links look suspect.
Posted by: Charlene | February 29, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Hey, Sam. Now that you got my email, you're not going to start sending me a bunch of junk now, are you? I don't care if they are cool and unauthorized. Maybe you better just unsubscribe me right now.
Posted by: Ted Taylor | February 29, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Hey Sam--
I just read your latest blog. Rory is your "middle" daughter? What did I miss? And, I think the viewer yesterday morning was referring to Julie. What did happen there? I know I'm nosey, but I've been watching for a long time and have gotten to think of you guys as family, almost. Also, I've put this is other e-mails I've sent, but I've never received a reply, that I think you are unnecessarily picked on by your fellow anchors. Of course, they know you much better than I do! And it's not so much you need a spell checker, it's a Grammatik or something like it. However, none of the software packages are better than just reading it over and over before sending it. Just like I'm not going to do now!
Posted by: Judy Avery | February 29, 2008 at 04:34 PM