Jaime Fettrow's Blog

2008 Cindy Rowe Auto Glass Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek

jaimefettrow — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:32:00 GMT

SPEEDWEEK SCHEDULE:

June 28: Lincoln Speedway

June 29: Bedford Speedway

July 1: Grandview Speedway

July 2: Hagerstown Speedway

July 3: Port Royal Speedway

July 4: Williams Grove Speedway

July 5: Port Royal Speedway

July 6: Selinsgrove Speedway

Upcoming Golf Outings to Help Great Causes!

jaimefettrow — Sun, 25 May 2008 17:50:00 GMT

Brite 3 Memorial Golf Outing

Dates
May 30
General Information
Time	8:30 and 1:30
Location	mayapple golf links
Phone Number	717-329-4597
Ticket Phone Number	717-761-1261
Website	http://www.brite3.com
Categories
No Categories
Description / Comments

12^th Annual “Brite 3” Golf Outing, current and former PSU football players appearing, Friday, May 30th Mayapple Golf Links, 4 person scramble. Fee $90 per person includes door prizes, lunch, dinner and contest holes. 2 flights: 8am & 1:30pm shotgun starts. Proceeds benefit The Matthew D. Brightbill Memorial Scholarship at the American Cancer Society; questions contact Rick Wagner 717-761-1261 or Matt Rutter at 717-512-7837 or visit www.brite3.com

2nd Annual Rick Gilliam Golf Tournament

Dates
June 7
General Information
Time	8:00 am
Location	Eagles Crossing Golf Course 501 Condoguinet Avenue Carlisle, PA 17015
Phone Number	717-776-6297 or 484-486-3938
Ticket Cost	$280 per team
Ticket Phone Number	717-776-6297 or 484-486-3938

2^nd Annual Rick Gilliam Memorial Golf Tournament

Saturday June 7. 2008 @ Eagles Crossing Golf Course near Carlisle

Proceeds from this event will go to the Rick Gilliam memorial scholarship fund

TOURNAMENT WILL BE A FOUR-MAN SCRAMBLE FORMAT

PRIZES AWARDED TO THE 1^ST 2^ND & 3^RD PLACE TEAMS

CONTEST PRIZES ON ALL 18 HOLES

STEAK DINNER & DOOR PRIZE RAFFLE

SPORTS MEMORABILIA SILENT AUCTION

*8:00 AM SHOTGUN START SATURDAY JUNE 7, 2008

EAGLES CROSSING GOLF COURSE

CARLISLE, PA 17015

*In the event that we have more than 36 teams register for the event, an afternoon session will be scheduled with a 1:00 pm shotgun start with a second steak dinner to follow the conclusion of the afternoon session

COST IS $280 PER TEAM

PRICE INCLUDES GOLF, CART& STEAK DINNER

BEVERAGE CART WILL BE AVAILABLE DURING TOURNAMENT

Enough Already!

jaimefettrow — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:39:00 GMT

I thought I was done reading about Penn State football players in trouble with the law. I've done interview after interview in the post-season with players saying the off-the-field issues plaguing this program for the past couple of years are over.

Apparently not!

The latest boggles my mind! Chris Bell threatening a TEAMMATE with a knife at Pollock Commons. What! That's where I enjoyed what I still consider the best Sunday brunch ever. Granted the football players eat in a special room, but nonetheless, the only time a knife should be used is to cut the yummy french toast! How disheartening! Chris obviously booted off the team with no possibility of a return. Sad, really. It's a teammate, for Pete's Sake. What was the point? He wanted to confront another player who believed Bell stole his cell phone case? Oh my. P.S.-- He's no longer behind bars! Not that I feel he's a threat to the team but he did say (according to the police report), he had a gun with him. I'm assuming in his dorm room? You see in a couple minutes, he ruined what could have been the opportunity of a lifetime: a free education and the chance to showcase his athletic ability to maybe one day play at the next level. Now, he'll be lucky if anyone will take another chance on him. Life is about choices and he made a really bad choice.

I'm not sure really why the problems persist. I don't think it has anything to do with the coaches, in particular Joe Paterno. You can do only so much. You can't change a person. Only he or she can change himself or herself. And don't say Paterno can't relate to the problems or issues of kids these days! Right and wrong -- have not changed. Technology, maybe, but not morals. There will always be problems when you get a hundred 20-somethings together, but come on... use that fight and fire against Michigan, not on your teammates and other students.

At any rate, it was last year around this time a bunch of players got in trouble after an off-campus fight. The Blue-White Game could get interesting! Hopefully, there will be enough players to scrimmage. The Nittany Lions may have to recruit from the crowd.

I'm Addicted...

jaimefettrow — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 20:54:00 GMT

So... I have a confession: I don't want much TV (besides sporting events).

Though, I have caught a couple of episodes of that show looking for a top singer (no need to promote another network).

But that's not what has me glued to my TV nearly every night. My parents watch it and now have me watching it -- HGTV. There, I said it. I mean I love every show. It doesn't matter the time, I have it on.

Deserving Design typically leaves me tearing up. Designed to Sell gives me all kinds of ideas. Divine Design -- ah, love it. Spice Up My Kitchen -- again another great one. My First Place also interesting, but my favorite -- House Hunters. I love to make predictions on which house they'll pick! And I absolutely love the computer designs for upgrade ideas.

Seriously, I think I have a problem. Actually, I do have a problem -- I need a bigger house so I can execute all the ideas I now have.

Anyone else find themselves glued to this network?

A Striking Difference

jaimefettrow — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 01:40:00 GMT

watch the story here

As a reporter, I get the opportunity to meet a lot of people. It's what I like most about my job. Some people, I instantly like! Others, I, well, don't think too highly of after a conversation. And then there are those who leave a lasting impression.

On Sunday, we aired a story on a blind bowling league. Having bowled competitively as a youngster (not trying to brag), I have an appreciation for those who head to bowling alleys on a regular basis. *I've been told to call it a bowling center... apparently, alleys is old school. Anyway, this league of bowlers was incredible... incredible!

Some of them are completely blind while others are partially blind. But each Saturday for a couple months of the year, they bowl at Red Crown Bowling Center in Harrisburg. I didn't know what to expect going into the story -- but was left dumbfounded. They can hear success.

I even tried it myself. I blindfolded myself and tried bowling! I'll tell you the hardest part: staying upright. I thought I was going to fall over. The balance -- impossible. I managed to knock a couple pins over, but that was about it.

I'm just so glad there are opportunities available for the blind. To their admission, they look forward to getting out and socializing. And I'm so glad I got the opportunity to meet them. I will never forget that story. It was a sight to remember. Too see for yourself, you can click on the icon at the top of the story.

Club Fido Rocks!

jaimefettrow — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:05:00 GMT

By no means is this a commercial... just a big old high five!

So Nittany is about 8 months old now. Can you believe it? She's getting so big and grown up... and talkative!

Anyway, my good friend in Charlotte sends her dog to doggy day care. I poo-poo'ed the idea at first... until well, I tried it.

I found this great place in Palmyra -- Club Fido -- where I can send Nittany once a week. And boy does she have a great time. She's made a great friend, Chief... I think things are progressing well and maybe soon they will be boyfriend/girlfriend. Just kidding! She loves running with the big dogs, that's for sure. She goes from 7:30 AM until 6 PM. The best part, besides the fact that she has fun and I can run errands, is that she is pooped when I pick her up.

And that means: she sleeps past 7 AM on Wednesday morning. SUCCESS!

You know it's wonderful...

Lesson learned: Don't knock it until you try it!

NO SOUP FOR YOU!

jaimefettrow — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:40:00 GMT

The following article made me laugh out loud:

From Newsday.com:

Eli Manning enjoys "Seinfeld" reruns. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Many NFL players have far worse vices. But Jay Zollar, general manager of WLUK, a Fox affiliate in Green Bay, this week made it clear that he, not the Giants quarterback, is the master of that domain.
On a video on the station's Web site, Zollar points at the camera and says, "Eli, no 'Seinfeld' for you!" Yup, the station has pulled its regularly scheduled 5:30 p.m. Saturday "Seinfeld" rerun in an attempt to disrupt Manning's preparation for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Packers.
"We don't want to give any comfort to the enemy whatsoever when they come into town," Zollar says. "We know laughter is good medicine, and we decided we're not going to give that to him."
To which any self-respecting Giants fan would say, "Yada, yada, yada." Evidently Packers fans believe it's not enough that this year's players already have proven they're real, and they're spectacular. The station is conducting an online vote to choose a replacement program.

******************

The article really made me think -- does anyone really believe in superstitions? Well, of course I do. For example, I fly frequently... and I try to reserve a seat on the right side of the plane. I also do something else, but I'm too superstitious to say. Sorry I don't need anything to go wrong while flying. It's not bad -- it's just something I do before takeoff.

I was superstitious in high school too. We won the state championship in high school -- for basketball. And I insisted on wearing the same pair of underwear in the playoffs. *I do believe in laundry, don't worry, and my good luck charm was washed after each game. Hey, it worked. We won at the buzzer.

So anyone else out there have any superstitions or rituals they wish to share? Do tell...

An Alamo Exit!

jaimefettrow — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 16:46:00 GMT

I was going to blog last night but figured I wouldn't have been able to put two thoughts together that would have make sense.... it would have looked something like this.... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Our day yesterday started around 9:30 AM. I know, it's pretty late, actually. Justin and I edited a couple pieces of video for the 6 PM newscast. The Shippensburg High School Band was here and we decided we wanted to find them -- we did! And of course, we had to shoot the Penn State Alumni Pep Rally (no yell-leaders here). So before kickoff, we had already done 2 liveshots for the 6 PM newscast and shot a ton of video. We ate something for the first time all day around 7 PM and then it was time for kickoff.

Justin worked his magic as he typically does, shooting great highlights. I was sitting in the press box taking detailed notes. Man, that first quarter was rough, huh? Penn State came out flat. It was a much better 2nd quarter and second half. I thought the defensive line played very, very well. How about Deon Butler's catch? Terrific! And Daryll Clark added a new wrinkle at QB... we will be seeing a lot of him next season. I'll tell you a secret (or just an inner thought). This kid is going to be good. His post-game interview was very polished. He's been working on it, you can tell. But that's a good thing. He speaks with a lot of heart and passion. It was very Michael Robinson-like. Very refreshing. I'm sure he is going to take his lumps and bumps, but I think he's going to be a dandy.

So when the game ended, my night went into full swing. I had to interview a ton of people and write stories for our Sunday morning newscast. By the time we left the dome, it was 1:45 AM, central time. And still our night was not done. 3 1/2 hours later we had to drive to the CBS station here and feed back in time for our morning show. Finally, after all that I could sleep about 4 hours. That's what I'm working off of now. 4 hours of sleep.

Our flight leaves San Antonio at 2:25 PM. And good news -- it's a much bigger plane! Yipppeeee. I was just researching the weather in Harrisburg -- and we could be flying back in snow. Great! You know what -- after a long couple of days, I'm ready to return, even if it is cold.

Adios Alamo!

Game Day!

jaimefettrow — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:39:00 GMT

Finally, it's arrived -- GAME DAY! It's funny but by the time a bowl game arrives, I'm usually exhausted. The events leading up to a game are always the most challenging. We are usually racing around, editing, writing, and lugging around lots of heavy equipment.

But once the ball is kicked off tonight, for the next 3 hours I sit for the most part. My job is to really focus on the game. To be honest, I prefer to stand on the sidelines. I do that at Beaver Stadium. Press boxes are not for me. I like to "feel" the game, feel momentum switches and get a feel for crowd noise. Sitting high up in typically non-air conditioned rooms makes me feel like a zoo animal.

Speaking of feeling like a zoo animal on display, man I felt it yesterday. Justin and I headed for the Alamo to do some shooting. I don't think anyone there had ever seen a television crew. I was photographed, signed autographs (funny, huh?) and glared at (a lot). People somewhat invaded my space, in fact. Definitely different. At least it made for a couple good laughs! It made me think of a conversation I just had with Myranda. We were laughing that in the movies, tv crews are always live at a scene with only a camera. I feel like some of the people thought I was live. Nope!

OK, well it's time to get back to work. I have a bunch a stories to write before heading over to the Alamodome. I've covered 2 bowl games (Orange and Outback) for WHP-TV. Both Penn State wins! We'll see if that trend continues tonight at 8 PM EST.

A Dead Joke...

jaimefettrow — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 07:37:00 GMT

There are some things in life you just don't joke about. I remember 7 years ago in my Christmas newsletter (yep, I'm one of those), I mentioned I was reporting on health issues. Back story: I was a news reporter to start my career. In the letter, I poked fun of doing stories on ear wax removal. And my mom brought up a valid point: who knows if someone in my family has a real problem with ear wax and may be offended. I deleted that line from the letter and moved on. The point: I found it funny but well, not everyone might.

And that's true in life. For example, my boyfriend is a die-hard Simpsons fan. I have to admit, I slept in the 2nd row of the movie on opening night. I don't find the humor funny at all. Same with South Park. And that's fine -- plenty of people love and that's great. In fact, I know I'm in the minority. I prefer reading a magazine in silence!

But then there are things that everyone can agree are not funny at all. Thursday's comment at the Alamo Bowl Pep Rally may be one of them. Joking about someone dying who is a) at the pep rally and b) 81 years old. NOT FUNNY. Retirement is one thing, death -- completely different.

Let me preface this my saying I was 30,000 feet up when the comment was made and no mention of it was quoted in today's newspaper here in San Antonio, but it was the very first topic of conversation at this morning's press conference.

JoePa blew it off, saying maybe the A&M cheerleader was right. But that has to hurt! Let's face it, we're all scared of dying -- hence, why I hate flying! And I'll tell you who it hurt most: Sue Paterno. Apparently, she was very unhappy and rightfully so. Can you imagine someone taking the stage and saying your spouse in on his/her death bed? Not appropriate.

In an age where everything we say is scrutinized, this time, it's easy. The line was crossed. If you're a Nittany Lion fan, you can only hope the team heard the quote and uses it as motiviation. That cheerleader can now watch the game from the comforts of his own home as Joe Paterno runs out onto the field. I still watch in amazement each time I see him trot out of the tunnel. I can only hope I'm as active when I'm 81. Retirement, nah... he has a lot more coaching to do! I'm dead serious -- no joke!

Everything is big in Texas... except the planes!

jaimefettrow — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 06:32:00 GMT

Made it! We are in San Antonio. It's 1 AM EST and I'm pooped! I hope I can say that on a blog. Traveling wears you out. And we were duped today... or maybe we just got a raw deal.

So when we arrived at HIA (remember, MDT if making reservations), we had to switch our flights because of weight restrictions. I know, I ate a lot of Christmas cookies. Just kidding. I really don't know how planes get off the ground without luggage. Instead of flying from Harrisburg to Atlanta to San Antonio, we had to fly to Cincinnati and then to San Antonio. The problem: both planes were puddle-jumpers. Now, I don't mind being cramped the first leg. But the second leg of the trip was 3 HOURS. Small planes are for puddles, not ponds. Oh, the flight dragged. The last 10 minutes were so bumpy too. Arghh... or barf! The Atlanta plane was a biggie, you know one where you aren't touching the women in the window seat across the aisle. Who engineers the seats on planes anyway? I'd like him/her to meet my legs... I'm 6-feet tall and flying is painful.

Needless to say, I'm relieved to be sitting here in my hotel room writing. I'm on the ground. A big day is in store tomorrow. An "a" game is necessary! To bed I go to study up!

The Terminal!

jaimefettrow — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:11:00 GMT

Ah, the day has finally arrived. The day to leave for San Antonio. I have to admit in some ways it will be nice to leave the Christmas cookies and leftover ham behind and head to Texas to cover the Alamo Bowl. In the last 3 days, I've consumed more sodium and sugar than I am proud of. Oh well.. I'll be working it off in Texas.

So, we are waiting in the terminal of HIA (or MDT if you are making a reservation). We went through security and because we are media (I'm assuming) we were scrutinized even more. I don't mind, really. Everyone was extra friendly. Carrying our equipment is not fun -- very, very heavy!

So now, we wait... I'm bad at waiting. That, and I hate flying. This is will be my third trip involving air travel in 3 weeks. I know flying is safe but I'm not convinced of it 30,000 feet up. My photographer Justin loves to fly, especially on the small planes. He says he likes to "feel" flying. Are you kidding me? The only part of the flight I enjoy is when I "feel" the wheels touch down and I'm at my final destination.

Tomorrow will be a busy day -- bowl games always are! Lots of work, little sleep and no breaks. But hey, that's what it's all about. So here's to safe travels!

I'll be in touch! Here we come San Antonio!

Leaving Behind Nittany!

jaimefettrow — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 05:44:00 GMT

So it's Saturday morning -- 1 AM -- and I'm up blogging. I can't sleep. I have to get up in 2 hours anyway to catch a flight to see my roommate from college and her husband. The problem: I had to leave behind my baby. No, not my boyfriend -- he's coming. But my baby: Nittany.

My life has really changed since August 19th. For one, I no longer sleep in. 8 AM is norm. * That's going to bed at 2 AM, mind you. My schedule really revolves around Nittany and well, her movements (if you know what I mean). I can no longer run errands all day, etc. or take day trips to visit friends without planning ahead. But you know what, I would have it no other way. Nittany is the BEST. Despite her ability to grab tissues from who knows where and eat them in 3.4 seconds or her need to put teeth marks in my favorite pair of shoes, she always give you that cute look and greets you with a bunch of kisses. Nittany is a lover... she will sit on your lap for hours. Belly rubs are her favorite. In fact, she'll get in position and pretty much demand them. One of my favorite parts of the day is when after a long day at work, I come home, open up the crate door and am greeted by this little creature that just wants to play and jump and lick you. She loves me no matter what I say or what I do. It's unconditional.

Here's the problem. I'm leaving her behind on this trip. I'm not sure she's up for a 5-hour plane trip. And the people we are visiting just got a dog too... so not a great idea to bring ours. Fortunately, I left her with the photographer I shoot with on a regular basis. I'm not sure he's going to talk to me after this arrangement. I typed up a one-page list of Nittany's routine/schedule/quirks, etc. That went over well -- NOT. He has a dog so hopefully Nittany will make a friend. Truthfully, if the sports video is a little shaky or blue in the coming days, please understand. He's probably sleep deprived. He's already said I can't call to check in -- he knows I'm a worry wart. In fact, I'm worried as I type this. What if she cries all night, what if she stops eating, what if she has an accident on their carpet? I provided them with some over-21 beverages to help get them through. I'm beginning to think I need some to get through myself.

I'm really going to miss her. I actually cried a little tonight. I'm leaving my baby behind. I know, barf. But she's my little gift. She's taught me a lot in the past almost 4 months... patience, mostly. That and if it's important to me, it needs to be up high -- i.e. -- bills on countertops, shoes in closed closets. In fact, I don't think I'm so uptight about a clean house. Trust me, I'd love an ultra clean house, but if I have to step over a toy or two, that's OK too.

What makes me most sad about leaving her for 4 days-- is I can't tell her we'll be back. She doesn't understand. I don't want her to be scared or sad. I promise, Nitt-ners (one of her million nicknames), I'll be back. And you can eat cookies all night long (her treat are her cookies). And if you see a minature schnauzer near the station, it's probably her -- just make sure she's on a leash.

Dogs truly can be a man's (or woman's) best friend.

Harrisburg Fan Bus!

jaimefettrow — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:19:00 GMT

If you're a Harrisburg High football fan and want to watch the Cougars take on Central Catholic -- you're in luck.

Harrisburg High is chartering a couple "fan buses" for people to get to Altoona.

Details:

$31 (includes the bus ride AND ticket in to get in the game)

The bus leaves at 9:30 AM on Saturday

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 703-4307

A Bad Haircut!

jaimefettrow — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 04:02:00 GMT

So we can all recall a time when we've left a salon and well, haven't felt too good about ourselves. I remember about 7 years ago, I hated a haircut, but managed to make it to my car before letting the tears fly.

This week... I got my hair cut... I love it. That's not the issue. My 5-month puppy... who's cuter than ever needed a trim. Actually, she really needed an all-over haircut. Nittany was becoming a fur ball. As parents, my boyfriend and I found it cute. But I don't think anyone else did. It's like the parent who allows his or her child to dress himself. Everyone else is appalled except for the parent. We thought Nittany's long locks were endearing. Finally, as we buying dog food for her with her in tow, the owner concluded our conversation with a slight hint: "you know we have groomers here, right?"

So we made an appointment with another shop (just for convenience purposes). I made sure I was very specific. Short, but not too short... She's a schnauzer... but we don't particularly care for the beard... because she's a lady. Just a trim!

I went to pick her up. And I was speechless. My little bundle of fur looked like.... looked like this...

a meerkat.... mixed with...

ostrich...

Literally...

I wanted to cry. I just kept saying her name to make sure she was mine. I got in the car and immediately called my boyfriend, really unsure what to do. Can I buy her a wig? My biggest complaint was her face... she looked hairless. She literally looked pathetic. I drove by work to show him. He assured me his dog growing up always looked a little different after a grooming but he wasn't prepared for this. He opened my car door and literally could not stop laughing. Laughing, laughing, laughing. He was laughing "with her."

We got home and I'm not making this up... she held it 4 1/2 hours outside her crate, which is record breaking. I think she was too embarrassed to go out with a little sunlight. She didn't want the other dogs on the street to see her! OK, I'm a little ridiculous now.

Two days have passed since the happy scissors experience. We've grown used to the "do"... I guess. And thank goodness, it's just hair. And in her case -- it grows.

So I guess I'm looking for a new groomer... anyone have any suggestions on where to take Miss Nittany or do you have other hair horror stories you want to share...

****UPDATED****

SO THIS IS BEFORE THE TRIM:

Notice the long locks! Adorable, huh?

This is her after....

I know you are thinking, it's not that bad... but pictures don't do her justice! It was BAD. She had no hair on her chin... a total cat!

Fortunately, her hair growing and well, she so dang cute! I keep telling myself that as she bites me. Ouch, puppy teeth really hurt.

Enjoy!