Find out what The 33 News Team is really thinking
Oct
1
5:20PM | October 1, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
McKinney Grades
The days of at least getting a 50 are over..lol. I had to laugh when I did this story. I mean it does sound ridiculous but the 50 minimum rule probably helped out a lot of a of students. The actually was passed in June...The Texas Education Agency gave school districts across the state a period to come in compliance.
6:55PM | October 1, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
McKinney Grades
I talked with a number of districts today...Richardson, Irving, Plano, etc., most were familiar with the new rule and admitted that they used to have or at least considered the rule before.
I do understand not wanting students to be discouraged. Each time I do education stories in Collin county I always find out that the majority of students there perform really well in school.
I do understand not wanting students to be discouraged. Each time I do education stories in Collin county I always find out that the majority of students there perform really well in school.
Oct
2
2:52PM | October 2, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Gay Divorce
Once again this latest case has made gay marriage and divorce a hot button issue. I visited the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas today. I was surprised to learn that its the largest gay/lesbian church in the U.S. Rev. Piazza says it been around for forty years. In that time he says he has performed thousands of marriages, both gay and straight. He of course feels very passionately about this latest gay divorce. He feels that this struggle is similar to the civil rights period.
2:56PM | October 2, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Gay Divorce
I also interviewed the attorney representing the gay couple. He tells me the he was approached by a man named J.B. last year. J.B. wanted to dissolve his marriage of 12 years. The lawyer, Peter Schulte, would not give the names of either of the gentlemen, but he would tell me that they are both in the their forties. Schulte says this situation is all about divorce, not marriage. If all goes well, the couple should have a final divorce in two weeks. The state, of course, has the right to appeal the decision.
Oct
3
9:59PM | October 3, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
State Fair Classic
As I always I had a great time at the game this year. It actually started decades ago in a game between the Wiley Wildcats and the Langston Lions. The game now features Grambling and PV. I grew watching both bands. Gramblings band has always been near to my heart. One year I watched the entire band march on the field and everyone had on tux's.
10:04PM | October 3, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 2
State Fair Classic
Its looks like PV will be the winners of this years game...they led the entire game. I enjoy attending HBC games because there are some good memories there for me. My family always had a tradition of going to the Circle City Classic every year in Indianapolis. We haven't doing it in years, but those are still some good memories.
Oct
4
7:49PM | October 4, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Packages For Troops
I got invited out to this troop packing party, it was really nice. There were so many letters and pictures from soldiers. The soldiers request coffee a lot according to the volunteers. They say they have to stay awake at night sometimes so the coffee comes in helpful. They also seem to love beef jerky. The soldier I spoke with says you can't just run down to Walmart over there. They have exchange stores but the selection is not so great.
Oct
7
6:53PM | October 7, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
New Bridge
I had the chance to talk with a few residents. The major arguments against the bridge were the price and eminent domain.The view is spectacular out at the lake with some very impressive wild life. Many of the residents moved out there to escape the loudness of the city, I can understand why they are upset.
6:55PM | October 7, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
New Bridge
I don't think I've ever seen a project like this move forward without significant resistance. The people at the engineering office seemed to be very used to this type of thing. To a certain extent I think many residence simply fall on deaf ears. You will always have someone who does not want things to change. Many of the laws are on the side of the government...if they really need the land, they will get it.
Oct
8
9:58PM | October 8, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Plano School Boundaries
What a hot button issue. I can understand parents being upset about this. I think its natural to only want the best for your child's education. Personally when I grew up I lived closer to one high school, but the district sent us to another one. My parents never questioned it...it was weird, but they didn't. I guess sometimes I think parents get a little too excited about things like these. I mean, if you care that much why don't you just put your kid in private school.
10:01PM | October 8, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Plano School Boundaries
So, as I'm listening to all these parents I was thinking to myself....Plano usually has the some of the highest gpa's in the state. Its a fact. I think some of these parents need to look at districts that really have under performing schools. They have a lot to be thankful for in Plano. They are all good clean high schools. I have not heard about any shootings at any of the campuses. Sometimes we all just need a bit of reality.
Oct
9
1:46PM | October 9, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Train Derailment
It was my first time traveling to Cleburne today...it was lot farther than I had thought it would be. My first view of the accident was from a bridge near downtown. The view was quite spectacular. Train derailments are always so amazing to me because tons of metal is left twisted and bent as if it were just a child's toy. In this case its a good thing that no one got hurt. Now comes clean up...that will take at least 24 hours.
1:49PM | October 9, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Train Derailment
I just got an update from Charlie Hodges, he handles PR for the city of Cleburne. He says according to information given by the city manager initial indications are track problems are a cause for derailment. The only responsibility the city has in this accident is to make sure the appropriate streets are shutdown. Burlington-Northern Santa Fe is based in Fort Worth. The train was actually traveling from Wyoming to Houston carrying 4500 tons of coal. No injuries and the coal can still be used. According to the city and the railroad company there is no health risk for nearby residents.
Oct
10
9:52PM | October 10, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
State Fair Sales
I had another great night at the fair. Tonight I actually stuffed my face with just about everything...pork chop on stick, nachos with the works, and cotton candy. Not a good combo by the way, lol. Me and my photographer went around to a lot of rides tonight and it was really fun. A lot of people will be at the fair on Monday to see Oprah and I might stop in myself.
9:57PM | October 10, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
State Fair Sales
Sales are down right now but I think they can still rebound. There is the Oprah factor on Monday and don't forget about the big Texas/OU weekend. Promoters say this is the biggest weekend for revenue. Rain or shine I think the money will still trickle in. I must say I am very impressed by the entire state fair. Its promoted really well and people really do come from all over to attend. Tonight I met a woman who is from Paris...it was her first fair.
Oct
11
9:35PM | October 11, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
There were hundreds of runners at the Lifewalk today. I talked with a few participants and most seemed to think that Obama had made empty promises to get their votes. I asked if they thought he had larger issues to deal with like two wars and healthcare. They admitted those are huge issued but they still expected him to make good on his promises.
9:38PM | October 11, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Many of the runners seemed to be really concerned with gay marriage. Many said it was the most important issue facing the gay community. With that said, I couldn't help but remember that Obama has really been quite frank about his stance on the issue. He has gone on the record saying he defines marriage as a woman and man. The president has said he would consider civil unions for same sex marriages.
Oct
14
1:08PM | October 14, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
SWAT Teams
This was the second time I've covered a SWAT event here. This one was different than the last. This one was all about handling an emergency situation. This time they used a mock bank robbery. You could see snipers all around the stadium with guns and it was very realistic. The event is funded by Homeland Security.The main goal of this event was to teach agencies how to work closely with each other.
1:16PM | October 14, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
SWAT Teams
Its important for agencies to learn to work together because if there's an event big enough they would all be called. Homeland Security hold these practice sessions because there have mistakes in the past. The SWAT members carried weapons but they were not loaded. Each city brought their command centers also. Frisco had the most elaborate one which costs 1.5 million dollars.
Oct
15
7:13PM | October 15, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Fire Ants and Rain
I managed to get through this story today with no ant bites..lol. At one point my tripod was swarming with ants...the pest control guy politely brushed them off..and I let him..lol. I don't do bug bites especially Fire ants. Those are some pretty painful bites. The entomologist I spoke with said some people are allergic to the venom and it one bite can mean death.
7:15PM | October 15, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Fire Ants and Rain
Fire ant bites are said to among the most painful for ants. According to the entomologist you usually get a red itchy bump with a white puss filled sack. Is it just me, I don't remember getting the white puss filled sack, but according to her, thats what you can expect.
I had no idea that the colonies can run so far underground (7feet). That is quite amazing. There is a whole other world under our feet.
I had no idea that the colonies can run so far underground (7feet). That is quite amazing. There is a whole other world under our feet.
Oct
16
3:40PM | October 16, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 1
H1N1 Recovery
Not all cases of the H1N1 flu end in a bad way. My story today was about 15 year old Jessica Samples. She is almost ready to dismissed from the hospital. I listened carefully as she described the symptoms she had. Doctors initially told her that she just had the regular flu and she didn't know any difference. That tells me that there are probably a lot of people out there that think they have seasonal flu, but actually have Swine flu. Scary stuff.
3:43PM | October 16, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
H1N1 Recovery
So, I actually took a seasonal flu shot about two weeks ago. It was the first time I had ever had one and I didn't get sick. My doctor also used the occasion to give me a booster shot. I basically reasoned that I did not want to get the flu twice this year, meaning seasonal and swine flu. Getting seasonal once is too much for me, I couldn't imagine getting sick twice. My doctor gave the inhaler and it was painless. I'll let you know how this flu season goes for me.
Oct
18
4:04PM | October 18, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Dart Overload
I had never been to a Texas/OU game before and wow was I in for a surprise. There were just so many people. I was not ready for the crowds that were on hand. It was great fun, but I can see very easily how DART officials could have underestimated their system. I think that many in the crowds were just really worked up and excited about the game. By the time they finally made it to the stadium I think they were okay despite some complaints.
4:07PM | October 18, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Dart Overload
I see now why the Texas/OU weekend is has the largest revenue of the fair. The fans spend some serious money. In previous years the game day has grossed about 2.8 million dollars alone. Fair coordinators are hoping to make at least that or more in food and ride tickets.
Oct
21
10:01PM | October 21, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Home Sinking
What a story this one was. Jim Grimes actually did this story the first time around. The neighborhood is so nice but the house is really on the edge of a cliff. I felt to bad for the family, they have invested so much. When we first arrived Patricia was cooking some kind if beef stew ( it smelled fabulous!!!) and there home looked so happy until we stepped into the backyard. The family says they built it from the ground up.
10:04PM | October 21, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Home Sinking
Since they had built from the ground up I wondered if they new what was causing it to sink now. They really have no idea...they had even heard that a sewer might be to blame. At the end of the day it will take at least 50,000 to fix..problem is who will pay. Insurance will not cover it and the city of Dallas has said they don't have money allotted for such repairs. We asked if the family feared for their safety and they said yes.
Oct
23
12:41PM | October 23, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Shot Shortage
The good news is that people are taking the flu serious this year. Usually each North Texas county orders enough seasonal flu vaccine to last through the end of the year. Well, this year the vaccines have already been used up. Each health department offers free shots to some customers, now they will need to purchase them from pharmacies or private doctors.
12:43PM | October 23, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Shot Shortage
Seasonal flu shots are usually offered in both a nasal form and an injectable version. I am told the shot is for patients that may not have underlying health problems. The nasal mist can be used for other people with no problems. For instance, this year I got the nasal mist. I have no health problems like asthma, etc. I didn't get sick as I thought I would have either.
Oct
24
7:05PM | October 24, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Woodall Rodgers Shutdown
I've only been a Dallas for one year now and I had no idea this project was in the works. I use the freeway several times and week and honestly I can't quite picture downtown without it. But, when I saw the animation of what it will look like, I was impressed. It really does remind me of Central park or something. I think it will create quite a nice feel for the area. Downtown Dallas is not as congested as other major cities and I like that about it.
7:07PM | October 24, 2009 | posted by Aaron Smith | comments: 0
Woodall Rodgers Shutdown
Of course, no major project will move forward without some opposition. Some downtown residents are not crazy about the change. I'm sure they will like the park when its completed but its getting there that is painful. Residents complained about construction sounds at night. Can you imagine...you pay a good chunk of change to live in a high rise over looking the city and at night your hearing crashing metal and cement. I'd be upset too. At least the weekend construction projects will end after next weekend, hopefully.
