Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2014: A Year in Review

Well, we can put another year in the books. 2014 is in the rearview, but before we look ahead to 2015, I just want to take a moment to recap some of the highlights over the past 12 months.

I am approaching my two-year anniversary at The Weather Network (February 1)and this past year has been even better than the first. In addition to working in studio covering every type of weather this great country has to offer, I took on the role of field reporter as well.

Field reporting has taken me all over Southern Ontario and Quebec reporting on not just the weather, but weather-related topics and some news stories as well. Last January I was in Windsor braving a -40 wind chill and, last month, I was in Montreal for four days reporting in a big snowstorm.

The snowstorm in Montreal took place at the same time as the great Jean Beliveau's funeral. Here is a short clip I filmed before the service.

 
In addition to live coverage of active weather, I've also put together feature stories on a variety of topics (for examples, check out the Video Links tab). In terms of news stories, I covered Corporal Nathan Cirillo's funeral procession in Hamilton and the Remembrance Day ceremonies from our nation's capital.
 
And I was hired by CrossFit Media on a freelance basis back in May to be the sideline reporter for their Canada West regional competition in Vancouver. To see weather, sports, and news clips from 2014, check out the Demo Reels tab.
 
What's in store for 2015?
 
Well, details are not finalized, but it appears as though I may be doing some travelling across the country in January for The Weather Network. I will have more information about this in the coming weeks, but after I'm finished the trip, I will have, in my life thus far, visited every province but Newfoundland.
 
Also, I am expecting to work on a freelance basis once again for CrossFit Media at their regional competition in Seattle at the end of May.
 
And 2015 will have a renewed focus on my part on my writing projects. I have one novel published, with two others that I am currently shopping to literary agents and publishers. I also have a film script I am working to get optioned.
 
Thanks for reading over the past year, hopefully a lot more good news to share over the NEXT 12 months!


Monday, December 1, 2014

December Update - Do They Know It's Christmas?

It's December which means I am fully embracing the Christmas spirit. I have my car radio on a non-stop Christmas music station (my favourite Christmas song is included in the title) and I've started watching all of the traditional Christmas movies as well (my two favourite Christmas movies are It's A Wonderful Life and Christmas Vacation).

And if you're looking for a last-minute gift for someone, I am selling copies of my novel, 60'6": Balls, Strikes, and Baseball Mortality for half price on this website. Click here to read the first three chapters and to purchase a copy.

I travelled to Ottawa in November for the Remembrance Day ceremonies from our Nation's Capital and, while in Ottawa, I put together a story on military operations and weather at the National Defence Headquarters.


Also in November, I reported on the first snowfall of the season for Southern Ontario. That led to my inclusion in a full-page article in The Toronto Star.

Here's a look at my December schedule. Of course, depending on what area of the country you live in, you may not be able to see me at these times as TWN runs five different feeds: British Columbia, Alberta, GTA, Atlantic and National (all times are ET).

December 1 and 2 - 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

December 6 - 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

December 8 and 9 - 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

December 13 - 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

December 15 and 16 - 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

December 22 and 23 - 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

December 29 and 30 - 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas!