Queenkv’s Brainpickings

Over the last few weeks, my schedule in the newsroom was a roller coaster ride of responsibilities.

Last weekend, I tracked grass fires and fireworks for the evening news shows. During the week, I produced slideshows and logged a news conference on a scary house explosion for the website. I suppose it all adds up to a typical week for the gal who produces shows and web content.

When I survive the work week, I hit the road in search of new flavors and comfort food. Thank God for my hubby and friends who enjoy eating and drinking.

Happy July 4th!
I’m heading back to the newsroom in a couple of hours. So, I celebrated Independence Day early at Raley Field.

It was so nice to watch the fireworks show at the ball park. Tonight, I’ll watch the other fireworks shows on a computer screen.

Happy Fourth of July!

Despite chilly weather, I enjoyed walking around Sacramento for Second Saturday. There were great deals from outdoor vendors (Check out the adorable Hello Kitty earrings that my hubby picked up for me!). Also, we browsed by some whimsical pieces by up-and-coming artists and rubbed shoulders with some outrageous characters.

Hey Facebook peeps! Check out the spiffy photo slideshow on my blog page.

Today – I slept in until 6:30 AM.
24 hours earlier – I was printing scripts for my director, swapping out stories for a live report at a deadly accident scene and writing teases for my 2-hour show.

Yesterday – I wrapped up my last day of work in Sacramento TV News. It’s the end of my contract and I decided to pass on my station’s offer to renew it for another 3 years. Bottom line – my hubby and I want to move to the Bay Area and start a family.

Finally. December.

I’m trying to keep track of all the amazing food we sampled over the past few months. So far, I have tweeted several gourmet experiences. Now – I’ll try to sum up some of those dining adventures, beyond 140 characters.

We did a Thanksgiving Lunch at the Bistro in downtown Sonoma. I needed a relaxing afternoon after spending 10-plus hours in the newsroom. This Charcuterie plate had a lovely mix of foie gras, pork tartine and sausage. I loved spreading the rich foie on white bread.

We continue to head east for comfort food in Davis. I enjoy the handmade noodles from the Noodle House. I always order these dim sum plates as appetizers: pork BBQ buns and onion pancakes. These hearty flavors fill me up on a chilly autumn day or soothe my stomach after a night of drinking.

In Berkeley, we celebrated Scott’s birthday at T-Rex BBQ. I had to try the chicken-fried bacon. Crazy! A bit chewy and I managed to sample some hints of bacon goodness in this hor d’oeuvre.

It feels like my work days are blending together. We’re in the middle of sweeps. I’m slammed with crazy hours, breaking news and guest requests inside the newsroom.

Before sweeps, I produced a very cool show with Dr. Oz. He even changed out of his suit and into some medical scrubs. Then he did yoga inside the studio – barefoot.

And something for my dad. Peter Yarrow, of “Peter, Paul and Mary” performed on my show. I have some lovely memories of my dad singing “Puff, the Magic Dragon.” Peter sang that song for us and chatted about his new children’s book.

I’m trying to stay positive and I’m trying to find some safe places to deal with my stress.
Only 3 weeks and 3 days to go.

For Halloween, I brought in some Halloween Oreo Cookies for my co-workers. Only 130 calories per package.

I also brought in all my Cal gear for my Tailgate Fashion Show. I asked everyone to bring in their college school gear for our set. Somehow, Andre snuck into my bag. Again.

You remember this bear right? He’s been nearly everywhere with his partner-in-crime, Louie.

After Andre did his cameo on my morning show, I gave him a tour of my newsroom.

Me: “Good Morning Bill and Giuliana! It’s Kris in Sacramento.”
Bill and Giuliana Rancic: “Hello Sacramento!”

That’s my typical greeting over IFB for our satellite interviews. On that morning, I was chatting to our guests in Chicago: the former Apprentice and his new bride from E! News. It’s fun talking into the ears of TV personalities, movie stars and Miss California USA (before she made headlines with her opposite marriage answer)

My anchor snapped this picture of me in the booth. I know. I look pissy. On that morning, I produced 2 morning shows on 4 hours of sleep.

Beyond my vampire hours – I still perk up when I meet TV and movie stars.

We interviewed D. L. Hughley when he came into Sacramento for his stand-up act. It looks like he’s going to be a correspondent on the new Jay Leno show.

And my inner Trekker jumped for joy when I met the Doctor from Star Trek: Voyager.

We interviewed him about his new film that debuted at the Sacramento Film Festival

A few blogs ago, I talked about juggling chainsaws inside the newsroom. A writing consultant said that is what a producer takes care of when she’s getting ready for hew news show. She’s juggling live reports on stories that are being updated in the field and over the news wires. She’s also coordinating new video from reporters, new scripts for her anchors and new information from the assignment desk. Those are her chainsaws. It looks damn cool on TV when she can hit those elements during a live broadcast. Each one also has the potential of causing some major damage to the show if the producer screws them up.

Good times.

Now, I’m exploring a new career opportunity with A Really Goode Job. I’m looking forward to writing/blogging/shooting stories about the wine country experience in Sonoma County.

Check out this video reference from Ann Osterberg in Sacramento. We both work at the NBC station. In addition to working in the news business, we also enjoy wine, food and entertaining conversations.

Ann’s Pick For A Really Goode Job from Kris Vera-Phillips on Vimeo.

Just in case that Haas job doesn’t work out….

It’s an old joke between my hubby and me. It goes back to our first months of dating. At that time, I was also on my first months at Haas. UC Berkeley classified me as being “on probation.” That joke came up anytime I felt insecure with my job (aka stupid and I don’t know what I’m doing). One of us would point out some random job, like working at a cafe, and say: “In case that Haas job doesn’t work out….”

This is a fancy latte by the 2nd Best Barista in the World. A few weeks ago, I was brewing up espresso drinks next to barista champ, Heather Perry. She was on a “Got Milk” tour of the state and we interviewed her for our morning show.

She also brought cookies.