World Wide Murman

Humming Birds- and My GoPro

2012-02-11T15:41:00.001-08:00

It has been many months since tapping my thoughts to keyboard and publishing those ramblings and musings for this Blog.
I figure it is time to turn the page and move forward with another post. Nothing news worthy, but just a post and a fun video I put together a couple of days ago playing with my GoPro and Laptop. The subjects are a group of birds that visit my balcony everyday giving me hope that Spring is not that far off. So please enjoy and feel free to share, and thanks for stopping by World Wide Murman's blog.

Believe -Part 2- Sister Surprise

2011-09-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

It was after midnight when our wheels touched down on the cold dark tarmac of Moncton Airport. Our flight had been delayed slightly and I was worried that perhaps the folks at Avis might have called it a night, stranding me and my excited mother, in Moncton for the night.
But it was not to be, a friendly Maritime smile was waiting at the rent-a-car desk and we were quickly on our way to Saint John.
Wow, lots had changed since I had last been on that stretch of highway. Nothing like darkness and a bit of fog to make it all the more interesting.
My mom of course was very animated and full of conversation as she no doubt thought that it would keep me awake as I pointed the car toward the Southbound lanes of the Trans-Canada.
I cannot remember exactly what was being said, but our conversation was such that I almost missed the interchange in Sussex that takes you on the final leg to Saint John.

We arrived at the Harbourside, Hilton in Saint John, shortly before 2am. At this point all we want is our room and a bit of sleep before the big surprise in the morning. We are given our keys and told that our room is in fact the last room in the inn.
At this point, I'm thinking that I cannot believe we are actually here. As I swipe the key card in the door, the tell tail beep and green light of the lock, we are in. Crunch! The door only opens 2 inches and comes to a sudden stop. The lock chain is across the door. Someone is in our room!

Ok, a quick trip down to the front desk. The desk checks the status of the room. It appears that the desk has given our RESERVED room, guaranteed with a credit card to someone else.
It is suggested that the hotel staff roust whom ever is in that room and we sort this out. The desk checks the reservation and asks Mom for her name and confirmation number again.
He then states that someone of my Mom's name had already checked in earlier in the evening.
Now we have a big problem.

By this time I am growing impatient and it is not lost on me that in just a few hours we would have to get up and get ourselves ready for Susanne's leg of the Torch Relay. I tell the clerk to give my brother Dan's room a call. He gives me some flack about how he has a "do not disturb" order for his room. That's when I really begin to loose my temper.
"Look buddy, pick up the phone and call his room, ring until he picks up. My mother, his mother has just travelled across this f#%*ing country, You have given away OUR room, you will make this call or I will,,,,"
He picked up the phone and called Dan.

Mom and I spent what was left of the night in Dan's room. Needless to say Dan was surprised to see us there. We had not told a soul that we were coming. Lucky he had a double room.

Funny how fast morning comes when you're tired and a bit jet lagged. The phone rang. It was Dan's wake up call- my Aunt Susanne- suggesting that he get up and meet at the elevator in the next few minutes. Breakfast with the family had been arranged and he as part of the family would be required to attend.

By then we were all up. I figured I had managed about 2 hours sleep. I grabbed my camera and Dan explained that Susanne's room was next to his and that we should go down for breakfast. The knock on the door was Susanne. I could hear commotion in the common area next to the elevator.

The door opened, I could see Susanne waiting at the elevator, her back to us. She turned and expecting to see Dan come out of his door, but instead she spots her sister, my Mom and me. The surprise was complete!

The moment we surprised Susanne.

Tears of surprise and joy are exchanged between the sisters. Hugs and laughter all around, it is a perfect moment, all before 7am.

Susanne looks over to me and says "nobody has ever surprised me before, nobody. I can't believe you are here, I'm so happy.

As we embraced, she repeated, "I can't believe it"
And with a bit of a tear I whispered into her ear, "Believe, Susanne, Believe"

Sisters - Believe

"And That's the Kinda Day it's Been"

2011-08-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Sept 1. will mark the end of a broadcast era in Canadian Television as the words "and that's the kinda day it's been" is spoken for the final time when "Canada's most trusted" News Anchor signs off of the CTV National News Desk. Yes Lloyd Robertson is stepping down at age 77.

Some of my first recollections of Mr. Robertson were when I was just a boy watching the CBC National News. I remember his coverage and commentary of several of the "moon shots of the 1960's and 70's. His presentation was part of the reason I became interested in News and Current Affairs television.

Lloyd is to Canada what Walter Cronkite was to our American cousins. A trusted voice, a solid journalist, if Lloyd told us about it on our nightly National News then it must matter and it must be important.

I had the privilege to meet Mr. Robertson several times during my own Television Career and had the honour to work on a couple of special projects with him. I aways found him to be a classy fellow that was never too big to give thanks to his crew. Lloyd only needed to meet you once, and you were forever embedded into his razor sharp mind.

My encounters with him were always friendly, he always had a story to tell and enjoyed hearing your story. Each time he would always remind me of how he worked with my Aunt in the National News Room many years ago and would regale me with how she came by her news room nic name- Strides.
It aways brought a smile to my face.

I, like most Canadians will miss you Lloyd, and although you will be still working on some special projects, not having that familiar voice proclaim "Thats the kinda day it's been" every night will take some getting used to. Happy trails Lloyd, happy trails and thank you.

Broadcast Legend- Canada's Most Trusted Newsman- Lloyd Robertson with me at the wrap party for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games- and yes he regaled me with the "Strides" story on that occasion again.

Believe Part 1-

2011-08-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

This is a story about family, keeping the faith, and the Olympic Torch Relay.

I had entered all of the contests to become a Torch Bearer, but was unsuccessful. One of the places I had applied to run was in my home Province of New Brunswick. As the month of November was coming to a close it was to pass through my home town. It would have been nice to have been selected to run there, but fate would have other plans and purposes for me.

Murman rolling the camera during a Torch Stop at CFB Comox, on Vancouver Island

I had just got back from Vancouver Island after the opening 4 days of the the Olympic Torch Relay. I had taken many pictures of the events, the places, the Torch Runners, our crew and the Flame itself during that time. As I reviewed the hundreds of files, it brought back all of the emotion and joy, that many who came out to watch, experienced. I just knew at that time that this relay and this bright orange flame would ignite a country.

The orange glow that ignited a nation

This was also about the time that the CTV Olympic promotional machine was in full swing with the "Believe" campaign. "Do you Believe?" Remember those segments throughout the CTV and Broadcast Consortium lineup? They had been running for about a year or more before the actual opening date of the 2010 Games, their message to the country was infectious.

The Relay by now was in Canada's far North with the Caravan team going into many small places. The Flame was headed to Canada's East Coast and would zig zag across the country back to Vancouver for the Opening Ceremony in February. Over twelve thousand torch runners would eventually carry the Flame. They would come from all walks of Canadian life. And for one glorious Olympic moment they would be Rock Stars to whomever they would pass with Flame held high, for all to experience.

It was on one late November Friday when I received an email message that my Aunt Susanne would be a Torch Runner in our home town of Saint John, NB. She and my Uncle would be making the trip there from Toronto and many Boyce family members would be making the trip from other far away parts as well. My Bro was coming up from New Jersey, Uncles and cousins over from Halifax and the rest of the family who were still living in Saint John would be there as well. Wow, would I ever like to be there with everyone. But here it was late on a Friday, Susanne's leg of the Run was on the next Tuesday and with Christmas coming, money being short and a list of other things including my current assignments- all conspiring to prevent me from getting on a plane.

I called my mother, who also lives in Vancouver, and we both lamented how it would be nice to be able to get up and just go. We both understood it's pretty much out of the realm of possibility for us. At the end of the conversation I accepted that fact and I would have to settle to be there only in spirit.
That was until my very good friend Jazz, who at that time was sitting at the work station beside me, said that he could not help over hear my phone conversation and set me on a different thought process.

"Dude, this is a once in a lifetime, you gotta take your mom and go" he said.
"Jazz, I am in the middle of an expensive divorce, money is very tight" I said.
Then he said something so incredible, so moving, it brought me to near tears.
"Murman, you've got to go, I'll help if you need it. Believe!" he said

It was then, at that moment that I discovered two things: One- just what an incredible friend I have and -Two- that this was too important a family moment to miss.
I thanked him for his generous offer but declined. Determined now by his words of encouragement, I managed to get the funding together by some sort of magic calculator and got onto the computer to begin and see if I could get flights back to New Brunswick leaving that Monday in less than 3 days!

I went into my ND's office to plead to get three days off to make the trip. She agreed. And I was off to the races.
I again got onto the computer and began to work out the details, two seats from Vancouver to Moncton NB was the best I could get. Leaving on the Monday morning Vancouver time, arriving just before midnight in Moncton. The plan then was to rent a car drive to Saint John, power snooze, get up early and see Susanne run at 9:30ish Tuesday morning Atlantic Time.

Next- call Mom, surprise her with the news that she should pack a camera and a carry on. That she and her first born, were going to be on a plane in two days. As I spoke to her, I insisted that she tell NO-ONE back east that we were coming. I figured that this should be a surprise and maintaining radio silence is the only way to accomplish this.
Mom was very keen.

In a blink of an eye, Monday morning had arrived. I packed very light. as we arrived at YVR, Mom told me that she had booked a room for us at the Hilton. She knew that would be the place that Susanne and Uncle Brendon, brother Dan, and as it turns out, all of the out of town kin folk were staying there too.

"Passengers are reminded that in case of emergency or sudden loss of cabin pressure,,,,,,,,"
We both now in our seats, a big sigh of relief from me and Mom looks over at me and with a smile and says to me,

"All we had to do was "Believe"."

The Gift Marker

2011-07-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

I had been given a gift a year and a half ago. I knew at the time it was a gift, but did not begin to comprehend just how much of a gift those memories and reflections continue to be. These are my first few days back from a two week break from anything News or News Gathering. And boy, wouldn't you know, the soul needed that break.

Vancouver Island was the place that I would go to recharge the mental batteries and free the spirit. The drive to my final destination of rest and relaxation would spawn images and memories of this wonderful gift.

It first hit me as I am listening to some 80's hair band over the satellite radio, not thinking of anything in particular, when all of a sudden the place around me looks strangely familiar. I am on route 4, passing through a very small village called Hilliers. It was at this rather rural place, which I had never heard of before, where the true meaning and spirit of what this "gift" was, beginning to take shape. And just like that I am transported back in time. Thoughts of me in the back of a modified Camper known as "Media One", my lens pointing out the back, toward a happy young man, his arm out stretched, holding the Olympic Torch as it passed through this small, yet excited, little community of Hilliers BC. It made me smile and think of just how lucky I was to be there at that moment in time, to bare witness to the beginnings of a Nation about to become a glow in the celebratory light of the Olympic Flame.

One of only Two Torch Bearers in the Town of Hilliers

Murman in the back of Media One as we enter Port Alberni

That event was the beginning of Day 3 of the Vancouver Olympic Torch Relay. An assignment that will be one of my favorites of my long career.

As I continued to drive toward Port Alberni, memories flooded my head of that day almost a year and a half ago. Little stops here and there, the Relay Team trying to maintain a strict time line so as to be at the Port Alberni Community Celebration by Noon. It would be at Alberni, where I would jump off of Media One and meet up with Producer Chad Varhogg, who had been driving my wheels, to continue onto Tofino where our SAT Truck and the rest of our production crew would be. From there we would broadcast our 6 PM cast and because of time conflicts and demands of both the Network and our Local Desks we would be challenged to get it all shot, edited and fed before the show began.

Added difficulty to us was there was only one road to Tofino, so getting out infront of the "Torch Convoy" was a must. Very quick stops for a splash of gas and a petro-sandwich and we were off.

I smiled as I passed that gas station a week ago, remembering just how we scarfed down those rather bland sandwiches and how fast we sped out of the parking lot.

Continuing on that narrow winding road on that day, the weather began to sour. The sun which was so warm and inviting in Hilliers was now gone. Rain was now in the cards. Funny, I had been to Tofino on assignment before and I had yet to experience the place with any sunshine.

Chad and I discussed what had been shot and "in the can" and what needed to be shot. There were two things that could not be missed. Well I suppose they could be, but that would likely shorten or potentially end ones Olympic Career. Failure would not be an option on this. The first "Mission Impossible" was to shoot a Torch Bearer at Long Beach surfing the Flame in from the Pacific Ocean. Chad and another Camera Op would draw that one. The problem was to then get those pictures back to Tofino and to the SAT Truck before the "Convoy" clogged the only road into town.

In the end, Chad and his Camera guy got the shot, but just outside of town, Chad himself ran the disk past the roadblock and to the truck. His Olympic career was safe.

CTV Producer Chad Varhogg after his Run to the Truck

I had drawn more of a local assignment, I was to document and shoot CTV Anchor Keri Adams as she ran the Flame in Tofino proper. The trouble was, this was not supposed to happen until just before 6.

Be that as it may, it was a great privilege to be the Photog to shoot my friend Keri and her moment with lighted Torch.

As the time drew near Keri became more excited, she had her husband Jay and her two daughters, one around 2 and the youngest still an infant. She realized that she was about to carry the Torch not for her, but for her family. It was truly an emotional moment.

Each of the Torch Bearers would be assembled prior to their big moment, briefed by Relay Operations people, loaded up onto a bus and then dropped off at their respective start points or hand off points. These were marked by an Orange disc with the number of the Bearer, stuck to a sign or pole. Those of us on the Torch Relay Assignment had become very familiar with these markers. Keri's marker was no different. After she was loaded up, I headed directly to her marker to wait.

Tofino was no different than most in that the whole town came out to line the streets to watch as The Torch Runners would pass by. Plenty of flashes from cameras of every make and model. People would cheer. It was a very festive and happy time for a place when the Olympic Relay came to town.

It was now getting dark on that November Sunday, Jay and the children had found an awning to keep out of the drizzle that had become a bit more uncomfortable. Then all at once the flashing lights of a Police escort, and the tell tail lights of the Torch Bearer Bus. It stops at the marker which happens to be affixed to the first Stop Sign as you enter Tofino.

Out pops Keri, to the cheers of all around. The only thing brighter that the headlights was her smile. It wouldn't be long. Folks posed with her and the Torch as she waited with her "Key Master". (These were guys on bikes that had the key to turn on and off the gas cylinders in the Torch)

Excitement grew and as we looked down the road the orange glow of a runner making her way to Keri's location. It was the moment she had been waiting for. Jay and the children looking on with pride.

All at once the "Flame Kiss" and Keri's Torch was alight. Her smile as bright as could be. She took a moment and let it all sink in. Her eyes catching the pride on Jay's face, then upward basking in the Olympic Flame's glow, she began her 150 meters of the longest torch relay in Olympic history. It was magic to be pointing my lens in her direction.

Olympic Torch Bearer #153 Keri Adams

Keri as she carries the Olympic Torch in Tofino, BC

As fast as it began, it was over and the emotion was not lost on her as her Torch went out at the end of her segment. She looked at me and game me a hug, tears now rolling down her eyes. Even ol' Murman was a bit misty eyed. As she hugged me, I felt a burn on one side of my face. Damn Keri, that Torch is still hot. It made for a funny story for when we would get back to the office. I had been burnt by an Olympic Torch, how many others can say that.

Fast forward to last week. I am driving into Tofino, the sun is shining ( for the first time as I visit) and lo and behold, on the first Stop Sign going into town is a faded Torch Relay Marker, that bears the number 153, Keri's Olympic Torch Relay marker still there, the memories flooded back.

It was a gift indeed.

It's still there Marker #153

Return to Flight Status

2011-07-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first day back in the skies for quite some time. The reason for my absence is not important, but it suffices to say, you don't know how much you enjoy something until its not there. That is an absolute when it come to my time aboard Chopper 9.

Chopper 9 Pilot Guiv readies for takeoff

I could hardly wait to get back in my seat, camera control panel on my lap, but the News Gathering Gods would not cooperate. I had to settle for a single beauty shot for the 6. It didn't matter, it was just good to be in the air.

I retired for the evening after the show flight, grateful for the ride. I hoped that something would happen this week that would warrant the unique features of news hunting from the sky.
At 10:57PM I would get my answer.

That answer came in the form of a phone call from my Ops Manager, requesting I get my ass out of bed at first light to fly over a high voltage power pylon that had collapsed into the Fraser River near the Port Mann Bridge. The lines were in the river and several other pylons were now in jeopardy of collapsing.

Needless to say 5am comes pretty quick and I managed to get myself in for a 6am flight to the incident. As we took off, again I was reminded of just how much I enjoy this gig.
We soon got a look at just what a problem this downed hydro tower was to the area. Authorities closed the Port Mann Bridge, a main crossing from the city of Surrey to the south side of the Fraser. Commuters from the Fraser Valley going to Vancouver now have to detour to other bridges and via otherwise quite neighbourhoods to get to Vancouver.
The situation is one of "Traffic Armageddon". One radio report says "If you can work from home, then stay home." Who knew a simple downed line could cause such a mess.

A shot from my window of the downed Hydro Pylon

We flew over the scene along with all the other regular "traffic watch" aircraft. We did not have any particular show that we needed to service, but we gathered tape and the boys back at the station were ingesting our feed for items for the 5 and 6.
We flew for about 90 minutes when word came that the Bridge was about to be reopened. We stuck around for a bit longer and sure enough the trickle of vehicles slowly became a torrent across the Bridge.
I am sure we will be back on the scene before the end of the day and again for the 5 and 6.
Its not as sexy as a land slide or a riot or a big fire, but hey its a living and I love it!

I'll be blogging on a regular basis form here on in and as time goes on and I work the rust off of the keyboard. I hope to give you the reader some entertainment and perhaps some insight of what it is like to be in the chase as we try to bring stories to our viewers.

The Road

2010-12-31T14:18:00.011-08:00

It has been quite a year, so where do I begin. I suppose I should start with an explanation as to my prolonged absence from adding to this blog.
I had every intention of taking you, the reader, through my Olympic experience as I covered the 2010 Winter Olympic Games from high above Vancouver aboard Chopper 9. Issues outside of my professional life, have, without divulging details, conspired against my motivation to write. I am hoping that I will overcome this as I do miss telling stories on this medium.

So how do I start again? It starts with a first sentence and paragraph, so please allow me to begin to tell you of my experiences during the most turbulent, yet rewarding and adventuresome assignment of my career, The Road to Vancouver 2010 and the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Lets set the "wayback' machine for October of 2009- dateline Victoria, British Columbia.

I was part of a massive CTV Crew that was sent to Victoria to begin coverage of the arrival of the Olympic Flame on Canadian soil. My particular assignment was at the CFB Victoria, where the aircraft carrying the delegation of VANOC, Government and Canadian Olympic Committee members as well as a special lamp in which a flame burned ever so small, yet ever so powerful. That little orange glow had been ignited on the slopes of Mount Olympus in an ancient Greek Ceremony, had now, with the watchful eyes of a team of Aboriginal Flame Guardians, about to ignite a nation.
It was my privilege to witness and experience it. The Torch Relay which meandered through out this country will forever be one of the highlights of my television career.

The SAT Truck outside the hangar as we await DAY 1 of the Torch Relay

That first day of the Torch Relay certainly had its moments. It began for me and my crew at 1 am. We were the location crew for CTV Canada AM. Man their crew calls are early. We set up camera positions and ran our lines to several positions so the network would not miss a beat.
Sarah G was our location reporter and would do a number of "prep" scene setter hits to tease and engage the audience to Stay with CTV for every minute of coverage as we begin this final stage leading to Vancouver 2010.

CTV Reporter Sarah Galashan as she readies for her hit into Canada AM

Word would come via Vanoc people, that the plane was delayed. This I am sure would cause certain stroke like symptoms for those further up the CTV Programming chain of command. I had learned a very long time ago not to worry about such things, that I should only concern myself with my camera position and making sure that my part of the greater picture is the best it possibly can be.

There was much gnashing of teeth with our field producer Jeff. No doubt, some of those stroke symptoms were beginning to manifest themselves to poor ol' Jeff. Finally the plane landed and the excitement and anticipation of what was to be an historic day was very measurable with the crowd that had come to the Hangar.

CTV Canada AM Field Producer Jeff Tam go "Black-tical" as we await the landing

But the wait continued. After what seemed like an eternity , the door of the aircraft opens and the deligation with its flaming cargo emerges. Things will happen very quickly now. The "Flame" is being carried by a specially designed miner's lamp, makes it's way to a podium inside the hangar where a short ceremony ensued. Then all at once it was over and onto Day 1 of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

After a quick debrief into the show, with National Affairs Correspondant Lisa LaFlamme, who travelled with the "Fire" from Greece, my Live duties were over and now a quick strike and reposition to our down town Victoria position for supper hour broadcasts into the Network and our Local, but that would come some 7 hours later. Our crew took a couple of hours to get some shut eye until our next Crew Call at 2PM.

My duties now would center on editing on a new HD disc to disc editing system that had never been used in actual field conditions. The fun was about to begin, and when I say fun, I really mean the stuff that hits a fan. I feel a repeat of the edit caos that defined my Torino Olympic experience. With the eyes of our network firmly on us , we would need to bring our A game. It would be a challange that would relish and it would make the beginning of the final leg of the Journey that would make or break us as a team, as we covered the biggest event in our Station's , dare I say the Network's history.

I will have more to come, in the days and weeks ahead.

The Countdown Is On.

2010-01-04T11:35:00.007-08:00

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to 2010. This will be a monumental year for many. This is a year that I have been personally preparing for for some time. In just under 6 weeks the 2010 Winter Olympic Games begin in Vancouver,British Columbia a city I now call home.

This very blog began 4 years ago when I decided after being assigned as part of a Non- Rights Holding crew to cover stories relating to the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. I wanted to bring each of my colleagues at CTV with me to that assignment, so the "Blog" would help facilitate that- World Wide Murman Adventures in News Gathering was born.

This time around, I am part of a Rights Holder- CTV- so I expect the experience to be different than that of the Torino Games.

As we count down to the Opening Ceremonies and continue into the Games themselves, I again want to bring you all along for the ride. You won't get scores or results, there are plenty of places to do that. I will however attempt to give you a perspective of someone behind or in my case ABOVE the scenes.

My 2010 Olympic Experience began more that a year ago at a general staff meeting at the home office on Robson and Burrard in Vancouver (CTV British Columbia). We were all told of a process by which each of us could apply to an "Olympic Consortium" which was headed by CTV, for Olympic assignments covering the games. During the meeting there were many questions asked by staff. Some were answered, some would be answered at a later date. But the opportunity was given, it was now up to me to apply.

And apply I did. My goal was to be a part of a national Rights Holding broadcast team and to have a different Olympic experience than my time 4 years ago.
As luck would have it, I made the team as did 6 of my colleagues. Now all I needed to know is what my particular assignment would entail. Would it be a mountain assignment- Skiing was asked during the application process- could it be speed skating- the Olympic Oval in Richmond is just down the street from the Chopper 9 hangar and was one of the jewels of the new competition venues - or could it be general assignment news gathering or field production.
I would not "officially" know until December of 2009.

Just over a month ago, my email informing me of my assignment arrived. I was assigned to be the CTV/Rogers Olympic Consortium's "Helicopter Camera Operator".
Wow, I have never met anyone who has covered an Olympic Games from the air. I wanted a unique Olympic Games Assignment, and I got one. Lets just hope the weather is good for flight operations.

Now the countdown is on.

The Cable Song-"Who's gonna tell our stories when the story tellers gone"

2009-10-08T09:53:00.004-07:00

You may remember a fellow by the name of David Carroll. He was the fellow that took on United Airlines after they dammaged-check that- broke his guitar. He went public after getting the run-a-round from the folks at United and struck back with his song and video "United Break Guitars".
Well David is back and this time this Troubadour of Maritime ilk is coming out in suport of LOCAL TELEVISION. You gotta like that, well at least I do.
So for your viewing pleasure may I present David Carroll and "The Cable Song".
Enjoy.

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Brillant

Summer of Fire

2009-07-23T11:41:00.006-07:00

We returned from our Kelowna deployment late Tuesday. Now we again find ourselves preparing Chopper 9 to go into yet another fire. Yes the fire season is firmly upon us. This time we are preparing to fly to the town of Lilooet British Columbia. A small fire there has grown to a large fire and evacuations could be imminant.

Word also this morning that a fire that we had flown on earlier this week near Terrace Mountain has grown to be a monster. There are now 2200 people in a nearby town on evacuation order. We still have crews on the ground in the area but the NOTAM has been modified to 12000 ft above and 5 mile around the fire.

The mission to Lilooet will not involve us overnighting at this point.
There is lightning in the forecast, this could be the mother of all fire seasons.

We're In!

2009-07-20T16:13:00.010-07:00

Chopper 9 waits on the flightline with other helicopters at the Kelowna Airport

The call came shortly after 2PM.

"Murman, standby to copy frequency and code information"

The sound of the two-way startled me out of a daydream of happier times. I looked over at Guiv our pilot who suddenly came to life on his easy chair in the Pilots lounge at the Shell hangar.

"This is it, we're in." I said as I fumbled for my note pad to copy down the numbers. We had been waiting for a good part of the day waiting to gain access into the restricted airspace to gather tape of the fire areas being attacked from the sky.

Guiv climbs into Chopper 9 as we prepare to fly into the Fire zone.

We soon found ourselves in the air and heading into the fire zone.

There were a number of bucketing helicopters working the fire. We watched from our position above the firefighting helos.

I am working the FLIR camera and attempting to acquire targets to put to tape.

This is what we flew to Kelowna for, access into and around the fires. Up until now we have been relegated to the outer limits. As a guy who loves to get right in there, it was kind of difficult to be waiting for a call while the fire rages just a few miles away. But no matter we are in and now we can do what we came here to do - shoot directly above the fire.

A shot out my window as fly over the Glenrosa fire scene.

Mission accomplished.

Day 2 Kelowna Fires

2009-07-20T12:28:00.006-07:00

We are now into day two. At least the smoke has cleared somewhat. We began the day with a full crew meeting to discuss and comeup with a game plan. We have a number of people here on the ground in Kelowna to cover these fires.

We are still working our forestry contacts to gain access into the restricted airspace. But for now we recon-ed all three fires from just outside the NOTAM restrictions.
It was a productive flight. We were able to get the first shots of the Terrace Mountain Fire. This fire is located about 20 miles to the northwest of Kelowna. This fire is not threatening any structures, but has produced most of the troublesome smoke that plagued flight operations yesterday.

This is a shot the Terrace Mountain Fire some 20 miles to the North of Kelowna.

Another shot as taken from my crew window of the Terrace Mountain Fire north of Kelowna. This non interface fire is producing most of the smoke in the Kelowna area and has ground crews observing its behaviour.

We continued to fly around the backside of it and headed to the backside of both Rose Valley and Glenrosa fires. Smoke on the back side was such that it made shooting from this position unfeasible.

This is a look from the east side of Lake Okanagan looking at the Glenrosa fire. This fire is an interface fire and has more than 11,000 people displace due to evacuation orders.

The flight was not a write off. We did return with shots of each fire location that will no doubt find their way to air during the cast this evening.

Hopefully we will have been able to get clearance to enter the fire zone at a reduce altitude and deliver some killer material for the team.

The Wait

2009-07-19T13:49:00.005-07:00

We have been on the ground making calls and attempting to coordinate with the Air Ops side of the Forestry Service.
With the fire less than 24 hours old we are understandably low in the priority que at the moment.

The current flight restrictions around the area are 7000ft and below to the south of the Kelowna Control Tower due to smoke and air operations around the fire. As you get closer to the fire sites themselves the NOTAM (Notice to AirMen) calls for a 5 miles radius with a 9000 ft altitude restriction.

A look at the fire activivity as we lift off from the Kelowna airport earlier this morning

At around 11:00 we did a recon flight with these restrictions. We were able to get some shots of fire activity from a distance at an altitude of 7000. When we attempted to go to the 9000 ft level, smoke and cloud made further shooting unfeasible. We returned to our base at the Kelowna Airport to again wait.

Another medium helicopter arrives for potential hire by Forestry to support Fire operations.

I have noticed a number of medium helicopters arriving in the past two hours. They are all here with buckets awaiting to be contracted by Forestry to provide air support over the fire. They too sit and play the waiting game.

FIRE!

2009-07-19T09:01:00.009-07:00

This has been a flight week that can be described in one word - FIRE.

House fire, boat fires and as I sat down to a chicken BBQ with my son, the phone rang with word of another fire. This time of the forest variety and it is serious. The call was to prepare the deployment of Chopper 9 and her FLIR broadcast camera to Kelowna.
The last time I got a call like this for Kelowna was during the hot dry summer of 2003 when a wild fire ripped through the outer parts of town destroying hundreds of homes and causing millions of dollars of dammage.

As we left at dawn to the fire zone, word of 12 homes already lost and thousands of people evacuated. The situation is very fluid at this moment and now that we have arrived we are awaiting further instructions.

The smoke rises into the horizon as we transit to Kelowna. This plume is from a second fire in the Kelowna area near the Rose Valley Dam.

A look from 8000 ft as we fly past the Glenrosa fire West Kelowna. This blaze was discovered on Saturday afternoon has already forced thousands to be evacuated and reports indicate as many as 12 structures have been destroyed.

A shot of the smoke lingering in the air as we fly into Kelowna

I shall attempt to keep updating with photos and give you an idea of what it is like to cover a wild fire from a news gathering helicopter.
But for now we wait.
For the most up to date information please go to the ctv web site by following the link http://www.ctv.ca/ and click on CTV British Columbia.

For now we sit and wait at the Kelowna airport until we coordinate with Fire Flight Operations.

Death from Above

2009-07-16T12:27:00.004-07:00

After a much needed and restful vacation, I have returned back to the News Gathering fold with a double duty in the skies over Vancouver. Kinda nice really, flying the clear skies of summer. Now if only we could get ourselves a big story- err- big visual story.
My recent tours of duty in the clouds have produced very little in the "Big Story" catorgory. Instead I seemed to be doomed to flying minimum hours during our show and providing what we call in the business "bumper and weather alminac" shots for the broadcast. It can ware on "story hunter" like myself as over time you begin to feel like you have lost the edge or are just cursed.
But coming back from 3 weeks away from the grind, where I only gathered sand and sun, I had found new energy and enthusiam for what is is I do.

That said, Monday was like most, a couple of flights to check out potential calls that could yield what I had been yearning for. They turned out to be routine, nothing to write home about.
But it was on my flight on Tuesday during the show, I was to witness something that will stay with me for a long time.

We were over the PNE grounds in east Vancouver when my Blackberry began to vibrate wildly. Nodoubt Gregg, our ears on the desk, had something he wanted us to check out. Just as the device began to gyrate around the console, the two-way radio cracked with Gregg's voice asking me to check the message and head there asap.
It seems there had been a crash on the 99 near the 91 interchange. Usually these things are nothing more that shots of twisted wreckage and a line of motorists trying to get home to thier families. But this would be different.

It took us a bit longer than usual to get into the airspace over the scene because of a number of things, not the least of it being the location was next to a very busy airport at Boundry Bay.

I was able to survey the scene from a distance and see a medivac helicopter landing on the highway. I thought if nothing else the heli evacuating a victum will make this assignment visual.
Once granted direction into the airspace we took a position over the scene. I used my lens to get in close to assess what was hapening below.

It looked like two vehicles, both with heavy damage and EMT crews working feveroushly to free a trapped person. As I zoomed closer I could see the rescuers free the individual and place them onto a stretcher. The Paramedics working hard on this person. A flurry of activity and an immage of them administering CPR.

"This is bad" I said to our pilot. "They are doing chest compressions on the victim."
This was nothing that any photog worth his time has not seen before. I too was no different, I had over the years seen many scenes like this unfold before my lens. Each one of them was personal. But somehow being at 1500ft somehow makes covering scenes like this impersonal, clinical, detached. Bomber crews from the 40's describe this same detachment from thier enemy.

"We are coming to you in 30 seconds" a voice belonging to Jimmy our man back at CTV Control.
I widen out slightly so as not to reveal a licence plate number or something that could potentially cause this person's family (if they were watching) to identify thier loved one.

The scene was very desperate below. A team of skilled people doing everything to save a life.

They came to us and I slowly zoomed into the scene. Not too close, but close enough to see the drama unfold.
Suddenly my headset rings with Jimmy's voice, "Clear!"

Now we were off the air and as we repositioned the aircraft and my lens left the scene below, an other scene revieled itself just a kilometer or so to the north. More carnage on the 99. This time it appeared as though there were 4 vehicles involved. I relayed the information to the show producer. We did not know at the time, but these two scenes were related.

I panned the the FLIR camera back to the dire site where paramedics were doing thier thing. I zoomed in close to give me any indication of what was happening. Then all at once, the body language of those on the ground, heads and shoulders down, indicated the battle to save a life was lost. Chest compressions had stopped. Urgency was now gone. Two firefighters covered the person with a sheet. All of it captured within my viewfinder.

My God, I had just witnessed someone's death at 1500 ft.

It was a quiet flight back to base, one I will not forget.
As I starred out of my window, I said a little prayer for the family of that person and for those men and women who tried so hard to save a stranger's life.

As it turned out the victim was an elderly lady who had some how ended up traveling at speed on the wrong way of the freeway. The other scene to the north was caused by someone trying to avoid her car. It has sparked a debate about testing drivers of an advanced age.

ENDANGERED- LOCAL CONVENTIONAL TELEVISION

2009-05-14T13:31:00.010-07:00

There is an old saying that originated in Asia that states "May you live in interesting times." Some say this is a curse, others a blessing. All I know is these are indeed interesting times for Conventional Television through out North America.

It is no secret within the industry that under the status quo Canadian regulations, conventional local broadcasting is on the endangered list. The legislated obligations (local news and programing) cost money and with the current economic ciaos, the business model which the Private Canadian Television Industry is based, (advertising and sponsors) is not working. This trend of diminishing revenue though advertising and sponsors has been going on for several years, but is being accelerated because of the current recession.

If one could "snap" ones fingers and return back to more favorable economic times, the bleeding to Local Conventional Broadcasters would not stop.
So what is the answer?
Government bail outs?
No- that is not the answer.

Solutions-
I want to invite you all to follow this link and learn more about how to SAVE LOCAL TELEVISION.

I would also encourage each of you who read this blog, no matter where you are in Canada, to attend an Open House with your local CTV Station or your local "A" Station. The dates and times of the Open House are found on the web link that is provided.

Tell them Murman sent you.

Thank you.

Oh Hockey God, Why have you Foresaken me (Us)???

2009-05-12T12:16:00.004-07:00

There was a tremor last evening, one felt through out Canuck Nation. Perhaps tremor is too small a word. More like a Category 10 Quake. The epicentre was in Chicago and it marked the post season exit of my beloved Vancouver Canucks at the hands of the Blackhawks.

I remained silent in the blog-o-sphere about the subject. I didn't want to bring disfavor from the Hockey Gods onto the lads. But after a meltdown in pretty much every third period of this series, I can say there is NO HOCKEY GOD.
If there is then he surely hails from Illinois.

Hysteria!

2009-04-29T10:18:00.002-07:00

For the last week all that has led news from around the globe is the Mexican Swine Flu. I know I am getting a little tired of it. Assignment desks everywhere are in full panic mode.

Here at World Wide Murman headquarters, we feel that we need to do our part in spreading the hysteria. So at WWM we are raising our Swine/Avian / Day Flu alert level to Code Orange.

I repeat Code Orange.

We also feel a message that has been clearly lost in the last couple of days is the most basic one:

WASH YOUR FUCKING HANDS PEOPLE!

and If you are not feeling well,

STAY THE HELL HOME!

There you go, simple yet effective. How hard was that?

Now go forth and "spread" no more.

Grant

2009-04-07T11:53:00.005-07:00

A week and a half ago the shooting fraternity in Vancouver lost part of its soul with the passing of former CITY TV Cameraman, Grant Wyatt.

I met Grant when I first arrived in Vancouver from the east coast. He was shooting for CKVU and I was at the new "upstart" station in Vancouver, VTV. Right away he treated me as one of the gang, never as the "new guy" at the new station. When ever I would run into him out in the field, he always made me laugh and his presence at a shoot always made it more enjoyable.

There was a gathering at a local watering hole, this past Friday night to celebrate Grant's life. The place was full and there was still a hundred people wanting to get in.

The following You Tube Video is a tribute to Grant, lovingly prepared by his friends at CKVU/CITY TV in Vancouver. It gives you a glimpse of the wonderful persona that was Grant Wyatt.

I miss him.

Junopallooza

2009-03-28T17:02:00.018-07:00

Gary Tapp cabling to the Magical Land of Television

It has been a very busy 6 weeks or so. With the build up to next years Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver and all of the hoopla associated with it, our special events operations team has been going full bore.

Scooter running Cables

This week the Junos has brought it's circus to town. For those of you not familiar of what a "Juno" is let me explain. Think "Grammy" but Canadian. Yes it's Canada's Music Awards and the show itself is a CTV Network property.

OK - CTV property- I work for a local CTV station- oh oh , its gonna get crazy busy!

The Set on Granville

Rob, Big Dave (on the phone) and Tapper in the SAT Truck

We are now into day 3 of Juno Fest and our show has located itself in the heart of the Entertainment district on Granville Street. It has been quite a gig. Men and resources moving tons of metal and electronic gear, plugging and playing, lighting and shooting, uplinking and transmitting, hoping that when it all comes out at the other end it resembles a Television Show.

The "Mur-monitor"

Stress is high, especially for those who plan these TV field trips. These forays into the streets are not inexpensive. You can see it in the face of our Exec Producer. His over functioning brain must be near the melt down temperature. The trick is to be as far away from the blast radius if it happens.

Jimmy and Coleen on set

Scotty (Scooter) Connerton on Weather Cam

But technically things are going just fine. This is an experienced crew. We have all worked together before and for whatever reason this field adventure has been surprisingly routine and relatively easy on the cardiovascular system.

Wade on Jib

Gary (Barndtman) Barndt on Handheld/ Camera 2 Stage

But wait, it's only day three of four, oh crap when is the other shoe gonna fall?

Stay tuned, but for now, I'm taking cover.

The Junofest Remote Crew at the "Magical Land of Television"

Step One

2009-03-17T15:25:00.003-07:00

It has been a long long while since I have had the inclination to sit down an pound out an entry into this blog. The reasons are many and personal. But I am back and although out of practice, I am going to attempt to get back on the horse and put thought to page at least once a week.

When I began this blog thing three years ago, it was a vehicle to bring my family and my colleagues at CTV British Columbia with me, so to speak, as I traveled to Turin Italy for the 2006 Torino Winter Olympic Games.
I tried to tell my experiences through humorous stories.
It became kinda fun and for whatever reason folks out there in the web-o-sphere seemed to enjoy my rants and adventures. Comments left only encouraged me.

But as time wore on, I discovered like anything, contributing to a Blog on a regular basis takes commitment and discipline. Most days I lacked both and in the last year I found it difficult to concentrate on my musings.

I am back now and God willing, I'll find my words again, but the first step is acknowledging the problem. And the problem was my lack of energy.

So thank you for being patient. I am now going to go and fight to get my "A" game back and continue World Wide Murman - Adventures in News Gathering.

New Year's Eve 2008

2009-01-05T10:04:00.011-08:00

Well good God, will the snow never end??? Yes my friends, we here in Vancouver got walloped by winter these past weeks. You have to remember municipal authorities some years ago traded their snow removal equipment for some magic beans and a promise of tropical weather.

Let me tell you that snow of any accumulation makes for news here in these parts and these weeks weather and weather related phenomenon have been the top stories for the past 25 days.

Snowplows or lack there of, cars stuck, airports shut down, stranded travelers over Christmas, now that's THUNDERDOME!

I just wanted to survive the holidays. I only had a few days off and by the time Christmas eve rolled around I had had enough of being wet and miserable shooting the daily sausage.

But the weather would not let up. And I still had another two weeks before I would return to my beloved hangar and the skies over Vancouver.

The holidays bring out the masses to the ski hills. In those masses there is usually one or two folks that get themselves into some difficulty and they then require a search and a rescue. This year would be no different and with all of the heavy snow, the lure of the back country is just too great for some.
The heavy snow triggered avalanche warnings from one side of this great Province to the other.

The first weekend after Christmas, news of a massive slide with fatal results, dispatched many from our news room to a town near Fernie, BC. I was not on that crew and was grateful for having missed that one. A grief stricken town is not what any of us wanted over the Christmas break.

Nope I was back on the ground, filing the daily items that would fill up the show after the numerous items from Fernie.

Sending a number of staff out of town on such a story is a necessary thing. The by- product is however, fewer to look after the rest with an already holiday reduced roster. Somewhere in the system, someone has to pay the toll on the numbers game. This occasion, it was our Air Op's that would ante up.
Leaving the the flying machine without a crew is risky. It's a gamble. It can also bite you if you are not careful. That week, the weather was marginal, so the risk seemed acceptable.

My mornings would begin with a scan of the local radio news to get an idea of what was in store for me on that day. Weather, Fernie and what's this? A missing snowboarder off of Mount Seymour.
Damn, I thought, this would be a good item from the air. Search aircraft, perhaps a rescue. More like a recovery, but you gotta keep positive.
I quickly remembered it was Pete's week in the air. I later learned he had been reassigned to make up for the short fall back in Vancouver.
I really didn't give the search much more thought. The weather was kinda low anyway for flight. I went about my business and shot some VSV and some streeters and interviews for a dreaded year ender that one of the reporters were putting together. By that time it was almost 2:30 and time for a break. I just happened to be sitting by the news desk when word of "Snow Boarder Found" came to us via our scanners. The fellow had been missing for more than 3 days and in my experience after 3 days usually means a corpse off of Suicide Gully, the place where the young man went missing.

"Murray! We need you to get to the helicopter now! They are going to long line the boarder off the mountain!"
I felt bad for a brief moment, knowing that this should be Pete's gig, but he was already on his way up the side of that Mountain with a Live Truck and Gary, the other heli op, was way out east and too far away.
"He's alive!" Lisa the acting assignment editor exclaimed.
Her words added urgency to my calls to our pilot.
The next thing I knew I was in the air and headed to the side of Mount Seymour with Guiv our trusty Talon Pilot.

Guiv lands at the Harbour Helipad

He was in contact with Kelsey another Talon Pilot who was flying the rescue mission on this day.
Guiv tells me that the rescue is still about 20 minutes from happening and that Kelsy was just getting the long line attached to the helicopter at the Bone Creek works yard.
We arrived on the scene. Kelsy was just about to lift off and take a rescue tech and a spotter on the short flight to the rescue area.
I had my FLIR locked on his aircraft and tapes rolling in the machine. Wow this day sure took an interesting turn.
The weather had just cleared enough to allow a brief helicopter search. Tracks had been spotted and ground rescue techs from North Shore Search and Rescue, followed the tracks and found the young man seeking shelter under a tree. Cold and hungry, some say near the end of his endurance. If he had not been found, then surely he would not have lived to see the New Year.

Kelsy maneuvered his aircraft, and the tech attached to the long line, carefully down and into the trees and the small clearing where the ground team was located. After pin point delivery of a stretcher and the dangling rescue tech. Kelsy took an orbiting position nearby.

My FLIR watched as rescuers prepared the young man to his trip to hospital and to salvation from certain death of hypothermia.
Again Kelsy positioned the Talon Helicopter's AStar into a hover over the scene, carefully lowering the line. Then all at once, with a signal from the ground tech secured to the long line, Kelsy pulled power into the collective and put the odd looking rescue machine into a climb, above the trees and began the short flight back to the Bone Yard and to awaiting ambulance.
As I zoomed in and followed the pair dangling from Kelsy's long line, the lad in the stretcher looks right into my lens and smiles. He knows the danger is now over. He and his rescuers are delivered with precision to the awaiting medical team and transported to Vancouver General Hospital.

A shot out my window of the scene at the Bone Yard. The rescue had been so quick and busy on the FLIR, I did not have any chance to snap a few pics.

A happy ending for a week that had already claimed several young men near Fernie.
And that is how I spent my last flight of 2008, in the skies watching a rescue unfold. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Oh Canada

2008-12-18T14:06:00.003-08:00

Once in a while someone does a nice job of describing a Canadian, this time it was an Australian dentist.

An Australian Definition of a Canadian. In case anyone asks you who a Canadian is . . .

** **Proud to be Canadian -An Australian Definition of a Canadian -Written by an Australian Dentist

You probably missed it in the local news, but there was a report that someone in Pakistan had advertised in a newspaper an offer of a reward to anyone who killed a Canadian - any Canadian. An Australian dentist wrote the following editorial to help define what a Canadian is, so they would know one when they found one.A Canadian can be English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. A Canadian can be Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, Arab, Pakistani or Afghan.A Canadian may also be a Cree, Métis, Mohawk, Blackfoot, Sioux, or one of the many other tribes known as native Canadians. A Canadian's religious beliefs range from Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu or none. In fact, there are more Muslims in Canada than in Afghanistan. The key difference is that in Canada they are free to worship as each of them chooses. Whether they have a religion or no religion, each Canadian ultimately answers only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.A Canadian lives in one of the most prosperous lands in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which recognize the right of each person to the pursuit of happiness.A Canadian is generous and Canadians have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need, never asking a thing in return. Canadians welcome the best of everything, the best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best services and the best minds. But they also welcome the least - the oppressed, the outcast and the rejected.These are the people who built Canada. You can try to kill a Canadian if you must as other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world have tried but in doing so you could just be killing a relative or a neighbour. This is because Canadians are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, can be a Canadian.

It says it all, for all of us.

'Keep your stick on the ice'

Covered Bridges and Cable Ferries

2008-11-12T11:00:00.014-08:00

It has been a few weeks since getting back from my trip to the home and native land. These weeks have given me a chance to reflect on being a tourist in one's own home town.

Often returning back to one's place of birth can be an exhausting experience. Family obligations, making time with old friends and just getting caught up can drain you. This did happen some years ago on my first visit back. I was so spent, that getting back to work was welcomed, just so I could get some rest.

This time was different. Through hook or by crook, I found a balance. That balance involved spending sometime by myself experiencing the beauty of my home province.

It wasn't unusual for me to get up at first light, and jump into my rented wheels and head off to who knows where to bang off a few frames on my trusty Nikon. Before I knew it I had fired some 1500 frames on this trip and I wanted to share some of them with you, my loyal reader.

So please bare with me as I give to you the dreaded vacation photo album. After this I promise to get back to writing about all things news gathering.

Early morning Ferry Line up at Gondola Point. There are several cable ferries up and down the Saint John and Kennibecasis Rivers in New Brunswick. They are all free and they are a great way to see the province. This particular one takes vehicles from Gondola Point to the Kingston Peninsula.

On this particular morning, my sister and I took a ferry over to Kingston so I could capture some of the fall colors. The trip also provided us with some quality brother sister time.

Fall colors and the Anglican Church at Kingston in the background. The weather for my trip was magnificent as we pressed on toward Hampton and the Yankee Shore.

Driving along the back roads of Hampton NB. Just ahead is a view of one of my favorite places on this earth, the Kennebicasis Marsh.

The Marsh where I learned to duck hunt with my Grandfather, Father and Uncle. I spent a good deal of time on that day just drinking it all in and remembering how breath taking the sun rises were on those October "Opening Day" of the hunting seasons, from our blinds on a grassy island in the center of that marsh. I had been tagging along with my Dad since I was 8. My first trip up to the marsh; when I was 4. I remember cutting my finger on the long marsh grass and as a child I called the place "The Sharp Grass".

But no trip back would have been complete without some time on the coast. The Bay of Fundy rarely disappoints and on this trip her salty air and slight breeze enabled me to enjoy her many coves and harbours.

Fundy's mighty tide is on it's way out, leaving St. Martin's harbour empty. You can see a covered bridge crossing the channel. Local fishermen were getting ready for the up coming lobster season.

With the tide going out boat are left grounded. Its a good time for hull inspection.

Driving through one of the many covered bridges I encountered during my travels. at one time New Brunswick boasted the most covered bridges in the world. Many of them are gone, but the ones remaining all date back to the early part of the last century. This one is located at St. Martins New Brunswick, as I head back to Saint John to check out the City Market.

Inside the Saint John City Market. It's one of the oldest markets in Canada.

A friendly fish monger at Lord's Lobsters inside the Saint John City Market, shows the camera the catch of the day.

Yes it was a great trip. One that allowed me to appreciate the place that I have come from, to appreciate the culture and heritage of being a Maritimer.

The Beat Down

2008-10-24T14:44:00.017-07:00

GOLF. A four letter word to some. Aggravating pastime for others. Still a game that a 70 year old Dad can play with his middle aged sons.

My brother and I first picked up the clubs in our late teens. We have been battling each other ever since. Good fun really. But family bragging rights are just that, rights.

My father watched his sons battle years ago before deciding to try his hand at this irritating pastime. When he first joined brother Dan and I on the course over 25 years ago, we didn't pay much attention to him or his score. You see the Titus brothers were there to settle their own war on the fairways of new Brunswick. This was an annual event that was always the highlight of Dan's visit from New Jersey.

Dad about to drain this shot for a par

Then one winter, dear ol' Dad secretly took golf lessons at the local club. When asked what aspect of the game he wanted to work on, his answer was quite direct to his instructor.

"I just want to beat my sons!"

Father Murman with a classic "I'm winning" smile.

Later the following summer, with the brothers again set to do mortal combat with drivers and putters, maybe a wedge or two, Father teed off the opening shot of the annual Titus Golf Classic. It was a straight shot, not particularly long, but it was the beginning of something that the bro's didn't even notice.

Dan reacts to a fairway wood second shot

This went on for the entire 18 holes. Pressure between Brother Dan and Brother Mur was intense. The trash talk never wained. It was a see/saw battle of Augustan proportions (well in our minds anyway).

It's in the hole! (for a 6)

Meanwhile, Father Titus, just kept his ball in play watching his sons beat the hell out of each other.

Brother Dan attempts a long par putt, but wilts under the pressure

As is the usual case the score between brothers was updated every couple of holes and added up as we were about to tee off on 18. Senior Titus score wasn't even thought of as the boy thought the old man was not a factor.

@#$%! Golf is a four letter word alright!

Then as the final putt makes that heavenly sound of golf ball in cup, we add all the scores. It looks like it will be a close one. There are checks and re checks. Then Dad takes the score card, both brothers trust their father to be the final arbiter of the match.
He adds Dan's score, then Murray's and announces himself as the winner, by not one, but by 9 strokes.

The brothers look bewildered. It seems they were too focused on each others game, dismissing dear old Dad as an also ran.

He's been kicking our asses on the course ever since.

He tells me it was the best 150 dollars (for the lessons) he has ever spent.
And on the occasion of his 70th birthday, we rekindled that old classic and wouldn't you know, the Old Man's still got game.

He crushed us both.

Danni, Dad and Me after we had been crushed after 18 holes at Hampton

Surprise! You're 70.

2008-10-22T14:34:00.010-07:00

Do you remember when you were back in grade school and the first assignment of the new school year was a composition about your summer vacation?

Well I just got back from mine, and I know it's not summer, but is was my vacation. One I needed for a very long time.

I chose to return to my hometown, a place I have not been for nearly a decade. I have family still there, as well as many friends. But what made the choice an obvious one was that my father, whom I have not seen for over 9 years, was turning 70, and the occasion of his birthday would present a great opportunity for me to surprise him.

My brother, who lives and works in New Jersey, and my sister, still living just outside my hometown would help spring the surprise.

As the date of my arrival approached, there was concern that my father would catch wind of my coming. A phone call to him just a day before I boarded an east bound plane, confirmed to me that he was completely unaware of my plans.

I would be spending some time in Toronto, before travelling on the last leg of the journey back to New Brunswick. The time there provided me with some much needed rest and relaxation before heading into the "family circus" that all home comings seem to evolve into.

Flying into Saint John on that autumn Wednesday evening, clear skies, and spectacular fall colors greeted me as we made our approach into the small town airport. I recognized many of the land marks. The lakes, the hill tops, the skyline all familiar, all inviting. My sister met me as I got off the plane, with a welcoming hug that still lingers to this day.
"You are going to have to hide for two days until Dad's surprise party." she said to me.
"Hide in this town? This town is too small, someone is bound to recognize me." I replied.
And with that we were off to drop off my bags at her place.

My nephew joined us at the house and we decided to go get a bite to eat. Vito's Pizza Restaurant, a local favorite and makers of the best Cesar salad anywhere, was where we headed.

I was not in the place for two minutes, when a familiar face said hello. A former hockey coach and friend of our family, Dr. Lou Simon. After the hello's and handshakes, I look to my sister and say: "see I can't hide here, we need to come up with a plan to surprise Dad before his big day."

Oh yes, by the way the Pizza and Cesar were fantastic!

The revised plan now would happen on the following evening. Brother Dan, who my father knew was coming for a visit, would meet Dad for dinner. My sister Carrie would join them a short time later. Dan and Carrie would make sure Dad's back was to the door and that's when I would walk in and sit down beside him.

Geeze, I hope that his heart is in good shape, surprising a 70 year old might not be the smartest thing for the preservation of life.
The plan was set. Dad was in place. I made my entry into the restaurant. I tapped him on the shoulder, and said "Happy Birthday Dad."

The Surprise as seen through the lens of my sister Carrie's Camera

Happy Birthday Dad! Surprise!

The shock didn't kill him, thank God, but the look I shall always remember. He wiped a tear as did I. It was the first time in 12 years that he had all of his children together. It was a moment I shall treasure forever.

Dad and Me

The next couple of days would include rounds of Golf, the "Official" surprise party, this time with all of Dad's brothers and sister, neighbours and friends and a Thanksgiving dinner at my father's. Plenty of rare quality time, without the separation of geography.

Murman, Dad, Carrie and Dan all together for the first time in 12 years

BIG FIRE

2008-10-03T11:55:00.009-07:00

There is nothing like covering a large fire from the air. They are visual, they can be compelling and down right intoxicating. I have had two such fires in recent weeks.

The first was of an old soon to be renovated mental hospital in New Westminster, BC. The day was calm and clear and the fire provided a welcome break in the summertime "blahs" that had set in. I seem to remember getting the call from my desk just after lunch. A 2 alarm fire being upgraded to a 3 as we launched into the air. A cross street address was not needed as the smoke plume was visible from our hanger.

A shot out my window of CTV Chopper 9 over the Old Hospital as it burns

Off we went, heading straight to the plume. Flames were jumping skyward hundreds of feet. It was a big one. The complex was a large one and as fire fighters tried to battle the blaze, the flames continued to find new fuel and eventually spread to it's outer wings. Before long, the entire complex was a blaze.

Another look of the Fire scene in New Westminster earlier this summer

It was a spectacular sight. The heat was immense. Even at 1700ft we found ourselves dodging the odd piece of flaming debris. I managed to bang off a few shots on my Nikon between hits.

When it was over the blaze took most of the old complex.

This week yielded another BIG FIRE. This one in Surrey. A condo development as it was nearing completion. Again, the call from the desk. Again a plume that could be seen for miles.

The tell tail plume of smoke as we leave YVR. Frame grab CTV CHOPPER 9

No need for further directions. When we arrived it was fully involved. Aircraft buzzed around. To get the whole story on this one follow this link BIG FIRE

Frame grab from my FLIR Camera as we appoach the scene

Fire crews pour water over the inferno. Frame grab CTV Chopper 9

Close up shot of the heavy lift crane operator's cab as it bursts into flame. There were no injuries.

Wide shot of the complex as Phase II of the project burns to the ground.

The Day I met Steve Fossit

2008-10-03T10:38:00.006-07:00

It was a cold blustery day back in February 1996. I was working for a News Bureau back in Saint John NB. As I recall I got up and cursed the weather and headed into work for what promised to be another day of cold weather stories and wishing I was someplace warm and sunny.

The news room was abuzz when I arrived. Assignments were being divided up and I was dealt an "out of towner" , one that would have me meet up with our Fredericton Bureau reporter Laverne Stuart at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown for an item on the field exercises as the men prepared for a deployment to war torn Bosnia.

Christ, it was going to be cold out there, remembering the last time on the base with Laverne years back. At that time the temps were near minus 40 with the wind chill. Our cameras barely functioned and our bodies were chilled beyond belief.

As I drove up good old NB highway #7 I received a page to call the office. It seems the assignment desk back in Halifax wanted me to "keep on the lookout, for a hot air balloon that was in trouble."

They further explained to me that the balloon in question belonged to Millionaire Adventurer Steve Fossit. He was attempting a solo circumnavigation to become the first human to do so in a hot air balloon.

I thought "what the hell are the chances of seeing this craft fly by, moreover, what are the odds of this record attempting flight, traversing the airspace of Southern New Brunswick?"

"Fat fucking chance" I resolved and continued with my original assignment.

Once in the training area of CFB Gagetown, I was in communicado, that is pagers and cell phones were useless. I didn't give the "balloon thing" another thought.

When Laverne returned to our Fredericton office to edit our story, that is when we found out that the high flying Mr. Fossit had crash landed his balloon on the edge of a farmer's snow covered field just outside of Hampton, New Brunswick.

It was quite a scene.

I thought "shit, the biggest story of the year, the world media all interested and calling our operation requesting feeds and interviews, nobody died and I am up here in Fredericton missing it all." Damn I was disappointed, nothing like this ever happens in sleepy hollow NB. Not only that, as it turns out Mr. Fossit's crash landing, now leading all of the casts, ABC, CNN, CBS, NBC ect,,, happened just 7 kilometers from my freakin' house!

Our visual story of soldiers in the field, during live fire maneuvers ended up buried in our show in section 3 or something. My dejected drive home was indeed a long one. When I arrived back at the Saint John office, I found it buzzing with activity.

Mike, one of my camera colleagues looks at me and says "Mur you missed a big one."

No shit.

He was just beginning to strike his final hit with Mr. Fossit after a successful feed to Ted Kopple's Night Line.

The next day I got to do a follow up piece as Steve and his documentary crew revisited the crash site. It again was cold and blustery on that day. As we interviewed Mr. Fossit, he shivered from the bitter cold.

"I'm sorry, but I have forgotten my hat and my ears are freezing off" he says as we were about to begin.

"Here sir, I have a spare toque in the van" I say to him.

"Thank you, that's very kind" he answers.

I never got the hat back, for all I know he may have worn it on one of his other adventures, it doesn't matter.

But that was the day I met and interviewed Steve Fossit, Millionaire Adventurer, and Aviator.

Steve Fossit

After that day, and as the years went by, I had always followed Mr. Fossit's exploits. I was saddened to learn that he had gone missing a year ago while flying. And to learn that earlier this week the wreckage and now his remains have been found.

Rest in Peace Mr. Fossit.

Re-Charge!

2008-09-29T12:06:00.003-07:00

What is this? A new "post"?
Where the hell have you been WWM?

After a long summer's hibernation, because of forces outside the blog-o-sphere, losses both personally and professionally, it is time to raise my head out of my fox hole and survey the damage.

From a professional point of view, this summer has been not unlike any other. There have been road trips and special events that warrant our coverage. Some of them fun, some are a grind, but they all provide lessons learned and experiences to be drawn from in the future.
Flight time this summer has been plentiful. Again we found ourselves at the local International Airshow and again during the summer's end fair we gave away helicopter rides for those lucky individuals who would enter our station contests.

The summer came and went. And with little fanfare. It has left good old Murman a bit low on the energy levels.

I am now preparing for a long awaited vacation. One that is going to take me back to my hometown across the Continent. It will be good to go back. Seeing old friends and family. Something that I have put off for far too long. And it all begins when I board the plane on Friday.

Let the recharging of the batteries begin!!

Fare Thee Well

2008-06-18T09:52:00.010-07:00

I have been very lucky to have been blessed with working in a business that I love. Doubly blessed because of the people I get to work with on a daily basis. For the past 10 years I have had the honour of working with one of the most gifted, intelligent, classiest and kind person I have ever met. Her name, Janet Dirks.

Our first shoot many years ago was when she was part of our Arts and Entertainment unit. We were to interview the conductor of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. She knew the fellow from her days at CBC radio back in her native Winnipeg. Just by the way she conducted the interview, I knew she was something special.

After being reassigned to general assignment at the newsroom, we began to shoot more often together. It was in the field over those early years that our friendship, our bond, was forged. Janet always treated everybody, whether they were prince or pulpier with courtesy and respect. That always held us in good stead and enabled us to connect with all strata of society.

Janet and Murman during the first days of the Robert Pickton Murder Trial

Her mastery of the English language is the stuff of legend in our newsroom. Her knowledge of Law came natural as she had in a previous life been admitted to the BAR. It was no wonder that this University drop out turned camera hump, felt a little intimidated by her. Yet her smile, could put the most anxious person at ease.

Steve Murray, Janet Dirks and Murman the night the Pickton Trial went to the Jury

The two of us always enjoyed working together. Some of our most memorable stuff would involve persons at their most vulnerable. Her sincerity and empathy was not lost with our subjects. To be with her and to witness this was truly a privilege. Her way with people made me proud to be a journalist.

Everyday, when I would get in to the office, my first order of business was to check in with the desk and find out what Janet was working on. You see it didn't matter whether it was a good visual story or not, I would take a "Janet" assignment regardless over anything else. We always had good soulful conversations when we worked together. If one of us had been away or because of scheduling we had not worked together for a long time, I would suffer from "Janet withdrawal". The closeness that we shared, well I have trouble finding the words, but I trust this lady with my very life.

Three weeks ago, Janet got some great news. She had been named the new CTV National Calgary Bureau Chief. Janet would be leaving CTV British Columbia.

As her friend I was happy for her. I have always said to her, "I want what is best for my friend Janet". A Journalist of her calibre will be Calgary and the Nationals gain. But deep down, I am heart broken that I won't be working with her with the frequency that I am used to.

The other night as is tradition with us here at CTV BC we had a Send Off party for her and 3 others that are moving on. I have never seen one of these Send Off's more widely attended than this one. During the evening she said to me "I am not saying good bye to you Murray, I am not going to say it!"

At the Send Off party the other night

I am not going to say it either Janet. This business is a funny one and I hope that fate will find us sometime soon working together once more. I'll light you with the care you have come to expect from "Murray the camera guy" and until then I will just say:

Fare Thee Well, Janet

Fare Thee Well.

My Ears are Still Ringing

2008-06-05T20:50:00.016-07:00

The last few weeks have been difficult ones in the world of World Wide Murman. But that said, nothing can take away from the experience of this past Tuesday evening with my son.

This particular evening had been anticipated for some time. The excitement grew from the time the tickets were purchased. You see, my boy's favorite band was coming to Vancouver. I have always been proud of my son's musical taste. Long ago he didn't succumb to the sounds of Hip Hop Hell or whatever the flavor of the year happened to be, but he discovered my collection of Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. From there he discovered Iron Maiden and they became his genre of choice.

Never has a father been so proud.

Fast forward to last Tuesday. Anytime with my son is valued time. Going to a rock concert with him is always special. As we walked to the Pacific Coliseum fans and concert goers of every age and description made their way to the doors. I could see the look on Ben's face. He was really looking forward to finally seeing Bruce and the rest of Maiden perform. An excited Metal Head saw the two of us walking toward the door.

He smiles and says to me in a rock concert sort of voice- "Dude you're taking your boy to Maiden!,,,,,,, You Rock Dad"

I was suddenly filled with pride, thinking for a brief moment that I was indeed a "cool Dad" and one that could share the power rock of Maiden with his 15 year old.

Then god love him, Ben says to me in his sarcastic funny voice of his "It's more like I am taking you to Maiden don't you think Dad?!"

Well I was cool for a second anyway.

Inside the venue our seats were stage right, two rows from the floor and very close to the stage. Very good seats indeed. After an opening act and some snacks and drinks, the main event was about to begin. Ben looks at me and says he's got to go to the washroom. Off he darts up the stairs, when suddenly the house lights go down indicating the show is about to start. He's back in a flash. He doesn't want to miss a moment and decides he'll wait for the next two hours

Iron Maiden opens with "Ace's High", power chords fill the building. The spectacle has begun.

(Photo: courtesy of Richelle Akimow)

Maiden's animated and energetic singer/pilot Bruce Dickinson waves the Union Jack during his performance of "The Trooper" (Photo: courtesy of Richelle Akimow)

When the stage lights come up and the familiar chords of "Aces High" fill the building and with a flash of light Maiden takes the stage. I caught a glimpse of his face. The smile and his euphoric eyes said it all. It was a moment I shall never forget.

Mummified Eddie makes his appearance during 'Power Slave" (Photo:courtesy Richelle Akimow)

Maiden cranks out "Power Slave" to the masses. What a show! (Photo: courtesy of Richelle Akimow)

It was indeed a great performance. The set was incredible. The crowd was wild. The sound, well my ears are still ringing. It was among the top 3 concert experiences of my life and I was grateful to have shared such an experience with my son.

For more of Richelle's photos check out her Flickr page.

The Great Bread Caper

2008-03-31T15:10:00.007-07:00

Here it is April 1st once more. The day for humour and laughter. In honour of the humour and laughter I submit to you my faithful reader a true story of an April Fool.

It all began many years ago in a small news room in Saint John, New Brunswick. We were sitting around the office shooting the shit when the topic of bread came up. I cannot remember exactly what the context was, but bread was a subject I knew very well. I considered myself an expert being from a family that had been in the bakery business for some 60 years.

My Grandfather founded a Bakery in the late 1920's and the name Titus was synonymous with fine fresh bread in Southern New Brunswick. At one time there were several Titus Bakeries owned and operated by relatives of my Grandfather. ( Uncles, and Cousins). By the time my Granddad closed his doors forever in 1975, there was but one Titus Bakery owned and operated by my Grandfather's cousin Ted, it had been passed down to Ted's children and is a fixture to this day, on the Corner of Union and Prince Edward Streets.
The bread at this bakery, baked fresh every day, was as close to tasting like my Grandfathers loaves I had grown up with. Needless to say, Ted's bread was a staple and was always found on my counter top at home.

Now during our heated conversation about bread back in the news room, I believe the debate was about taste. One of my co-workers claimed that there was "no real difference" in the taste of fresh bread between one brand or another.
I countered with: " I could tell the difference blindfolded"

Now the folks I worked with at ATV in Saint John, were not going to let this pass. And from time to time would rekindle the conversation and debate about the taste of bread. I always defended the family name and would always restate my claim as bread expert.

In 1992, Mrs. Murman gave birth to my son, and as she was now on maternity leave, it would be my daily duty to pick up our daily bread from Titus Bakery. A task I performed most every lunch hour.
"One loaf white unsliced please." I would say to one of the Titus girls working the shop.
"90 cents please" She would reply and usually ask about the new baby and how Mrs. Murman was enjoying her time away from the office.
I would toss the bread in the back of the news truck and head off to who knows what, a routine that would repeat itself for months on end.

Little did I know that there was mischief afoot.

I would get home and my wife would say over supper. "This bread tastes funny are you sure that you bought this at Titus'? "
"Yes I did" I replied.
I never gave it much thought, I figured that childbirth and the rearrangement of hormones must have affected her sense of taste.

Months had gone by. Many loaves had been bought and consumed. Fresh baked bread everyday. From Titus Bakery or so I had thought. Months turned into a year. Never a break in the routine.

Lets fast forward. One of the fellows I worked with, our engineer, Paul was his name, had ended up in hospital with a major heart issue. He almost died. I went on behalf of the office to visit him after his surgery. I met his wife in the hospital hall and she said that he would be fine and I could go in for a quick visit. She warned me that he was still groggy.
So I get in there and he says to me, "Oh Murray, my boy, " and he starts mumbling about how sorry he was about the bread and how he and the others had been switching my loaves for some time.
"The Bread??" I thought.
I figured it must be the drugs and he was just babbling about random things.
He kept saying how sorry he was and he hoped I would forgive him.
I figured I had stayed too long so I gave him our gifts and went back to the office to let everybody know that he would be OK.

"How is he?" The group asked
"He is a little groggy and I think he's on some great drugs" I explained to the newsroom. "He was musing about stealing bread and he wanted forgiveness."
There was sudden laughter. It seems that Paul had been in on the great bread caper and he wasn't musing, he thought he was dying and wanted to clear his soul.

Then it all came out. It appears I had been the victim of a very elaborate practical joke. Masterminded by my co workers.
Your remember the bread boast. They had it on tape. It was tradition when pulling off office hi jinx that it be recorded. The gang confessed that they had been switching my daily bread for just under a year. They would each take turns buying bread at other bakeries and switching it. Taking it out of its clear plastic bag and switching it. Sometimes the switch would be made while I was in the bathroom. Someone would knock, I would say "I'll be a few minutes." They would have cameras rolling and switch the freakin' bread just outside of the washroom door.
Often one of the gang would eat a sandwich in front of my desk made from you guessed it, my Titus Bread. All the while recording the fun to be played back at a later date.
Apparently every bakery in Saint John was in on the joke. Yes even the girls at Titus Bakery. My wife always suspected that there was always something not right about the bread. I never suspected a thing and well couldn't tell the difference. I am sure my late Grandfather looking down from above, was laughing his ass off. I know that everyone at the Saint John Bureau sure was.

It was brilliant!

Deja Vous

2008-03-13T21:16:00.007-07:00

After my last post lamenting the lack of breaking news and a flight reporter wouldn't you know last nights show included both.

Let me reset this. A couple of years ago, some of you may remember The Cliff Hanger. It was a defining moment for helicopter news gathering here in Vancouver. You had a boy, his dog, stranded high on a cliff in North Vancouver. Chopper 9 brought the rescue of the lad and his dog LIVE during the 6PM news. At the time flight reporter David Kincaid carried the show on his back with his informative oratory from the sky.

Fast forward to Wednesday of this week and for some reason, Kink ends up reassigned back into the flying machine. The first time in several months. As he buckles himself in he states to Guiv (pilot) and Gary (Flight Camera Op): "Wouldn't it be nice if we had something breaking tonight."
No sooner had he got those words out over the flight intercom, the scanner yielded a "high angle rescue" at a place called Quarry Rock. The very same location of the Cliff Hanger of two years ago. He could not have planned it any better.

I happened to be close to a TV as the 6 began. I was tuning in to see an item that I had shot earlier while on skis. As the show opened they went immediately to breaking news. A familiar looking cliff, Kinks voice describing the developing scene below. A dog, this time, a women and of course the high angle rescue team of the North Van FD. As with the first story from two years ago, this too had a happy ending. Perfect TV, danger, drama, a rescue and nobody gets hurt. Good stuff. So good the item which I had originally tuned in for gets dropped from the show and held for tomorrow.

Now it's official. I am the only member of the CTV Flight Crew that has yet to shoot a High Angle dog/person rescue at Quarry Rock.
No matter, it's been done.

The Stare

2008-03-04T13:38:00.003-08:00

The drone of another aircraft powering off the runway at Vancouver International fills the office as I stare blankly toward the mountains. I am back at the aircraft hangar after a long hiatus from the helicopter.
Usually my mood is upbeat heading into a flight week, but much has changed with the Chopper 9 project and the assignment just doesn't have the excitement or immediacy it once had.
It has been a gradual thing. The desk and ND seem to have lost the appetite or commitment to the news gathering weapon in the sky. Late last summer the writing seemed to be on the wall with the permanent reassignment of Flight Reporter Dave Kincaid. Flight rotations just have not been the same without his gifted story telling and his ability to pitch items from the sky to the show producers. With his departure, those of us left are relegated to listening to the squelch of antique scanners, praying for some breaking news so that we can launch and contribute to the shows.
Needless to say, the flight hours have been few and far between. Couple that with the spotty wintertime weather and you see how a guy can develop that "thousand yard stare" looking towards the mountains, just wishing for a flight with some meaning.

Olympic Ski Jumping

2008-02-29T09:10:00.010-08:00

Well the shine of this assignment has definitely worn off. I have also been fighting a chest cold for the past week and that has depleted my energy and enthusiasm. Still being here at the bureau's infancy has had its moments.

A beaten, but not defeated Murman, waiting to edit

It has given me the opportunity to experience a few things that had been on the "to do list". The latest was our shoot at the Olympic Ski Jumping Venue this week.

Ever since I saw the opening clip of ABC's Wide World of Sports (back in the 70's) of the "Agony of Defeat" video, where some poor schlep wipes out jumping off a ski jump, the sport has fascinated me. I recall watching Olympic Ski Jumping on TV as a youngster and marveling how these men with strange names ( they were all European and mostly Scandinavian names) would sore through the air and land without injuring themselves. It was an exotic sport to be sure and not something you see everyday.

Just after launch a competitor forms a "V" to act as a wing and gains greater flight time.

The first Ski jump Venue I had ever seen was in Salt Lake City during 2002. I did not see the competition, but my accommodations while at the games to see hockey, were right across the interstate from the venue outside of Park City.
Now this week I finally had the good fortune to finally get to an actual event with real live competitors flying off a newly constructed Ski Jump. Man these young lads have stones. You have no idea how steep and then how far these guys "fly". It's not until you get at up to the point of launch that someone like me who has until that time, only seen jumping on a TV screen, that you really get a sense of how fast a Jumper is traveling and how steep the landing area is. The sound of the launch and the jumper flying through the air is another dynamic that TV doesn't quite do justice.

A member of the US Ski Jump Teams flies down the Jump in a perfect "V"

Now you couple all of that with a sprinkle of controversy, and you have a great recipe for a newsy reason to be at such a venue. The controversy involves the IOC and Women's Ski Jumping. You see Ski Jumping at the Olympic Games has been exclusively a men's competition. The women were denied entry into the 2010 games because of "technical reasons". It has become a big story and one that our news organization has followed very closely. It has become a subject that most in Canada have heard about and has people talking about a little known and exotic fringe winter sport called Nordic Ski Jumping. Ya gotta love controversy and ya gotta love the fact that the movement behind womens ski jumping has not gone away. This story has legs and we haven't heard the end of it.

Will the Women be jumping here in 2010?

World Cup Ski Racing

2008-02-22T14:56:00.014-08:00

I am just get ready to edit this afternoons piece. As Sarah writes her script and awaits vetting, here are a selection of photos from our assignment during the past couple of days at the Whistler World Cup Ski Championships.

CTV Camera Operator Shawn Foss in his Broadcast Location at the World Cup. During a wipe out at the finish this morning at the Womens Down Hill, he took a ski pole to the ass. It punctured his jeans and broke the skin. Like a trooper, he played on, wounded.

A competitor streaks toward the finish at yesterday's Mens Super G at the Whistler World Cup. Man these guys and gals freakin' fly.

CTV Whistler Reporter, Sarah Galashan and CTV Olympic Producer, Allison Redmond pose for a snap yesterday at the Finish Line.

Austrian Ski Fans represent! These guys had a blast and were right behind my camera position.

Ok so I got a shot for the boys, I couldn't resist her smile. A Von Trapp family singer she 'aint.

Canadian Speed Queens, Britt Janyk and Kelly Vanderbeek wave to the supportive crowd after they finished in this morning's Womens' Down Hill.

CBC camera op Glen at his camera position making faces during this morning's race.

Glen returned the favor by shooting a tired looking Murman at the finish line.

A shot of the finish area of the World Cup Womens Down Hill Course. This will be the same course used at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games for the women and the event this morning acted as a test event for the Games Organizers.

My Spider Senses are Tingling

2008-02-22T07:32:00.005-08:00

This first week of pure Bureau life has had it's moments. With the road crew associated with our News @ 6 show packed up and headed home, it became evident that this part of the Whistler extravaganza would take on a simpler form. Shooting, editing and feeding on the same day is nothing new and would be sort of a throw back to my days with ATV/ASN in the Saint John Bureau many years ago.

Sarah ready to go get'em on the first "official day"

The weekend went fairly well with most of the excitement coming as we were feeding in our item via a Telus "Bang Box". With the window opened and contact with feed and play at Robson and Burrard established, I began to roll the pack, playing it back through my camera. All at once flashing warning lights, beeping tones and an "error message".
"God damn it" I said under my breath.
The voice on the phone from feed and play: "Can you roll it Mur?"
I quickly snap back that we had a problem and to stand by. As I inspect the situation, I discover my worst case scenario, A tape clog or in simpler terms, the camera ATE the tape.

Looking over at young Sarah, the look on her face said it all. We're screwed. But wait,,,,
Call it my spidy sense, but I had made a back up copy of the tape. I told her to stay with the equipment at the box. I was headed to back to the office to pick up an A220 edit deck which would act as a playback unit. The walk back to the office was only ab out 200 yards, but waiting for the elevator seemed like an eternity with an open feed window counting down.

Spiderman during a calmer point of the day before the spidy senses began to tingle

When I returned and hooked it all up there was still time on the window. I fed in the back up tape and suddenly all was right with the broadcast world. Our first feed and after a Live hit. No one at home would have known the potential disaster, the bullet if you will that we had just dodged.

Might as well make the first day the memorable one.

The Payoff

2008-02-17T09:26:00.010-08:00

As much as grind traveling road shows can be, there always without fail is a payoff. It can come in the form of financial gain, practical experience, and life experience in general. There is always a payoff.

I remember my first large scale "road trip" back in 1994 when the station I was working at the time took one of their shows to Florida during a particularly bad winter. There was the financial aspect and it was good. As it was my first big adventure, it provided a big professional and practical payoff throughout. It was not until the bitter end of the assignment that the best spiritual payoff presented itself. That was a full day, by myself on a warm sunny island away from the crew, the show and light years away from the winter that we had left back in the Maritimes.

This past week with our CTV News @ 6 show in Whistler for the 2 Year Countdown Celebrations to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, was no different. The week and the project once again tested me in many ways. Physical and mental fatigue, yet again things that I forced myself to work through. After all it is the professional thing to do.

Brent and Pamela at they ride the "Magic " chair as we began our trip up to the top

The spiritual payoff came in the middle of this trip and as it only lasted a half hour, it was indeed worth it. Wednesday brought an assignment for Brent , Pamela and I up at the top of Whistler Mountain. There was a number of elements to collect before we loaded onto the lift and at times it looked like our attempt at snapping on the skis for a few "turns" might elude us. But in the end we were able to get ourselves up. The official reason: Go to the top, get some shots and shoot a stand up. The truth is we all just wanted to get a run or two in on what was a spectacular day. I had to be on the set at 3:30, but it had been pushed to 4, so that took a bit of the pressure off.

A look from Whistler across the valley toward Blackcomb.

Brent and Murman at the top top near the "Round House"

It was good for the soul, it was good for the body. It was indeed the Payoff.

Weeks End

2008-02-16T22:47:00.010-08:00

As the week of Specials came to a close, our newly formed Bureau would begin to ramp up. Thursday brought the arrival of Whistler Reporter Sarah Galashan. Her presence would require me to begin shooting and editing as her assignments dictated. This would present an interesting logistical problem. I was still required to shoot and edit with Producer Brent Gilbert and Host Pamela Martin. I was also required to be on set at 4:30 to man the camera for the show.

CTV Whistler Bureau Reporter Sarah Galashan on her first day at the Bureau

At this point in the week fatigue was beginning to take its toll. Add to the mix, an evening shoot that was sold as being an hour tops, but actually went 4 and by Friday morning the WALL was coming awfully close and I was afraid I would hit it.

CTV Floor Director Jimmy Walsh, waiting for the final show

Somehow the team was able to get through it. I shot a piece with Sarah and cut it. The weather on that last day brought snow and cold. Couple that with tired bodies and you know that striking the set would be a challenge.

Just before we went to air for the final show, word spread that the only highway back to Vancouver was now closed. This put the rest of the crew in a sombre mood as they were anxious to get home. I would be staying as part of my Bureau commitments, but my accomidations were now in the Bureau itself and with all of the turmoil of the week, the room had looked like a bomb had hit it.

A shot of the Bureau on Friday, looking like a bomb hit it.

The show went to air, I had little energy left after the shoot and edit. As the show ended we all knew with the highway closed, getting the stranded crew some place to stay in a resort town on a Friday Night would have to take priority.

Brent warming his hands during the show, just wanting to wrap up.

I began to strike the set as the others set out to find lodging. It wasn't long before guys began to return to help out. Before we knew it we had the set packed up and loaded onto the truck. The highway wasn't going to reopen until midnight. It would mean another night for the crew, but going home in poor road conditions would be a very bad idea indeed.

My final night with the crew was spent with Floor Director Jimmy and his girlfriend Inga. We raised a glass and toasted the end of a week of successful shows and to a good night's sleep for our tired bodies.

All In Good Fun

2008-02-14T11:22:00.009-08:00

The reasson etre (and forgive my lame attempt at spelling of reasson etre, I barely can spell in english let alone french) for us being in Whistler is of course the two year countdown to the 2010 Olympic Winter games. After riding Monday's coaster of DOOM, Tuesday provided a bit of fun for all of us at the CTV Broadcast Center. We are located at the Village Square, center piece for the Countdown celebrations.

Perry, Steve and Tamara, during a tech check

There has been entertainment on the main stage every day. Our close proximity to the stage has made for some interesting sound dynamics when audio checking or worse, going to air, but it has also provided us with the opportunity to enjoy some of the festivities.

Usually at around 3:30 the entertainment begins. The crowd gathers and fun ensues. As part of the Olympic Flavor of the event, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Mascots make an appearance. They have been an instant hit with the kids. They hang around for about 30 minutes or so, having pictures and hugging the children that are passing by.

CTV Olympic Producer Allison Redmond, Quatchi and CTV National Reporter Lisa LaFlamme

I have to confess, when the mascots were unveiled I was less than impressed. But I have to remember that these creatures were made for the kids, and well they kinda grow on you.
With the appearance on Tuesday some of our crew took advantage and posed for a few shots.
It was all in good fun.

CTV Floor Director Jimmy Walsh smiles with Olympic Mascot Quatchi

Sumi the Olympic Mascot with CTV Special Events Producer Joan Marshal

Paralympic Mascot Meiga with CTV Photographer Steve Hughes

The Coaster Of DOOM

2008-02-13T08:29:00.010-08:00

With the 2010 Winter Olympic Games 2 years away, the official 2 year countdown on Feb. 12. Announcements and events planned for both Vancouver and Whistler meant that as the Network with the Broadcast Rights for 2010, we mobilized for a week of shows both National and Local. My assignment is with our local team in Whistler BC, home of the Alpine, Nordic and Sliding sports.

We arrived on Sunday and began our set up for Monday. Mostly cabling runs and minor stuff. Our main delivery of equipment was not due until Monday morning. The bulk of the crew were also due in before noon Monday.
For me Monday brought an ENG assignment with ctv producer Brent Gilbert ( some of you may remember Brent as part of the crew that I went with to the Turin Games with in 2006). CTV Host Pamela Martin would also be on this shoot atop Blackcomb Mountain. It was an item about Avalanche rescue dogs. We would cover Pamela in a hole in the snow and have the dog find her. We were on a bit of a time crunch as I would be needed to get back to our set position and build the set for our 6PM show.

A shot looking at our set in Whistler with the antenna's of the proble IFB's and wireless mics in the foreground.

The shoot went pretty well and when my time on the mountain drew to a close, I headed down the lift. Brent stayed behind to collect a couple more shots.

The set build was a bit on the stressful side as problems with IFB's and Mics caused headaches. The camera builds went smoothly as the tech checks drew near. The guys in the SAT truck were going great guns, but as the show drew near, you could sense the tension in the air. Problems with IT and Prompter, electrical issues just added to the drama.

CTV Camera Op Steve Hughes and Weathercaster Tamara Taggart hoping for a working IFB

With the games two years out, our network Executive team including CEO Ivan Fecan were also in Whistler meeting with Olympic Officials and other Official Broadcasters, touring venues and potential broadcast locations for 2010.

With a show potentially melting down, and the presence of the Execs from World Headquarters, you had all for the ingredients of the Perfect Storm, or of us, the Perfect Stroke.
I was worried about our lead Tech. He's the kinda guy that puts his heart and soul into a project and major problems less than 2 hours before a broadcast was not what he or any of us needed at this time.

With the clock ticking, IFB and Mics with wireless issues, hosts and talent growing impatient with waiting in the marginal weather, who shows up on the set. You guessed it, like a scene out of the Sopranos, the gang of Execs appears. Those of us on set just smiled and went about our business as if all was right with the world. Our faces hid what lurked inside, a set check that was causing so much grief.

CTV National Reporter Lisa LaFlamme with CTV Globemedia CEO Ivan Fecan on the set

After saying there hellos and checking our locations they were gone. Whew, bullet dodged.

CTV Camera Gary Rutherford on his knees for a shot, or is he praying for the broadcast Gods to help us

Before we knew it, it was show time. The show went off without a hitch. It's always the way, bad tech rehearsal, great show. Yet the roller coaster that is always day one of projects like this we live for. Who knows how many years we have taken off of our lives, riding the Coaster of Doom before a show, but by god when the shows over and the team has wrestled victory out of the jaws of disaster, Damn that's Sweet!

Murman, Floor Director Jimmy and Producer Joan, just happy the show is almost over

Busy and Intense

2008-02-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

This is the beginning of what I am sure will be a very busy and intense few weeks. A change from day to day news gathering is always welcome, especially at this time of year. The task at hand will involve a number of "Live" specials from events surrounding the 2 year countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Live specials or taking the show on the road is always challenging. This particular challenge however, will also involve launching a new Bureau for our station. The Bureau start up is something that has been something that the station has wanted for some time. Now we are in a position to execute the start up.

How I became involved in the start up is a long and twisted story, so I will shorten it for you my faithful reader. I was standing at the wrong place at the wrong time, or at the right place at the right time. (And I reserve the right to determine which of those applies when I return from this assignment)

Murman at the new Whistler Bureau edit suite during the install on Wednesday.

Wednesday of this past week we began to tool up the new Whistler Bureau. It basically a hotel room tricked out with an edit suite and soon to be installed feed services. Fax machines, phone lines and high speed infoweb everything a news bureau should have. In the weeks to come I hope to give you a look from the inside of the trials and tribulations of "New Bureau" life. It is a temporary assignment until a staff hire can be made to fill the camera/editor position. It begins officially from me on Thursday of this week coming. Until then, Olympic Countdown specials in Richmond and Whistler will occupy my attention. Full setups and tear downs. In Whistler, promos, ENG editing to boot. Yes it will be busy. Add the big wigs coming to town, it has all the makings of "busy and intense" weeks to come.

The End of January

2008-02-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

It has been a long and somewhat eventful week out here on the left coast. After a week of blissful flight, ol' World Wide drew into the regular general assignment ENG rotation.
I was welcomed back to earth with a heavy snowfall. Now usually that would automatically mean a nasty commute topped off with an always popular weather story.

As I loaded the truck and listened in on the traffic reports, I realized I might have a problem just getting off my street. You see an incline to the main road, without salt or sand translates to spinning tires and little or no forward momentum.

A flick into four wheel drive solved that problem and I was quickly on my way in to the office. Listening to the radio I discovered there was supposed to be a big problem on one of the busiest bridges in Greater Vancouver. That turned out to be a very good turn of events for me. I joined the highway into the downtown after the problem bridge. The road was bare and the trickle of traffic inbound meant I could cruise at near the speed limit. When I finally made it to the desk, I had just completed a record best 22 minutes for a commute time.

I did draw a weather related story, but instead of trudging around in the snow looking for sound bites, I got to ride shotgun on a snowplow. Great fun, but shooting in a cab of a big ass snow plow can be hard on the back. Even with the discomfort, I could get the "Mr. Plow" song , from the Simpsons out of my head. The day ended with a live hit not related to snowplows or weather, but taxi cabs. Such is the world of front line news gathering.

The cycle would repeat itself everyday for the rest of the week. Thus ending the always tough month of January.

Fly Me To The Moon

2008-01-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

For a Tuesday on a flight week, today was a very good day. Mother nature has treated us with a break in the monsoon season. Clear skies, fresh snow on the mountains, surely flight missions would follow.
It began with a phone call from re assigned flight reporter Dave (Kink) Kincaid. He reassigned duties keep him terrestrial. He now fronts a thing called "Where We Live" and today he sold the desk on the idea doing one from the air.

It has been said by someone when describing Vancouver, that you can ski, golf and then go for a sail in one's yacht all in a single day. Our mission, to show this from the sky.

As we took off to collect the orgasmic visuals for this piece. A call from the desk sent us in a different direction. A body found in Langley.
"We're on our way Gregg." I told the voice on the other end of the cell phone.
Actual news gathering is what we live for and this mission in Langley would fill the need for the "hard" news that the desk hungers for.
Peter my pilot for today, began to bring the turbine engine to life. I established contact with control room to determine which receive tower I would be linking with. Gregg breaks in on the radio and gives us an additional assignment. This one, a shooting in Surrey less than ten minutes old.
This would be a busy flight. We had a guest with us as well, Freelance CTV Writer Doug Murray. Doug also writes a blog called "Road Spill". Kinda funny now that I think of it, we had three "Murray's" on board.

We flew to both scenes, collected the shots that were needed and then proceeded to collect shots for Kink's story. Yes siree Bob, we got in some quality mountain flying. Hikers atop Mount Seymour, back country skiers, snow covered mountains that look like ice cream cones. It was soulful.
Our flight took us over to Grouse Mountain. I shot some skaters outside on a frozen pond. Onto Cypress Bowl, a reveal shot from the mountains to the bright blue waters of Howe Sound and a BC Ferry making the turn into Horse Shoe Bay. Peter spotted some folk enjoying a picnic on the rocks overlooking Point Atkinson. And finally shots of pleasure craft maneuvering into docks at Granville Island.
It had been a busy flight. So much so that I did not have a chance to get out the D-80 and fire off a frame or two.

A call from Kink when we were back on the ground had me run through what I had shot for him.
"Murman, what will my closing shot be?" he asked.
Just then I remembered that we had a wonderful full moon rise last evening at around 4 :20.
"How bout I shoot the moon rise tonight from the air?" I sold him on the idea.

The sun goes down on a very productive flight day as we prepare to fly and shoot a moon rise

We took off at about 4:50 and headed out for the money shot. I had my eyes and lens pointed at the North East looking for a bright disc rising. Surely it would be up very soon. The flight continued. We orbited over the waters of English Bay waiting.
I was only give a small flight window to make this happen. I shot the sun set, just in case I botched the timing of the moonrise. As I looked at my watch, time was running out. Not even a glimpse of a bright object resembling a moon. We headed back to base and set the machine down. As we powered down machine, my cell rings. It's Kink.

"How is it that the United States lands a man on the Moon, and YOU can't find it?" he mocks.

I begin to explain that I had a backup shot and whine about not being able to time a moon rise. Kink laughs at what a failure the idea had become. Just at that moment, I look out my window toward the north shore mountains, and low and behold, a sliver of bright silver moon rising over the ridge. I quickly re establish our microwave link and shoot the freakin' thing from the aircraft dolly with the FLIR. It appears I have wrestled victory from the jaws of defeat.
It was orgasmic.

The moon finally makes an appearance. My rather weak attempt to photograph it without a tripod.

Flight Week Ahead

2008-01-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

After an interesting week on the ground, I find myself ready to get back on flight duty. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and our flight crew will have some good hunting. Maybe a rescue or two. We don't need anyone to get hurt, just a visual rescue. Something that will lead the cast. God knows, it has been a very, very long time since I had something that I have shot from my seat aboard our camera in the sky. I am beginning to feel snake bit. Oh yes this "rescue" needs to happen before it gets too dark. Unfortunately the nose mounted wonder camera, is not much of a wonder when it is dark. So, I'll bring my rabbit's foot, eat my Lucky Charms and knock on any wooden surface and hopefully, it will be a good week riding high above the tree tops crankin' it out for your viewing pleasure.

My favorite part of the week, the first launch.

Kick Ass Day

2008-01-16T21:54:00.000-08:00

The Martin Mars Waterbomber as it sits at anchor in Vancouver Harbour

For a Wednesday, today kicked ass. Well for me it did anyway. It began with an early morning call to go and cover a quick shoot at a school. Interesting subject matter, kids and gangs. I figured that this would be my fate for the day, but when the item got down graded to a VSV, it enabled me to team up with Kink on another assignment. And what a gem it was.

Kink and I have worked many stories from the air aboard CTV Chopper 9. One of our favorites from the sky are forest fires. We have done many over the years. From the air they can be very visual and when we happen to share the skies with the world's largest water scooping tanker, there is always excitement in our aircraft.

A shot out the hatch looking at the Starboard Engines (Right side for you non mariners)

Today, we got to do one of those cool things that most never get to experience. We both boarded and were given an inside look at the mighty Martin Mars Water Bomber. This second world war era flying boat, originally designed as weapon against Japan, had been converted for fire fighting after wars end. There are only 2 left on the planet and they both are based in British Columbia, owned and operated by Coulson Avaition. It was a particular thrill for me, as I have shot this massive aircraft fighting fires on several occasions from my seat aboard Chopper 9. ( See "Best Laid Plans")

This particular Martin Mars is called the "Hawaii Mars". It is the same plane that some of you may have seen fighting fires in California this past fall. To see this vintage machine drop her load never gets tired. It scoops a full load skimming along a waterway, in just 25 seconds. When over a fire, she can drop enough water out of her belly to soak 4 acres in just a single pass. She may be old, but she is very capable.

Kink and Jim Messer of Coulson Water Tankers on the flight deck

The Mars is in Vancouver for a Forestry trade show. It is believed that this is the first time either "Hawaii" or her sister "Philippine Mars" has ever touched down in Vancouver Harbour. It certainly drew a large crowd on the pier to see her drop a load into the harbour.

Some of the Crowd at Canada Place's Pier waiting for the water drop demo

To have been given a look inside, and to have spoken to the crew that keeps her airworthy was indeed a privilege and coupled with a phone conversation I had with a special person back east, it made for a KICK ASS DAY.

Murman enjoyin' his KICK ASS DAY on the flight deck of the Martin Mars

More photos at my flickr site.

Freestylin' Olympic Venue

2008-01-11T18:26:00.000-08:00

One of the things that make this occupation so attractive is seeing and doing things for the first time. Earlier this week, I was given an assignment that would provide an up close look at something I had only seen on TV, Freestyle Skiing.
Most of you are already aware that Vancouver will be hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. In preparation for the world class competitions, the Venues for the various sports have been completed or are near completion. One such venue is the Freestyle Ski Venue up on Cypress Mountain. This week the Canadian World Cup Freestyle Ski team held training sessions on the new venue. Most of the athletes attending will be a part of the Olympic team that will compete in 2010.
I would be tasked to shoot b-roll of the team training on the Aerials and Moguls Venue. I was excited to be given this assignment as I had never seen Freestyle Skiing live and up close before. When training was over I would be shooting a number of interviews with the team for use by our Olympic Desk for a later date. Not a bad assignment for a Wednesday in the middle of a week of early morning shifts.

CTV Olympic Desk Chase Producer Marina Ellis gives me the horns.

I had seen this venue many times from the air aboard Chopper 9. I had also seen it from a distance from the ground. My son and I ski often at the Cypress Ski area. But it wasn't until I walked over with my camera and stood at the bottom that I got any kind of an appreciation for just how steep the venue is. To get the shots I was going to need, I would have to get up to at least the Judges Building half way up the course.

CTV Olympic Desk Chase Producer Alex poses for the lens

Producers, Alex and Marina, both young enough to be my children, hoofed it up the mountain with me. Alex had my sticks, I had my lens slung over my shoulder. It wasn't long before I was huffing and puffing thinking I would need to stop and set up camp and try for the summit later. After what seemed like an eternity, I got to the Building. Huffing and puffing, trying to catch my breath, Alex introduces me to one of the coaches. The look on the coaches face seemed to be surprised that I had survived the climb. The jumpers had not yet begun to launch themselves off the ramps yet. I took the opportunity to walk over to the ramps and survey the landing area. Holy Crap, that was steep. And they are going to jump off that??!! Man these folks have stones. It looked more daunting when I climbed up into the judges building and looked over the area.

A member of the Canadian Freestyle Aerials Team launches themselves into the air.

It wasn't long before the team was doing their thing. Launching themselves into the air, twisting, flipping, all with incredible precision. Wow. They make it look effortless.

Another member of the Canadian Freestyle Aerials Team in flight over Cypress Mountain

Over on the Mogul course, the team was working on technical things. Flying down the course, knees pounding and then leaping and launching themselves off a smaller jump. Some took a spill, but they would bounce right back up. Man they're tough.

A look from the bottom of the course as a member of the Canadian Freestyle Aerials team trains at the 2010 Winter Olympic Freestyle Venue at Cypress Mountain.

During the sit down interviews later, listening to some of these athletes, we learn a little of what makes them tick. Just regular folks, with extraordinary talents. Talents that allow them to defy the laws of gravity. It really was something to see. I can only imagine just how incredible it will be to see the best in the world compete and fly through the skies of Cypress come 2010.

Silver Lined Clouds?

2008-01-04T10:58:00.000-08:00

A look to the north from YVR- The cloud shroud over the North Shore Mountains

The first week back after the holidays began with the promise of flight. Yes sir, Murman was back, assigned to flight operations for the week. Now if only the News Gods would cooperate and present us with some fine news gathering from the sky. The only things that could screw this week was weather and a silent scanner.

Winter flying is less than predictable. Systems coming off the Pacific can last for days or they come at you in rapid succession. Either way it means messy flying. We were tasked to get some pics to support a story about "out of bounds" hikers/skiers and snowboarders. Every year, search and rescue organizations are busy with folks that believe the rules of the resorts don't apply to them, who head out of bounds. The result: a search, sometimes a rescue more often than not, a recovery. The irresponsibility of these thrill seekers and self proclaimed extreme adventures, puts others at risk who are tasked to "rescue" them.
Local ski area Grouse Mountain had just the night before, dispatched the North Shore Search and Rescue team to search for a father and son snowboarding duo who ignored the signs and decided to head into the back country. They were rescued. Safe. This of course precipitated the interest for our desk to do a story about the problem.

Cloud and fog atop Grouse Mountain as I snap this shot of the Lodge out the window of Chopper 9

Our mission was to get up to Grouse and get some shots, but the weather had cloaked the North Shore Mountains in low cloud. The forecast called for clearing as the day progressed. So we waited. The clouds lifted just enough to attempt a flight just as our trusty scanner alerted us to a house fire which coincidentally was on route to Grouse. The desk always liked a "two-fer" and this flight would provide two for the price of one.

When we arrived the building was fully involved. A good visual, but bad for the occupants of the dwelling below. Holiday fires suck. We did a couple of good orbits and then headed off to Grouse. The clouds had dropped, but our pilot continued and we were able to get enough shots of the area to meet the needs of the story being done back at 750 Burrard, as we dodged clouds.

A hole in the clouds reveals part of the ski area of Grouse Mountian

There were no flight operations for New Years day, but a late breaking event in Whistler on New Years day, dominated the casts. An out of bounds incident had ended in death. This would set the agenda for the next couple of days.
Surely we would be dispatched to Whistler to get some shots from the air of the accident area. Mother nature would not cooperate. And Wednesday was spent checking the weather conditions and providing updates for the desk every 30 minutes. On the home front, the scanner had provided us with a couple of potential sorties, but by the time we had established a departure code and buckled in, we would get stood down by the desk as the story had "gone away".

The day would yield no flight time. Disappointing considering the potential the day had begun with. But such are the ways of the News Gathering Camera Op. It's either feast or famine and here it was Wednesday it was looking like it would be a lean week, and my hunger for the hunt would have to wait until my next tour.

An increasingly unfavorable weather forecast sealed the deal. I guess it is not meant for us to be in the air. Thursday brought more low cloud over the mountains and the weather gods threw in some wind. Fun stuff. A late day call out for a search up on Mount Seymour sent us out to have a look. A most uncomfortable flight. Chopper 9 is not exactly a graceful bird in the wind. Being in the back seat staring at 5 inch monitors, trying to focus in the rain, on a search helicopter in fading light, being bounced about, ya that's fun.

Talon Helicopters launches to assist North Shore Search and Rescue for a search on Mount Seymour

I can report that no lunches were lost in the making of the Search tape for air that evening. Thank God, I would never live it down from the others on the crew.

The cloud blanket over Vancouver as we head back after the Mount Seymour mission.

The wind today has returned, so has the rain and the ever present Low Cloud. No silver linings that I can detect, but the day is not over.

Looking Back/Looking Forward

2007-12-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

Last year at this time, I took a look back on the year that was. In keeping with the reflective nature of year's end, I will attempt to make sense kind of year 2007 has been to me.

2007 started like any other year, with yours truly making one of those New Year's resolutions. I promised myself that I would do anything in my power to avoid a night shift. After 26 years in the business, I figure I have done enough of those. So working OT and taking the the time in lieu, plus vacation time, I was successful. Damn that's the first one of those "resolutions" I have ever kept. Score one for the Murman.

But seriously, 2007 like most years had it's good, it's bad and it's ugly moments. In January, the Robert Pickton Trial began. It was an assignment that ran throughout the year just ending a few short weeks ago. My time there covering it encapsulated "the good, the bad" and most certainly "the ugly" side of human kind. But an experience that I am grateful for none the less.

The month of February brought my first ever winter Vacation. My son had convinced me to strap on a pair of skis for the first time in nearly 20 years. The boy and I spent an incredible week skiing in Whistler along with my brother who was visiting from New Jersey. Now I understand why people take "winter" vacations in cold places. Not to mention the quality time that was spent with my brother and my son.

March brought record flight time. This was due to the weather. Rain, rain and more rain equals LANDSLIDES. There were plenty. During one week of my flight duties, we spent the duration covering a number of significant slides that closed the Trans- Canada highway between Hope and Chilliwack BC. Further up the Fraser river more slides cut off the town of Lytton. It became one of the most visual stories that I covered this year from the air.

But 2007 also turned out to be a year of great loss. In April, the war in Afghanistan became very personal with the death of a young Canadian soldier named David Greenslade. I had never met young David, but I had grown up with his mother Laurie. He was her only child.

Loss continued into the summer and hit all of us at CTV British Columbia very hard with the news that Kenny Lim, a Graphic Artist at the station, had drowned while on vacation with his family in Ontario. The story of his death is one of selfless courage and love for his son. It exemplified the kind of human being Kenny was.

As the leaves fell, so too did a former colleague after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer, Heather Proudfoot-Barry. She was a political journalist of the highest standard. She had been a joy to work with. A day does not go by as I check my hit counters for this blog, when I do not find at least 10 searches for "Heather Proudfoot". It leads me to believe that she is often thought about by all those whom she touched in her brief time with us.

My Family too had been touched by loss in 2007. Just a few days ago, I got word of the passing of my aunt Phyllis. She had spent Christmas with her sons and left us on Boxing Day. But as I think of her and my late Uncle Bill, I always think of their infectious laughter and brilliant senses of humour, and that makes me smile.

The year also gave gifts of experience and gifts of connection. Connections to old friends that I had long lost contact with. Yes I succumbed to the power of Facebook and it yielded many old and dear friends. There is a comfort in that act of reconnection and I am grateful for it.

But now it is time to look forward. The on coming year. New hope, new promise, new experiences, new challanges and of course new connections. God willing, good heath.

And so with that I wish you all a happy and healthy 2008. Now go hug someone you love.

Pickton Trial Part 6: Verdict Day

2007-12-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

That Sunday morning began like so many mornings. The standard "walk in" shots of the cast of characters that we have become so familiar with.
Sue did her hit into Newsnet, the discussion between her and the host back in Toronto centered around the question of a potential record breaking deliberations. When the hit finished, I began to settle in for the long day ahead. I had brought lots of entertainment to pass the time between hits. Our next one wouldn't be until late in the afternoon.

I went up to our office, ( yes we have a bureau office just a stone's throw away up the long stone stairway of Begbie Square) to warm up and grab a diet Pepsi. I sat down for a second to shoot the shit with Gary T who was tech. producing today.when all at once he said to me as he checked his blackberry: "Verdict!"
"Bullshit" I responded. Hell I was just down stairs and Tapper had a reputation for being a bit of a joker.
As he turned toward me, and I caught the expression on his face, I realized the boy who cried wolf was not joking.
I leaped up out of my chair and ran down the long and treacherous stairway. It must of been quite a sight seeing a short fat guy sprinting down stairs taking them three and four at a time. I was at my camera in less than one minute.
God love Sue, she already was mic-ing herself up. Before I knew it we were breaking into programming and up on Newsnet.
This was it, the day that we had waited for nine days for. There would be a verdict. Word spreading like wild fire to families and lawyers holed up nearby. It would take near 40 minutes for the Court to reconvene. All the while Sue was on the air. Calmly reporting the excitement that was enveloping the area.

Sue

I knew that we would be having guests and had a mixer set up, but because of audio routing, I would need a break to bring up her mic and the guest mic together. At the rate and appetite for information, Toronto was not about to break away for me long enough to make it happen. So I decided to deep six the mixer and simply go with a hand held and she would have to conduct her conversations with guests "old school" single stick mic. It was a decision I was glad to have made. The less complicated the better as the situation was very very fluid.

Tamar, our chase producer, was busy hunting down guests and working two cell phones notifying our prearranged guests (experts in law and DNA sciences) to make their way to us. All the while Sue is cranking it out never missing a beat.
It looked like we were going to be on the air for a very long time. As I squinted into my viewfinder, I congratulated myself for having the foresight to have powered the camera with an AC pack as opposed to using a battery. That feeling quickly fleeting as speaking of batteries, I realized that the double A's in the wireless Sue had on might be a bit long in the tooth.
"Shit" I thought, how the hell am I going to change batteries on the fly, live??

I grabbed a pair of AA's and crawled on my hands and knees over to her. I asked Tamar to relay to the control room in Toronto to have the host ask a "long question". They did and it gave me just enough time to switch in fresh batteries.

The temperature was just above freezing outside at our broadcast location, and here it was maybe 10 minutes into our coverage and I am sweating like I'm in the freakin' desert. All the while Sue is doin' her thing. Giving the viewers a great performance and exquisite oratory. I was in the presence of greatness.

By now all media outlets were on the air and the anticipation of just what the verdict would hold was at a climax.
"The jury is just now entering the court" Sue proclaimed. It was indeed very close now. Blackberries all over the courtyard were no doubt buzzing with information coming from inside.
"Not Guilty!" she said as the information was being read off the screen.
Then she said" but wait, we are now getting information that the Not Guilty verdict is for 6 counts of first degree, Guilty on counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and yes 6 counts of second degree murder"
There it was, a conviction. But the drama was just beginning. While we were on the air the streets had been blocked off by police. I did notice a sudden increase in police presence on the square, but it had not registered as I had been dealing with my own situation. It was not long before the families and court watchers came out of the court past the small crowd of TV cameras and newspaper photographers.
Sue describing this for the viewers giving everyone a sense of actually being there. The families came out past the waiting media and over to the CTV local tent. there they had formed a circle and began a solemn ceremony, lighting candles, remembering their loved ones, the six victims. It was a very moving moment, one that when I look back and remember it, brings goose bumps to the back of my neck. The impromptu gathering was shot from another camera position. All the while Sue respectfully staying quiet only occasionally interjecting a poignant observation to our viewing audience.

Families gather for a candle light ceremony remembering their loved ones

Sue on the air with a family member, while in the background an emotional embrace

There were tears and there were hugs. The anguish written on many faces. Yet relief. These folks had indeed been through allot, yet took the time to come to us and share their thoughts and reactions to Sue. It is something that has always humbled me as a story teller, the willingness for people who are hurting, speaking to us under the glare of my lens and sharing with us raw feelings that are very personal and pure.

Sue handled each guest, be it a relative of one of the victims or an invited guest "expert" as if they were her own family. Often the conversation was emotional. But her gentle ways comforted those who spoke to us. Her interviewing mined those golden nuggets of information giving us glance into someones heart. It truly was a privilege to behold.

Sue speaking with the sisters of Georgina Papin one of Robert Pickton's victims.

The Newsnet animal is a hungry one however and the coverage was wall to wall. It was the biggest national story of the day and the Net's appetite was ravenous. Tamar was hustling and wrangling guests for Sue. When it was finally over for CTV Newsnet, Sue had been on the air for just over eight straight hours. Then after a quick sip of coffee she did a hit with CP24 and Court TV Canada.

Crown Prosecutor Mike Petrie speaks with Sue Sgambati during her eight hours on Newsnet. It was Mr. Petrie's first one on one after his pooled presser.

Sue enjoying that sip of Timmy's finest just before she did her CP24 and Court TV Canada commitments.

I have been in this business for almost 27 years and I have never seen such an incredible performance by a single broadcaster. Eight hours, never missing a beat, never stumbling a line or fact, never flustered. God damn that was amazing and I was proud to have witnessed it first hand.

Needless to say, we all had a wrap dinner that night, toasting our team. It was bitter sweet as now that the verdict was over, so too was my time with Sue.
The girls were being released from the story after 3 full weeks. Now they could return to friends and family back at World Headquarters. Sue got out on the first flight home to return to her family and to her duties as host and producer for Court TV Canada. Tamar left later the next day and after a couple of days off returned to her duties in the control room.

Our Newsnet team -Tamar Vartanian , Murman, and Sue Sgambati - posing for one final group shot at the end of Verdict Day

For me the Pickton trial had one final chapter, and it would come in the form of the sentence. I was reassigned to local coverage and teamed up with both Lisa and Janet for the shows. It was a great way to finish what was a very tough assignment.

Pickton Trial Part 5: The Concert

2007-12-19T22:24:00.000-08:00

By the end of that first weekend of jury deliberations, energy levels were low. I recall just wanting to get home when the night was done and crashing to sleep. I knew full well that the 6 am wake up alarm would come soon enough.

And it did. I arrived on that Tuesday a bit agitated because of a household disagreement that privacy laws forbid me from revealing. Well they don't really, but if Mrs. Murman reads this blog, I would end up in a world of shit and quite frankly I'm not much in the mood for that at this point in time.

The day progressed very well until one of my friends from Global National showed up.

"Hey Murman guess what??" he asked (more like taunted)
"What?" I answered.
"I'm goin' to the Van Halen concert tomorrow night!" he replied
"Shit, you rat bastard, I couldn't get tickets and besides it looks like I'm stuck here anyway."
I had wanted to see these guys since 1981 when they made the swing through the Maritimes. I had tickets then, but the show was cancelled in Moncton as I recall due to a stage /venue issue.
I looked at him with envy and contempt for rubbing it in that he was going. Especially after the mood I was in from the aforementioned "domestic dispute".
"Murman, I gotta friend that has an extra ticket." he says.
"Get him on the phone!" I demanded.
He did and after a brief conversation, I had myself a ticket outta Begbie Square. My demeanor instantly improving.

The day of the concert, I was able to get someone to cover my late hit. It would feel nice to go somewhere other than the Courthouse in New Westminster even if it were only for a few hours.

The seats were good ones, Al's friend sold me the ticket for face value. It proved to be money well spent.

The show begins with Eddie's son Wolfgang on Bass, David, Alex and Eddie rockin' with "You Really Got Me Now" (photo Vancouver Sun)

The show began with the familiar riff of Eddie playing "You Really Got Me" and David Lee Roth prancing down a long curving ramp waving a giant red flag. It was on. After 26 years, I finally got to see Van Halen. For the next two hours it felt I was back in high school 1979. I pumped my arms with every beat. Enjoyed every song. I knew them all by heart.
Eddie had brought his "A" game and so too, did David. It was freakin' great. For that two hours there was no court, no deliberations, no wait and no worries about what the hell we were going to do when a verdict came down.

Eddie = Guitar Hero! brought his "A" game (photo Vancouver Sun)

Yes it was quite a show, good escapism and when the show was over, there had not been one single song that I had wished they had played. They played it all. Now if I could only hear. It took two days for the ringing to finally stop. The show gave me the energy to see this assignment to it's end.

It was one of the best shows I have ever seen ( Photo Vancouver Sun)
,,,,You really got me!

Oh ya, thanks Al !

Pickton Trial Part 4 :The Long Wait

2007-12-19T12:20:00.001-08:00

After 10 days of closing arguments, judge's charges to the jury and countless live hits about the proceedings, a milestone was reached. The case went to the jury, meaning the deliberations would begin. For all of us covering the trial it meant that we were finally in the "home stretch" of this marathon trial.

This happened late in the afternoon of Friday November 30th. Naturally there was an air of excitement as we reported live into each of our respective shows. I recall after our live hits, giving a celebratory hug to Janet. She had been on this case a very, very long time and now finally it seemed an end was within sight.

The night the Jury went into Deliberations, CTV Camera Steve Murray, Reporter Janet Dirks and Yours Truly pose for a celebratory photo

The jury was sequestered and now the long wait would begin. Naturally predictions of how long and when the jury would return a verdict ran throughout Begbie Square. Poolies started to flock to their bookies and place their bets. Most of us thought a Tuesday or a Wednesday verdict would be ideal. Of course any one's guess was as good as any. But what this new phase meant, was now we would be required to be at a constant state of readiness as long as the jury was deliberating. Hence, the long wait.

During this "long wait" we were still required to file. How many times could one report that "deliberations continue" or how many different ways could it be stated that "no one really knows for sure" how long this could take, our on air talents would indeed be tested.

The jury came up with a workable deliberation schedule- 9:30 am break for lunch at 1:30 till 3 pm and then go until 8pm finishing for the day. It made for a long day of being at a "constant state of TV readiness".

As the days began to pass, the weather went from fall to winter in about 6 hours. The snow began to coat the courtyard during that first weekend of deliberations. The heater became everybody's best friend and since yours truly had the kick ass flame thrower, guess who was "Mr. Popular"

The snow flies as CTV NewsNet/ Court TV's Sue Sgambati prepares to tell the viewers "The Jury is still deliberating". That's CTV News Net chase producer Tamar Vartanian on the phone.

The families of the victims, who by now were very familiar to us all began this "long wait" with good spirits, but as the days wore on, so to did the emotions of the group. There were times that one or more of them would come on over and get what ever they were feeling off their chest. It was almost as if I had a sign just outside the tent that said: Psychology- 5 cents. It was harmless, but over time it wore a person down. I did my best to be friendly after all they were going through some of the worst times in their lives, I suppose listening wasn't going to kill me. But their chain smoking might,,,,

One of the families, the Frey's, who daughter was among the murder counts that the jury was working on, really touched us all at the CTV broadcast tent. Each morning as Lynn would arrive, she would walk past the phalanx of cameras to our tent. In her hand she had a bag filled with pastries and muffins.
"I brought you some goodies" she would say " You guys have to be here too, and I appreciate it"
"That was very kind of you Mrs Frey, but you don't have too,," I would say
"I want too" she replied.
"Thank-you" was all I could manage to answer.

Janet speaks to Lynn Frey (in the red coat)

But as the long wait continued, the spirits of each of us began to tire. Stories, not related to the trial, lead the nightly news. Our instincts were calling us away from the Square. We all needed a change in scenery. We all wanted our lives back. Visiting journalists missed home and the comfort of their own beds. Local journalists although sleeping in their own blankets, lived and breathed this story. It's toll on household conversations, family activities and mental health cannot be overlooked.

Yet with this endless wait, there were the high points. The laughs and war stories of our colleagues. But you know it's been a long wait when those war stories begin to repeat.
We just all prayed for a verdict, the sooner the better.

One of the most remarkable days began with rain, heavy rain. So much so that one of the media tents collapsed overnight. As the day continued the dark clouds continued to gather. The mood in the square was tense at best. But that afternoon just before a break, the sun began to shine from the west. It was low in the sky and with the heavy showers of just moments ago, a rainbow appeared over the courthouse. Then a second rainbow. Brilliant and uplifting to all. Families saw this as a sign of good news to come. The rainbow didn't elaborate on the time line of this "good news to come". So the long wait would continue.

A symbol of hope appears over the New West Court House

Pickton Trial Part 3: The Blessing

2007-12-16T18:37:00.001-08:00

My days at the trial usually began with a stop at the gas station. Filling up gas cylinders for the heater. When I would arrive at Begbie Square, a lone security guard would greet me and he would help me unzip the tent.

The first order of business would be to get the heater fired up and take the chill out of the tent. Then I would begin to wire up the camera and position the lights. Each and every morning brought an early hit into CP24 and then a hit into CTV NewsNet. Later as the day wore on, more hits, some ENG work (shooting the "ins" and "outs") and finishing the day with local live hits into the 5 and the 6, ending with a NewsNet live. It was a routine that lasted nearly 3 full weeks. The days went from 7 am till nearly 9 each night. This kind of an assignment could grind you down in a hurry if it were not for the gift that the TV Gods had given me.

That gift came in the form of three very talented journalists. Two , Lisa Rossington and Janet Dirks, I have the privilege of working with everyday at CTV in Vancouver. The other, from the home office in Toronto. Our first meeting was on that first Monday of closing arguments (nearly 4 weeks ago now).

CTV British Columbia reporter Lisa Rossington. She had been on this case since the original raid on the Pickton Farm.

CTV's Janet Dirks, she too has covered this case since the beginning. A kinder person you will not find anywhere.

She arrived that morning finding the CTV tent and asked: "Are you Dave??"
"No", I said "He's up in the office, I'm Murray the Camera Guy, can I help you?"

She introduced herself: "Hi , I'm Sue Sgambati, I believe I have a live hit with you in a few minutes."

Court TV Canada's Sue Sgambati, an instant hit here at the CTV Broadcast Center in
New Westminster, British Columbia

Her assignment was to fill the live requirements for Court TV Canada, CP24 and CTV NewsNet until the end of the trial. A tall order indeed, but one we would both relish.
As the days wore on, our conversations revealed that we had much in common. I discovered that she was very much an "old school" journalist. All about the story, a storyteller. Not like some in our business, about themselves. She was very much a team player, something again highly prized in this business, not to mention this assignment. She had a marvelous sense of humour, something that would help us through some of the mentally fatiguing times that would lie ahead. There was not a day that passed without the two of us sharing in a mind cleansing belly laugh. And through laughter and conversation, we bonded.

Sue preparing to do another live hit for CTV Newsnet

Yes it indeed was a blessing to have been given such a pro to work with. When asked by a producer in Toronto for a 3 minute "breathless" to tape. She would glance at her notepad, give a 3-2-1 and rattle off 3 minutes to the second, on the first take!
Sue fit right in with the team. I found myself wanting to call her bosses in Toronto and asking if we could keep her. Of course we could not, but you can't blame a guy for trying.

Pickton Trial Part 2: The Campfire

2007-12-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

One of the lessons learned from our first experience last winter from Begbie Square was it was freakin' cold no matter what the weather. We had rented a construction heater to heat the tents last winter. They were so successful that we purchased one.

It was money well spent. One thing about waiting long periods of time outside a courthouse, is, it's better to stay warm and dry. Nothing makes a shoot any more miserable than a cold/ wet reporter and operator.

The device is fueled by propane gas. Stopping at the gas station every morning filling a cylinder for the heater became a daily ritual. Our flame throwing heat generating marvel became the envy of all of our competitors. They too invested in heat technology, but settled for smaller "Camping" heaters. Still colleagues from the other shelters always found their way into mine enjoy the Sahara-like temps at the CTV Broadcast Center. Just part of that little extra service we like to provide at CTV Broadcast Services--Heat.

Chester, a Global Cameraman, warms his hands during the long evenings waiting for a Verdict

The burner became a center piece especially during the evening hours as we awaited a verdict. Folks would gather, sometimes bringing along a chair, but often just standing around, shooting the shit and telling war stories around the campfire. Often we would just bemoan the fact it was day number whatever and wishing this story would just come to an end so we could all get our lives back.

The lads have brought their chairs, huddled around the Campfire, but what are they watching???

Hockey Night in Canada on a 7 inch monitor!

Pickton Trial Part 1: The Commitment

2007-12-12T18:51:00.000-08:00

Back in January of this year a trial began with opening remarks from lawyers for the Crown outlining the case against Robert Pickton. He was charged with the murders of 26 women. This case against him would involve 6 of those 26 in what would become a history making trial of Canada's worst serial murders.

Needless to say this trial would attract a lot of media attention.

To accommodate the needs of the TV medium, a tent city, Camp Pickton, was assembled on the courtyard. Each media tent had been serviced with electrics and wired for live broadcasts. This would become my home for the first weeks of the trial. But as the proceedings wore into the summer months and interest for the daily minutia of expert testimony wained, it was decided to pack up the camp for the summer. The Camp would only reappear for the final stages of the trial.

Those final stages began four long weeks ago.

Dave, my Tech Supervisor had asked me to commit to finishing the trial for our organization. Most of my colleagues avoided the courtyard of New Westminster, like the plague. Our station had two reporters, Lisa Rossington and Janet Dirks, who had followed this story since Police first raided Pickton's farm some 6 years ago, had made the commitment. I felt that I should step up and finish this trial. By doing so, I knew it would likely cost me flight weeks, but it was something I felt was important to experience. The decision was actually quite an easy one to make.

Camp Pickton, Begbie Square New Westminster BC.

My role was to arrange, manage and shoot from our broadcast positions on the courtyard called Begbie Square. CTV would have two tent positions, side by side. One for National and News Net requirements, the other for Local CTV positions. I have always enjoyed the challenge of setting up shop at a location that is not exactly TV friendly. The kick for me is making it functional and making it work. Dave assigned me to the National tent or I liked to refer to it: The CTV Broadcast Center. I would also shoot ENG when required.

A look inside the "CTV Broadcast Center"

It had all the makings for an epic TV adventure. It would have it's moments, good and bad. To paraphrase a line for one of my favorite movies- "All I wanted was a mission, and for my sins they gave me one, and when it was over, I damn sure didn't want another."

But I had made the Commitment, and it was one I would be tested to keep.

The Return of Murman

2007-12-10T19:34:00.000-08:00

My absence from this blog is over. To you my loyal reader, I thank you for your patience. Two months is a long time and in that time much has happened. The world of WWM has centered around one story. A murder trial in the city of New Westminster, British Columbia. It has been quite a journey. One I hope to share with you in a number of parts as I re-commit to pounding the keyboard, recounting my news gathering experiences and presenting them onto this blog.

Some of you might remember a post from earlier this year about a trial of one Robert Pickton. The trial began last January and just yesterday, a verdict was reached. The next couple of posts will look back on the past several weeks. The posts will not center around the goings on inside the court or the proceedings. If you are looking for that, you can find it written on other blogs/websites/newspapers- No, I will give you my spin on just how I managed to cope though the weather, the waiting and the chaos that this assignment provided. Just bare with me for just one more night as sleep seems to be the thing that I need the most.

The Tale of Two "Specials"

2007-10-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay getting myself back writing on this blog. I have been on the road with our 6PM show for the past week and writing seemed to be the last thing on my mind.

Funny thing about last weeks "Specials". It was kinda like a dejavu. You see way back in 1994, I went on my first big "Special" assignment. The plan then was to take our 5 PM show to the State of Florida and shoot/ edit and do a live broadcast with our two main hosts, all for the folks back in Maritime Canada. The reasons why we did this are not important to the story, but the idea was to broadcast via Satellite and then pack up the show and move to a different city and do it all over again the next day. My crew assignment on this venture was as an ENG Shooter/ Editor and as a hand held live camera during our show. Of course as any production crew member worth his or her salt, one was also expected to set up and then strike each set. Loads of heavy lifting and no complaining. I am sure our colleagues back in Atlantic Canada thought it all to be fun in the sun for the crew, but if you have been on such a tour, you know it's work and it grinds you down. This assignment would test me and the crew.

Last week's assignment was remarkably similar. Our mission: To Broadcast our Six O'clock Show from a different location each evening in and around Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Of course this assignment lacked the "sun and heat" of Florida but had the cold and rain of southwestern British Columbia. My assignment on this one was however, SNG/Switching and Lighting. Again, this assignment would test all of us on this crew.

I began to notice the similarities very early. In fact, on both occasions when informed of my selection to the crew, I was excited to be a part of something a little different from the daily news grind. (I have to admit that I was much more excited when informed about the Florida assignment as it was my first time out of the Country related to work and after all it was a cold and blustery March and we were going to sunny warm and tropical Florida.)

As I recall, arriving in Florida did not disappoint. It was indeed warm and we quickly changed from our winter gear into our shorts and sneaks. Once settled, we quickly went off onto our respective assignments, knowing that we would have to cut and feed our items before the show. Not to mention technical setup of the show. Needless to say, time would be the enemy each and every day.

I remember the first show on a warm Monday evening from South Beach Miami. The time crunch compounded a few technical issues. The show was a bit rough. But we made it. Exhausted and hungry we now struck the set and packed it into the 5 ton and headed onto our next location. Hoping that tomorrow would bring a better day.

Last Monday, was very, very similar. There were a few issues. Technical gremlins if you will. The weather was not helping. The crew and talent being out of the comfort of the studio added to the stress of the first show. We made air. The show too, like the one on day 1 of the '94 assignment, a bit rough.
As we all packed up, again hoping that tomorrow would be a better day.

On both occasions "tomorrow" was a better day. Comfort levels improve as one has a better idea as what would be in store. Technical issues , like troublesome IFB's and Comm lines were solved. Talent and Crew up their "game" the result, a better shows on day two.

This trend would continue for both assignments as the week progressed. Culminating with a final shows that everyone feels great about. It makes the problems of "Monday" seem far, far away.

Regardless, I always feel stronger after such experiences, even though my back and arms are a little sore.

Sad News from Home

2007-09-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

Murman, Heather Proudfoot and Nancy Regan - Florida 1994

It is never easy to write about someone during times of sadness. Such is the case today as I sit down and try to put thoughts to words upon learning of the death of a friend and former work colleague Heather Proudfoot Barry. News of her passing was relayed to me this very morning and hit me with a deep sadness and shock.

Heather was a bit of a legend in the Saint John Bureau of ATV back in the early 80's. A person of extreme integrity and good humour, she was well liked and respected by all those who worked with her in the field. By the time I arrived at that Newsroom she had moved onto ATV Halifax. I had met Heather socially before I came to work for ATV. Once I had arrived I was regaled with tales of Heather's abilities to tell stories and her way with everyday people, by her former cameraman Brian Chisholm.

Nancy , Heather and George at a place called Rosies in Florida 1994

It wasn't until ATV took the show to Florida during the spring break of 1994, that I finally got to experience what Brian had told me so fondly. Heather had a gift of being able to make an immediate connection with people of all stripes. She had a wonderful smile, one I shall not forget. My only regret is I did not get to work with her more often.

My thoughts are with her family, husband Art and their boys.

Here is her Obituary as it appeared in one of the Halifax papers:

PROUDFOOT BARRY, Heather - On September 14, 2007, surrounded by the love of her family and friends, Heather peacefully passed away in QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. She was a loving and wonderful mother, wife, daughter, and friend who will be sadly missed but remembered with love and a smile. Heather was born in New Glasgow on December 17, 1958. She graduated from New Glasgow High School in 1977, where she excelled in soccer and music and was the founding editor of the high school newspaper. She studied journalism at Carleton University in Ottawa, graduating in I981 with an honours degree in Journalism (with concentrations of study in Canadian History and Political Journalism). Heather worked summers as a newspaper reporter with the New Glasgow Evening News, landing her first full-time job at CFNB Radio in Fredericton, covering city council and the law courts. Heather began her career with the Atlantic Television System (CTV) in 1982 in Saint John. In 1984, ATV moved her to Halifax to report for Live at Five and the 6 o'clock news. In 1988 Heather became the network's Legislature reporter covering the political events of the day from Province House in Halifax. She remained in that position until 1996, also serving in various executive positions for the Legislative Press Gallery Association. During her career as a political journalist Heather covered many significant events, now part of Nova Scotia's political history. Her stories documented such events as the tumultuous end of the Buchanan era and the rise and rocky fall of the John Savage government. She also had the opportunity to travel. She was sent to Washington, D.C., to cover the ushering in of the free trade era when Brian Mulroney became Prime Minister. Heather also covered Canadian Military maneuvers off the coast of Puerto Rico. She was among the first journalists sent to the site of the Westray Mine disaster and along with the CTV team, provided ongoing coverage of the immediate aftermath of the event and the years of political fallout that followed. Heather always said that was the most significant story she ever covered. She was especially touched by the event given that it happened in her own home county. Indeed it was her love of home and family that kept her near, despite several opportunities to work nationally elsewhere in the country. In 1992 she met and, two years later, married the love of her life, Art Barry. Together they had two boys, Michael in 1996 and David in 1997. Heather continued to work part-time for ATV after the arrival of her sons but then devoted herself solely to her family and community. She was president of the Crichton Home and School Association, a co-ordinator with the Block Parents Association and a member of the Saint Andrews Presbyterian Ladies Guild. She has also served on the selection panel for the University of Kings College Atlantic Journalism Awards. She also continued her volunteer work with CTV's Cape Breton edition of the Christmas Daddies Telethon appearing as co-host with dear friend and colleague Bill Jessome for 20 years. Diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2004 Heather confronted her fight quietly but bravely. She fought back and became well again and was resuming a regular life with family and friends. A family trip to Disney World in 2005 and time spent at the family cottage in Pictou County will live in our memories forever. On May 31, 2006, however, the bad news came. The cancer was back and Heather and her loved ones were in for the fight of their lives. Her husband Art, her boys and her family were at her side for every moment of the battle and her gratitude and love for them saw her through. Heather spent the last months of her life preparing her family for what was to come. Long talks with the children, lots of hand-holding with Art and her mom made for many special moments. Even then, the good moments outweighed the bad. While shorter than it should have been, Heather felt she led a full life. A wonderful childhood rambling over the sands and rocks at the cottage, close to 20 years in the profession she lovedÉ and looking after her own family and children. Despite her illness she still managed to pull off the best Halloween parties in the neighbourhood, our regular Christmas traditions and our Valentines chocolate fondue parties. She was always quick with a get-well note or basket of food for anyone else going through tough times. And her smile... oh, that smileÉ continued to light up a room until the very end. Heather is survived by her husband, Art Barry; sons, Michael and David, at home; her parents, Jim and Jean Proudfoot, New Glasgow, and brothers, Frank (Tara), Kendall (Jenny) and Jim (Janet). She is also survived by her wonderful nieces and nephews, and oldest and dearest friend, Barb. Heather would like to thank her many friends and neighbours who rushed to her side when needed. Every card, every note, every little package meant a great deal. Heather's ashes will be scattered in the waters of Chance Harbour in Pictou County. There shall be no visitation but family will be receiving friends in Dartmouth on Monday evening, September 17, at the Banook Canoe Club between 6:30 and 9 p.m. Flowers may be sent to the Banook Club between 3-6 p.m. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the palliative care unit of Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow (902-752-8311). Her funeral will be held on Thursday, September 20, in St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (the Kirk) in New Glasgow at 2 p.m. She was baptized there, married there, and now comes home to rest.

Heather Proudfoot Barry 1958-2007

"Poor in Pocket, but Rich In Spirit" the story of a Prize Flight

2007-09-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

This is a story of a Prize Flight. The Prize Flight was the grand prize we gave away every day at our Broadcast Center at the Pacific National Exhibition for the past 2 weeks.
The folks who win are usually very excited. Most have never been in a helicopter and for me that's the kicker. I get a charge flying with folks for their first flight in a rotary wing.
We have been doing this for the past 3 fairs and have flown scores of first-time fliers. But the winner from last week is the one I shall always remember. I cannot possibly tell her story and give it justice. So here is an email she sent to me and she tells it so well in her own words.

"I'm going to tell you a story about my faith in God and my thanks to CTV news. Today, I was not feeling well, my spirit was broken, I counted my pennies once again to pay bills, still not enough in the end to cover every bill, but yet, I wanted to go to the Pacific National Exhibition, so off I went, Broken and sad, I got to the PNE, I paid my fare to get into the PNE, and thanking the creator for blessing me.

As I walked along the fair grounds, I looked at all the rides, wanting so much to go on them, to experience them and to have fun alone. You see I have never really experienced any rides in my life; I always had too low self esteem and felt too fat to go on a rides.

I had enough to buy my foot long hotdog, mini donuts and a sprite, as I sat in the blazing sun, feeling like a kid, eating foot long hotdog and slurping frozen sprite, enjoying the midway screams, and relishing the smells of cotton candy, drinking in the flavors of the carnival, it was if I was a kid let loose, and it felt good.

Ah! I felt like skipping down the midway runway, among the crowd, still slurping frozen sprite, and wanting to get lost among the sea of humans, not a care in the world. As I approach the rides and still a glimmer of hope sits upon my heart, really wanting to go on the rides.

I watch as people wave frantically at cameras, I get into a line up at the CTV booth for a free picture with Pamela Martin, except it really isn't a picture taken with her, but with a photo of her, as I leave I am asked to enter into a draw to ride in the CTV News Chopper Nine Helicopter. I think nothing of it as I fill out the form and drop it into the barrel among thousands of others.

I continued on my way, admiring how handsome and good looking Bill Good is, looking at Pamela Martin as she makes ready herself for the six o'clock news, I watch the crowd waving at the cameras, making silly gestures, and funny faces. I enjoy the silliness of others and snicker to myself as I find a seat in the shade, where I could watch the rides and wonder if I had the money to ride them, will I have the nerve to get on them, or would I once again let fear take over me and let me never experience the rides I truly want to experience.

I never thought any more of the ballot I filled out to ride on the Chopper, as I sat watching people, they started calling names out for prizes, they called many names, people fill out ballots and leave, they were going to call about the twentieth name, when I got up and started walking up the hill.

All of a sudden I heard, Sylvia Isaac are you here, I started screaming and fighting my way through the crowd, I'm here! I'm here! I'm here. They called my name to ride in the chopper, I was alone, I needed to bring a friend with me to qualify, so I grabbed a woman out of the crowd, I told her she was going with me.

I was in disbelief all the way to the chopper, I felt so blessed, God knew I couldn't afford a ride at the Midway, so he gave me a ride that was an envy to all, as we rose above the earth, over towards the north shore mountains, over the ocean and along the city. I felt like a royalty, being given royal treatment, to see the city high above in a bird's eye view was something out of this world, a blessing that only a Creator could give someone like me, that is poor in pocket, but rich in spirit.

As I walked along the midway on my way home after the chopper ride, people were coming up to me and shaking my hand, congratulating me for winning a prize so wonderful. I rode the bus home, Thanking God for the blessing. And remembering a little prayer always turns into a great big reward for those who have faith."

Written By Sylvia Sharon Isaac August 29 2007

The Fountain

2007-08-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

One of the things I enjoy the most doing what I do is meeting people. I have met the rich, the famous, the not so famous. The good, the bad and yes even the ugly. But what keeps me comin' back for more are the people that make me laugh and bring laughter to those around them.

This week Brent and I found such a person at the PNE. He's a performance artist that has daily shows as part of the Fair. His act, one of the most unusual and unique busker performances I have ever seen. The faces that look upon him when he performs are a testament to that.

Brent found this guy on a search of the grounds after our original story went sideways. He went on a recon of the grounds while I was on another assignment. I was actually shooting an 'Olsen on Your Side" taste test at our PNE Broadcast Center.

Anyway, Brent comes back to me and has that excited look on his face. I had seen that look before while we had been on assignment at the Olympics in Turin. That look that said, he had found something better than our original story. I was to soon find out what a gem it really was.

We had arrived at the performance location I set up my sticks and waited. All at once a fellow with what looked like a over sized business suit and an odd hair style, lumbers up to the stage area. Hooks himself up to a hose and climbs up onto a seat at a work station.

Now this wasn't just any work station, this was a station that was elevated a couple of feet above a large children's wading pool. That's right a wading pool. He sat down and went lifeless.

Lifeless, our performer waits for someone to get on the bike

He sat motionless for a couple of moments. All at once a child sat up on a stationary bicycle that powered a pump. That pump was attached to a hose. That hose was attached to him.

All at once as the kid began to peddle, our performer came to life. Water spouting in every direction. He began to bark out some orders on a phone, his arms flailing about, water everywhere.

With a spray of water the performance begins

People looking on, taking in the spectacle. Laughter filled the air. Then suddenly as fast as it began, our spouting man loses energy. He slows and goes lifeless. The kid on the bike has worn himself out and is winded. Another takes his place and the performance continues. This cycle repeats itself. The crowd gathers, now there is a line up of children and even some adults at the bike.

One of the adults tries his luck at the bike/pump

The water continues to flow, our performer bangs away on his computer terminal, answers his phone and drinks from his spouting coffee cup. It is like a cartoon character from by-gone days. A poor schlep at his office, water flying, people laughing. It was the oddest performance I maybe have ever seen. Certainly one not to be forgotten.

Water spouting from everywhere including his work station

Now the genius is in the design of this as we were to find out in a post performance interview. He got the idea sitting on his couch watching TV. All of the equipment used is from Home Depot and IKEA. The office character is based on his very own father, a business man working in an office somewhere in Edmonton. It certainly is an odd way to make a living, spraying liquid laughter where ever he goes. His name- "The Human Fountain"

The Human Fountain

The Eyes of Chopper 9

2007-08-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

Many regular visitors to this post know I spend a great deal of my time flying around hunting for stories from the air aboard a news gathering ship called Chopper 9. I have posted many photos or frame grabs of some of the stories that we have been to. Well now from the makers of "Blogger" a handy new button on the posting tool has enabled me to post video.

I know what you are saying. "Hey Putz, people have been posting videos on their blogs for a long time."
Yes you are correct. Bloggers like Turdpolisher and BeFrank have been doing this for some time. But I didn't have the time or the inclination to search out how such a magical feat could be executed. Blogger has now made it easy for techno "dummies" like me.

And so I present to you, my faithful reader a treat. My first video entry to World Wide Murman. A little thing I cut together some months ago. A look from my camera aboard Chopper 9.

Enjoy

The Model Maker

2007-08-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

The lineup to get a peek inside of CTV Chopper 9 at the Abbotsford Airshow this past weekend

For the past 3 years we have had our helicopter on a static display as part of the Abbotsford International Airshow. It is a show that runs over three days during the first full weekend of every August. In past years, aircraft of every shape and description find their way to the ramps of Abbotsford Airport and Chopper 9 is no different.

During the past 3 shows we have met thousands of people and given them a tour of Western Canada's first news gathering helicopter. Some have questions, most are excited to get an up close look and a hands on attempt at operating the FLIR camera. It's all in good fun and it helps us make a personal connection to our viewers. We give away hats and tee shirts give the kids fridge magnets and this year we introduced tattoos. A big hit with the kids. By the end of the weekend our crew's voices sound a bit on the raspy side, but it is worth it.

Last season I met a gentleman who introduced himself as a model maker. His name is Duncan. During the course of our conversation he told me he had given up his career to follow his passion for building hi end aircraft desk models.

Duncan the Model Maker speaking to a potential client as he explains how he crafts his creations

Duncan was beginning his new business and was using the opportunity of having hundreds of aviation people in one place to make as many contacts as he could. He presented me with his card and asked me about the possibility of producing a scale model of our very own Chopper 9. I was of course interested. I gave him the VIP tour of the machine and he showed me photos of some of his work.
There were photos of Planes and helicopters all finely detailed and decaled. We shook hands and agreed to make contact after the Airshow weekend.
Over the next few months we had exchanged phone calls and emails. He came to the hangar to take some photos and some measurements. "There was no rush" I had told him, as he was making this one on spec. He had many paying clients that had deadlines and like any business you need to look after your clients.
Duncan would email and tell me of his progress. I know he wanted this one to be a one of a kind item. Eventually I get a call and it's done. He and I had agreed on a price and a pick up. He told me he had kept his molds and he would be able to make more if required.

The "Quality Scale Models" kiosk at the Abbotsford Airshow this past weekend

When I went to pick it up, he opened the box and there it was. An incredible scale model of Chopper 9. I could not wipe the grin off my face. He went and showed me some of the detail he worked into the piece. A FLIR camera that moved. Main and Tail rotors that turned. The tubing that went from each float on the skid to the underbelly tank. All that and it was mounted to look like it was flying. Not to mention the detailing of the decals. Wow.

Well I had hoped that when the brass saw this beautiful replica they would be jumping all over it, wanting one for clients or perhaps for themselves. But it was not to be. At least not then.

Duncan was at the Airshow again this year. This time with his own kiosk, many of his fine pieces on display for potential buyers. In his book of photos there's a model, yes my model of CTV Chopper 9. I own it with pride.

Our Model of THU Chopper 9 created by Duncan

If you would like more information about Duncan and his work you can drop me a line and I would be happy to hook you up.

Phoenix

2007-07-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

It has taken me a couple of days to wrap my head around what happened in Phoenix on Friday. Two working News Gathering Helicopters collided mid-air, killing both crews. They had been covering a police chase on the ground below. Both going live at the time of the accident.

The crews, were not unlike the people who crew Chopper 9 or Global One. Although I did not know any of the victims personally or professionally, they no doubt loved doing what we love doing- hunting news stories from the sky. This sad event has left us all searching for answers. Answers of how could this happen, yet we all knew it was only a matter of time before it would happen somewhere in North America. Answers for why we do it with all the risks associated with helicopter flight.

I am sure when this accident is analyzed and investigated it will expose some of the weakness in the way news is gathered from the sky. No doubt there will be many recommendations when it is all said and done. Can the industry learn? I certainly hope so.

There have been several items posted about this horrible event. You can find them by following this link: News Choppers Down In Phoenix

Kenny

2007-07-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, we learned of a story of great courage, sacrifice and sadness. It was about a man of unbelievable and unquestionable character. He and his family, were enjoying a pleasant day on vacation. Enjoying the water, cooling off on what was no doubt a typical summers day. But this day would be different.

The man's son found himself in some difficulty in the water. There was a strong current, the boy was in danger. With a father's instinct and without hesitation, he went to the boy's rescue. Dad couldn't swim a stroke. He saved the boy, but in doing so, gave his own life.

Incredible.

That man was Kenny Lim. Kenny worked at my station as a Graphic Artist in our News Department. He was one of the original people who helped build and sign on this station 10 years ago. I regret that I was not as close to Kenny as some in the building. But Kenny always had a grin on his face when ever we spoke in the hall or in the elevator. During my all too few conversations with him, I learned he was a Boy Scout Leader and all round nice fellow. He was devoted to his three children and his wife.

Kenny Lim 1960-2007

I know that all of us at CTV Vancouver are richer having known a man, an artist, a father- Kenny Lim.

Flame Out!

2007-07-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

My Vacation ended with a phone call on Saturday. I called to make arrangements to pick up my gear for Monday and lo and behold, the voice on the other end of the phone said " You know, you're on the sched for today."

"TODAY?????!!!!

Shit, what time was I supposed to start?"

Well the long and short of it was I began my first day back, a couple of hours late.

Monday brought a return to flight operations for me. Lately the breaking news factor has been a little lean as far as flight ops has been concerned. Surely it would have to change, and soon. With Kink away on holidays, I would be teamed with Kate for the week.

Sitting waiting , scanning, can ware you down. Monday was no different. It was hot and humid. The scanners were quiet and Kate was working the phones to dig something up to sell for the shows. It was looking like the TV News Gods would not smile on us that day.

On days like that, there can be little to pass the time except watch the activity on Runway 26 left as aircraft rolled for takeoff. And this is what I was doing as I listened to scanner chatter wishing for something that would involve flight and a slot in the 5 and the 6.

As I watched a Korean Airlines Boeing 777 position itself at the threshold of 26 left, the sound of Kate's fingers clicking on the laptop computer filled the room. Our office overlooks the runway and I was standing looking our the large picture window at the aircraft. The 777 is considered a "heavy" aircraft and the heavy's aways are fun to watch on takeoff. I know hard to believe after four years out here and I still get a kick out of watching a routine take off.

But this would not be a routine takeoff.

As the massive plane began to thunder down the runway. It was picking up speed to become airborne. Suddenly out of the left engine shoots a flame partway down towards it's tail. My first thought was "wow that's some afterburner".

Then a loud bang, which shook the windows of our hangar office. It got Kate's attention. Flames still shooting out of the engine, I thought"this is not right"

The plane began to break and slow. The entire event maybe lasted 5 seconds. I had seen it all. I grabbed my DSLR and banged off a few frames as the aircraft came to a stop on a taxi way just off of the runway.

This shot taken just seconds after I saw the flame shoot out the rear of the engine in the picture. The plane is at this moment trying to break and slow to get itself off the runway.

Wow. I told Kate I was going to the truck to grab my tripod. As I sprinted to the parking lot I called our desk.

This shot as the pilots steer the massive plane off the runway to an adjacent taxiway.

"Gregg, Murman" I said huffing and puffing.

"The scanners are about to light up, this is what's happening,,,," I told him what I saw and that I was going to roll from the ground. We had decided that if the passengers were to be evacuated where the plane now was stopped on the taxiway, then we would launch the chopper and do a fly over as we exited the airport.

When I returned to the office I set up and rolled on the stricken plane. There was no fire and emergency teams had not yet arrived.

When they did, they assessed the situation and since the fire was out, they inspected the engine on the taxiway. After several minutes the aircraft moved on it's own power to a gate for passenger egress.

Needless to say, I am sure there were some very grateful people glad to be off that particular plane.The jet as it comes to a full stop on the taxiway fortunately there were no injuries or further fire to the the aircraft.

It certainly gave us something to sell for the 5 and 6.

Nope I'm not Dead, Dead Tired Maybe.

2007-07-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Much time has pasted since I sat down to put thought to words. There has been much that has transpired, but inspiration has failed me. In that time I have marvelled at how photog scribes like Stuart Lenslinger Pittman have cranked it out day after day almost effortless. Yes they too run into those days of writers block, but manage to overcome and deliver.
It is done with practice and commitment. Both I have been lacking in recent weeks. Hopefully a well earned vacation away from everything has recharged and re-energized me.

For all of you who have been dropping by to see if I am still alive,,,, I thank you. I return to Flight duty on Monday and with any luck there will be much to write about.

Butterscotch

2007-06-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

This is a story about Butterscotch. Not the stuff you put on an ice cream sundae, but rather a bear. Not just any kinda bear, a Grizzley. It all began for me and the crew of Chopper 9 a couple of weeks ago in a town located at about the halfway point between Vancouver and the ski resort town of Whistler.
We had been called early to warn us of a possible mission to Squamish. It seems a bear had decided that after a long winters nap, some fixin's in the town was what a bear needed to get his "playin' weight up, so as the season progresses, he could play with the "lady" bears. The bear had wondered into town, and as it was garbage pickup day, scared the bejesus out of some poor schlep takin' out his trash. What made this unique was, this bear was a Grizzley Bear. There had not been a Grizzley sighting in the town for more that 10 years.

Our "mission" was to fly up to Squamish, and get some shots of this creature. The sighting was several hours old when we got the call, so seeing the beast would be slim at best. Kink and I did a couple of orbits around the directions we had been given, and decided to land at the airport and make some calls to the local Conservation Officer. We learned that we had been orbiting the wrong area,,, what else is new,,,,but were told that the officers were about to bait a live trap.
"Hold on" Kink said , "we'll be right there!"
We hopped a cab and went directly to the sight where the officers were getting the trap ready. I was able to get some good trap shots, the bait and of course the neighbourhood of which there was supposed to be much "fear and loathing". A quick clip with a Conservation Officer and we were on our way. It would make a quick buck thirty. (one minute, thirty seconds, for you who don't understand news-speak)

Chopper 9 at the Squamish Airport during our first Bear mission

As we flew off, I figured that this would be the last of my involvement in this story as the following day would demonstrate. A ground based crew was dispatched to do the follow up story.
The bear was sighted again on day two and just as our crew went to air, word that it had been hit by a tranquilizer dart from the business end of a Conservation Officer's rifle. Yes the town could breath easy now. Goldie Lockes would be safe. End of the story,,,,, No.

Again the call came early, another mission to the Squamish area. Seems the folks at the Conservation Office have invited us to see the release of the wayward bear into the wilderness. Damn, that would be cool. I have never in all the years of shooting had I seen the release of a bear. Hell, in all the years of shooting, I have never seen a bear let alone a Grizzley, in the wild. All I had to do now was to get to the airport as fast as I could as they were due to release the beast at around 10:30 am. It was now 8:40 and I was still 30 minutes away from the airport. To make the race even more interesting was four factors. One: The flight up to the release point would take more than an hour. Two: The only communication in the area we were going was by SAT phone. Three: Kink was taking a day off, so I would be working with our newly acquired flight reporter, Kate. And finally our pilot for the day was unfamiliar with the area. It could be a great story and a fun one to shoot to boot, or it could end in disappointment and well for lack of a better term, shame.

When we all had arrived at the hangar pretty much at the same moment, the situation looked good. We spooled up and we're on our way. The flight to our rendezvous was filled with a nervous excitement. We knew that we really, really wanted this. We also knew that our competitors didn't have it. Kate wanted to hit the long ball on one of her first missions. Guiv our pilot just wanted to get there without getting us lost. Yes there was tension that day my friends. I glanced at my watch, it would be close. We entered a valley with steep mountians on each side, following the river as directed. Guiv watching the GPS. We followed the road as far as it went, where were they? Had we passed them?
Another check of the watch, we are going to miss it, damn! I could sense Kate was on the edge of her seat. We turned around fuel was now a concern. We would have enough to get ourselves to the Squamish airport. I decided to call the desk and break the bad news when we landed.
Fergus our man on the desk and the person coordinating this mission told me that he had just got off the phone with the Conservation team. It seems they were delayed. He gives me their SAT phone number and we coordinate. After getting directions and comparing them to a topo map, it appears we had headed up the wrong valley where the river had split. On our second attempt we would not make that same mistake.

Chopper 9 and crew off for a second attempt to rendezvous with the release team

Finally we make visual contact with the release team on the ground. Guiv skillfully positions the aircraft for my best shots. The team on the ground flashes their emergency lights, indicating the release is imminent. I just hope my tape is rolling. I double check, they are both rolling.

With the trap in position, Conservation Officer, Dave with bean bag rifle in hand prepares to open the trap.

Then all at once, the bear is released. At first the beast pokes it's head out from the trap and looks around.

The bear taking its first tentative steps and casing his surroundings

Then seeing the coast is clear begins to walk, then stops, lingering to look at his former captors.

The moment just before he gets hit in the butt with a bean bag shot

Suddenly a well placed bean bag shot to the ass, gets old Butterscotch in a full run away from the trap and the release team. He sprints up the mountain looking back to see what just hit him.

Haulin' ass up the mountian

The officers fire a "whiz bang" over his head and he continues to get the hell out of Dodge. In a post release interview, the officers told us that they wanted to make the release and the bears encounter with man as "unpleasant" as possible so as to deter the bear from future encounters with people.

The bear gives the Helicopter the evil eye as I continue to roll tape

Having become bored with flying machines and the tasty creatures within, Mr. Bear begins his search for a stiff drink

One of the last looks before he went into the woods for good, we can only hope he'll keep out of trouble

The biologist on the release team told us that this bear had been tagged before. This was it's second release. The first time had been a year or so ago. His colleague's daughter had named the bear at the time "Butterscotch". So instead of a number on an ear tag, this bear had a name. The biologist had also hoped that Butterscotch would not return to the town, as it would likely mean the bear would be destroyed. His hope was he would become more interested in the Lady bears than easy food in the town.

The Grizzley Biologist, Dave the Conservation Officer and Kate during the post release interview. We had landed on a sand bar on the Elaho River some miles away from the release site.

Guiv our pilot, happy to have delivered us to the story.

Newest crew member Kate Gajdosik poses on the sand bar with the machine

It has been almost three weeks since the release. I have not heard of a Grizzley back in Squamish. Lets hope that Butterscotch is livin' large with the girls in the mountians.

It was a cool shoot.

The Road Trip

2007-05-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

I have just spent the last week on a road assignment. I had been in the northern part of our province covering a Coroners Inquest into the death of a young lad who had been in police custody. Houston is a small town on the Yellowhead Highway on the way, I suppose to Prince Rupert and Alaska. I had never been this far north before and as I always look forward to going to places I have never been, Houston would prove to be an adventure.

Covering Inquests are very similar to covering court trials. Lots of hurry up and wait for a witness, a family member or a lawyer to walk in or out of the building. In this case the building in question would be the Houston Community Center.

Covering one of these would be mighty lonesome if I had been the only camera laying in wait, but this Inquest has generated interest with most of the provincial media. We had our SNG Truck and our competitors from Global had theirs. There was also a TV Crew from the people's network, the CBC. So I would have lots of company during those long periods of waiting for my shots.

There was a good crew on hand for this one. Al from Global, Jim from CBC, both camera/ editors, good company to keep both have great stories, both have a sense of humour. Our SAT Truck op Gary, joined us as well as did Jamie, SAT Truck guy with Global. Rounding out the technical/ camera gathering was a stills photog from the Globe and Mail, John and a stringer for the provincial papers, a fellow I have never met before named Rolf.

Al, Jim and Jamie wait across the street for a break in the proceedings

Each morning at about 8 we would all begin to gather outside the hall, waiting for the key players to arrive. At about 9 everyone was inside, and so the banter would begin.

"Where did you eat last night?"
"What time did you guys arrive in town ?"
"Where are you staying?"

All the usual pleasantries.
As the morning wore on, out would come the first folding chair, it was usually mine, and the rest would follow. We would all sit across the street watching the front doors, cameras at the ready, by each of our chairs. Yes we were at a constant state of readiness.

Like a coiled spring, Al waits

Our reporters of course were inside, diligently taking notes and paying attention to the details of the testimony, formulating the stories that they would tell to the viewer later in the day.

Then all at once the three of us would leap out of our chairs, grabbing our cameras and powering them up almost instantaneously. We all would roll. slightly different angles of basically the same shot. People going in, people coming out. Only at the end of any given day would we collect clips from family, friends, a lawyer or a witness.

Clips now collected, I head back to the truck to prepare to edit

Each of our reporters would then head to the trucks and begin to write. Before long each of us would be editing and then feeding. Then live hits. After all of that it was finally time to pack up and head to the motel. Supper, then bed.

And we do it all over again, tomorrow.

The road trip.

Uplink Refresher

2007-05-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks haven't been all bad. During my non flight weeks I was given the opportunity to get some refresher training on our SNG Truck. You see, the skill of operating an uplink had been something I had wanted to acquire for several years. I had pursued it back in the Maritimes, but since our Uplink was based in Halifax and me five hours drive away in New Brunswick, well you see it was not a viable option from the employer's perspective.
Year later I would get my chance, but due to my responsibilities in the office I would not get out in the truck for any extended period.
My first real opportunity came quite by chance during the end of a Vacation period when one of the primary Uplinkers was boarding a plane to get some much needed vacation.
That was the weekend in the fall of 2004 when Mount St. Helens began to get restless.
My assignment was to travel down to St. Helens and meet up with Toby, another one of the primary Ops and team up with him. The truck was already parked and set up for the most part and I would provide relief for young Toby who had been burning the wick at both ends for the better part of 4 days. We had demands for content and hits into our network shows back east which meant crew calls of 3 am as well as providing hits and content into our own shows both at suppertime and late night.
I was essentially booking and babysitting the truck. And that was my first quasi real SNG assignment. Not bad either, an assignment and an exploding volcano, this would be one to remember. You can check out the photos on my flickr site.

Of course anyone who uplinks knows you need to keep your skills fresh. It is not something that you can do without using skills acquired on a semi regular basis. In my case, almost three years would pass before I would find myself searching the "Clark Belt" looking for F1.

With the advent of digital encoders, and decoders since my initial time on the Truck, getting fimilar with the equipment all over again would be good for me. I do love to learn new things and spending a week assigned to training was time well spent indeed.
Now hopefully, it won't take another four years for me to get some time on the SNG beat.

The Slump

2007-05-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

As I sit and put thoughts to words, I find myself in quite the slump. As a photog, you want to contribute everyday to the greater good of the show. It involves giving your best for your 2 minutes of story that ends up on the cast. I feel the same when I am on a week of Air Operations as well. And herein lies the problem.

My last several rotations have dealt with bad weather, maintenance and the lack of a flight reporter. These three factors have to say the least limited both flight time and air time.

Now I do know that these things happen, yes and they do come to an end. I am sure that this slump will to come to pass. But as a particularly impatient kinda person, it cannot end quick enough for me.

It might be the time of year and that coupled with the fact we only have so many flight hours in the contract and that we had an exceptional March, a slow down was in the cards.

Add to the mix, the reassignment of our flight reporter to ground duties this very morning, and I find myself wondering what the hell I'm doin' sittin here listening to the blair of the scanners that have yielded nothing in the past several flight rotations. Oh the humanity,,,,,

Yes sir, a slump indeed.

The Off Season

2007-05-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

There are two seasons in Murman's world. They are not heralded by a change in temperature or the color of leaves, but rather the sound of metal on ice and wood striking rubber. Yes there are two seasons in my world: The Hockey season and the Off season.
The Hockey season usually begins during those first days of any given October. The Off season, well it is a much more difficult season to predict. Last year it came early, not because of any "global warming" or "green house gasses" but because the playoff winds were not favorable to Vancouver's Canucks.

It looked like the off season would come late this year, we had all hoped it would be maybe sometime in June. But as fate would have it, a sudden high pressure wind from Southern California brought migrating birds north. Ducks to be precise and just like that the season changed. The off season began with the flash of red light from behind the Vancouver goal, in Overtime period #2 from a shot that should have been stopped, but wasn't,,,,,

Yep the ride is over. No Stanley Cup, no parade.

But is was fun while it lasted. Lets hope that the "Off Season" comes late next year.

And finally to borrow a picture and statement from another blog:

HEY DUCK FAN!!

Just kidding, rock on.

That Hockey Illness

2007-04-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

Contrary to popular belief, I have not fallen off the face of the earth. I just have not had much inspiration to sit down an pound out a blog entry for some time. I guess the excitement of the Stanley Cup playoffs have really had my attention over the past week or so. And why shouldn't it, last year Vancouver didn't make it to the post season.

Being a hockey fan, especially in this city I am told, is a particularly frustrating past time. The team's recent history has lead to disappointment after disappointment. The franchise has made it to the Stanley Cup finals twice in their history. Losing both times, yet those playoff runs are the stuff of legend around these parts.

My assignments over the past week and a half have involved hockey in some way shape or form. A guy who paints vintage goalie masks and has a life sized replica of the Stanley cup, Toddlers who can recite every Canuck player and their numbers, the business angle, the ultimate fan angle and of course I have been either a live truck op or camera at every home playoff game since the beginning. The only problem with that is I don't get home until the third period. Whats a hockey guy going to do????

I had not lived here during the most celebrated run to the final during the spring of 1994. When I arrived in Vancouver in '97, I of course was excited at the fact that I was living in an NHL town. Going to the occasional game would be great, let alone getting to a post season game or even better , that holy grail of hockey tickets, a Stanley Cup Final Game.

Well were not there yet of course, but we made it past the first round, beating the Dallas Stars in Game 7 to advance.

Now playoff fever has hit this city hard. Cars are sporting window flags of the team. Sports talk shows are talking hockey all day everyday. Even News Talk radio is talking about the playoff illness that has gripped the area.
Daily we are doing stories and items as it relates to the Plague. Restaurants, bars how's game night business. The police, law and order and the drunkin' hockey fan. Streeters asking everyday Joe how he or she thinks the team is playing.
We have even caught the fever out here at the hangar. Yes even Chopper 9 has it's own version of its window flag. The tail camera shot sports a "Go Canucks Go" and a number of smaller team logos to represent each win in the playoffs. At the time of this writing there were 4.

Chopper 9's version of the "window flag"

Yes it's the best time of the season at least for this hockey fan. Here hoping we can put 12 more of those stickers on the machine and we can shoot the Stanley Cup parade on Robson street this year.
World Wide Murman's friend "Rad" in North Carolina was lucky enough to have experience a victory last season with the Hurricanes.

Well we are on to round two, the Ducks. God I love Duck hunting. Here's hoping the Canucks shoot them down and move on to round 3.

Lets play Hockey!!!!!!

Silver Cross Mother

2007-04-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

As I watched Newsnet the other night from my hotel room, the ticker on the bottom of the screen, screamed "Six Canadians Killed by a Roadside Bomb in Afghanistan". Bad news from the other side of the world does travel fast in this day and age and events like this never get easy. Images of a flag draped casket being loaded onto a plane bound for Canada is something that we here in this country never get used to. In the past the names and faces of our young men and women end up on Newscasts across the country. Their young ages, home towns, reaction from friends, comrades and family remind us that these fine young people were indeed special.

This event would be no different. As information became available, names, and the Base of the fallen were released. Five of the six were soldiers of 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment based at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick. My heart sank. This was the same Regiment that had looked after me and reporter Phonse Jessome during our assignment in Northern Bosnia in 1996. Since our tour there many years ago I had always had a special affinity for the Regiment.
I needed to know more.

A report from Kandahar, telling the viewer what had happened on that dusty road. A roadside explosion, an official statement from the ranking officer, all standard fare. Then all at once the story became very personal. A reaction from one of the families, the mom and dad of Pvt. David Greenslade of Saint John , New Brunswick.

I did not recognize the name, but I did recognize the voice and image of his mother. She had been someone I had grown up with. I had known her and her twin sister since kindergarten. We had been next door neighbours as teens and graduated in the same graduating class from Saint John High School in 1980.

My God, I could not believe it.

The sad fact is Laurie is far too young to have become a Silver Cross Mother. I cannot even imagine the pain that she and her husband as well as the rest of both the Greenslade and Lester families are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Pvt. David Greenslade of Saint John, N.B. 20 years of age, a fine young man (DND Photo)

Never Forget

My Canon Sisters

2007-03-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

I have had a constant companion for the past four years. She has never been farther than arms reach. She has accompanied me on nearly all of my assignments and has travelled with me aboard Chopper 9 on every mission. She was with me when I was in Torino last year, recording my pain and frustration when my edit suite crashed. She was nearby as I posed with the Great One and she has been a frequent contributor to this very blog.

Sadly she has with me for the last time. Yes after a full and useful life, my Canon A-80 digital camera bit the dust and has taken her last photo. She had taken over 10 thousand photos to be sure. Shots of work, the dog, the kids, the gang, you name it. But at the end of the record breaking flight week, she gasped her last shutter. The power button had worn completely out.

She might have become jealous as I, her faithful camera hand, had become seduced by another. A Nikon.

Now I had been a Canon guy for all of my life. Her older and yet still functional sister, a Canon AE1 which I have had since 1981, still accompanies me on special occasions. The elder Canon was with me during my brief assignment in Bosnia in 1996. She had been kidnapped (stolen from the front seat of my car, but returned unharmed) , a guest of honour at my sister's wedding, recorded both of my children's first cries and first smiles. But in this digital age even the elder Canon knows the end is near. Both the Canon sisters have served me well, and owe me nothing.

Now for the time being, I am camera-less. Perhaps it is too soon to get another. For perhaps I should wait. But when the courtship for a new replacement begins, miss Nikon D-80 looks mighty fine.

I just hope that I can afford her.

"The Cat's in the Cradle"

2007-03-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

Monday was "Take your son/daughter to Work Day". Five years ago I had my first experience with this day when my grade nine daughter, Sarah accompanied me to work as part of a school assignment. This year it was my son's turn. Ben wanted to wait and go during my flight week rotation. This way he thought, he would be guaranteed a ride. I had warned him that weather could ground us and his day would be disappointing. But he was undaunted. He wanted to go to the hanger and so I would take him.

The day before Ben's big day, I looked at the forecast. Rain and wind. Two things that could very well keep us on the ground. However it had been raining very hard and with the snow pack, that could spell flooding. I warned Ben as he readied himself for bed, that it could be a big day and he should expect an early wake up call.
"How early?" he asked
"Very early" I told him.
He was not happy with the prospect of getting up too early for what is supposed to be a school project. He was banking on the usual start time of my typical flight shift of 10 am.

Like I had predicted the evening before, my cell rang just before 7.
"Murman, it's Dave" the voice on the other end of the line said.
It would be an early call in. Flooding and mudslides on the Trans Canada.

"Get Up Ben! We are leaving in five minutes."
"What?!"
"Get movin' this is the real world and if you are not in the truck in 5 then I will leave without you."
Needless to say, he was ready to go in time.

I was glad he was going to get at least some flight time. He loves flying. I was just glad to be in the air especially after my last so called flight week chasing down and recovering "Wilson".
Kelsy would be our pilot for the day. Kink would be in a bit later. We would fly our first mission without Kink aboard. The heavy rain had stopped and we wanted to get flooding pics before the water receded. Word of huge mudslides near Rosedale made it clear that this indeed would be a good day for Ben to fly along.
We flew off to the east shooting a number of requested areas. Then on to the slide areas. Once over the highway past Chilliwack it was clear that the roads would be closed for some considerable time. I shot the crap out of it. Ben watching intently, but quietly. We headed into Chilliwack to fuel up and I called the desk to get the game plan. We would return to pick up Kink and since the slides would be the hardest to access on the ground, that would be our primary assignment.

Ben in the back seat to begin our second flight mission, back to the mudslides that have closed Highway 1 to the east of Chilliwack. Kink had now joined us and we were off.

On our flight back out to Rosedale, we had been tasked to gather a few more flooding shots for other reporters working on the ground. I was too busy to notice what Ben was up to. Silently he listened to the chatter on the headset and watched the old man work. The flight time was adding up. When we arrived back at the slide area we discovered that there was not just one or two slide closing roads, we counted 11. Five were major. Clearly it would be days before the roads would be open again. The only access to Hope and the interior was Highway 7 and traffic would be slower on those two lane roads. For those of you not familiar with the topography of the area, the Highway runs along the Fraser River Valley from Chilliwack to Hope. Along the west bound lanes you will find the Fraser River and beside the west bound lanes , steep mountains and mountain creeks flowing to the river. Perfect land slide conditions. Just add lots of rain. Sunday's "Pineapple Express" did just that.

A frame grab of one of the larger slides that took out both east bound and west bound lanes of Highway 1. There was also damage to the main railroad track just below the west bound lanes.

A tractor trailer caught in another side. This truck was headed west bound toward Chilliwack and onto Vancouver.

When we spotted the truck caught up in the side we went in for a closer look. We discovered the driver in the cab waiting for crews to dig him out. We were to meet a Transportation and Highways official near this slide. Kelsy took the aircraft down to recon a potential landing area.

A closer look at the Cab of the Tractor. You can see the debris that enveloped the vehicle.

Kelsy brought us in for a landing just to the west of the stranded truck. We touched down in the fast lane westbound Highway 1. I had my ENG kit with me and once we had established that there was in fact a driver with the rig. Kink and I had to talk to him. Now at this point, Ben is wanting to come along with us to have a closer look at the slide. By this time there is a work crew with a front end loader working the scene. So the scene is looking like a construction zone.
"Ben, you are to stay here with Kelsy and the Helicopter."
"But Dad, I want to go with you over to the truck" he pleads.
"Ben there is heavy equipment, there is mud up to your knees and it is not a place for a teenager, you stay here , it is non negotiable." God I hate when I sound like my own father in these situations, but I needed to do my job and I couldn't worry about what and where he was in a potentially dangerous situation. ( later that evening when we were home, I explained why he could not go in for a closer look, he understood. But what young lad wouldn't have wanted to go in for a closer look)

Kink and I went over and collected some ground elements for our story. The bonus was interviewing the Truck Driver about his account of the slide trapping his rig. The unfortunate by product of the quest was mud up to our knees, and wet feet. A price we were willing to pay.

Chopper 9 on Highway 1 about 100 yards from the working crews trying to free up the stricken truck.

Ben, Kelsy and Kink just before we leave the scene. Notice the mud on Kink's pants. We had been in mud up to our knees during our quest to speak to the driver of the stranded truck.

By now we had collected a number of shots of several slides along this stretch and at this particular slide where we had landed, our tape included clips from a stranded truck driver and a Highway's official. We had more than we could possibly use. We looked at our watches. The day was slipping away very fast. Deadline was a fast moving target baring down on us. We took off and again flew into Chilliwack. I convinced Kink to write and voice while on the ground. Ben and Kelsy grabbed some food and we took on fuel. I would edit on the flight back to Vancouver.

Editing for me is a process that takes rhythm. As we took off I thought that Ben might like to have a go with the FLIR Camera. I switched up the FLIR on one of the monitors and place the controller ("Wilson") on his lap. I gave him a quick lesson with the joystick and zoom rocker and told him I needed to edit.
He began to pick random things out, along the flight home, and try to follow them keeping them in frame. As I edited our story, I would occasionally catch a glance to what he was doing with the camera and was impressed that he was able to keep cars and other moving targets in frame.
His hand/eye coordination should be great if playing video games on the X Box is any indicator.
We landed back at YVR, I still had about 4 edits left to complete for the package. I would continue on the ground using shore power to finish and feed. Time was very tight. I had just enough time to finish, go and have a pee and we were back up for the 5 and 6 shows. Ben seemed very excited. I suppose he was happy the day was finally coming to a close. We did our hits and after I had been cleared I gave Ben the controller back. Knock yourself out I said as we rounded Kits Beach headed to the Point Grey Arrival into YVR. This time I watched with pride as my son searched for potential targets. The crew up front had been impressed with Ben's aptitude for the FLIR. Kelsy said something about a tugboat to the right and before I knew it Ben had acquired and framed the tug that was some distance away. Yes Father was proud of his boy.

Ben using the FLIR, trying to put the Old Man out of a job.

His tug shot

When we landed, the day had began at 7 am. It was now just after 7 PM. We had flown for 6.8 hours and he wonder why he was tired. During the drive home the lad who was so quiet in the helicopter, didn't stop asking questions.

"Do you think CTV might need someone to fill in this summer Dad?"
"You know, I could do your camera on the helicopter, It doesn't seem to be all that hard Dad."

I just sighed, and realized,,,,,,,,

"my boy was just like me,,,,,,,my boy was just like me"

The "Wilson" Controller

2007-03-08T09:30:00.000-08:00

I have been off this week. Away from the grind. It has been a welcomed break. February was a troublesome month. The last week of the month especially. Normally a Flight week is a great way to end the dark month of February, but as luck or as in this case "un luck" would have it, I would get little flying.
During an upgrade of equipment aboard an unfortunate occurrence caused an unrelated yet significant problem, involving toggle switches on the control laptop of the FLIR camera system. It in itself would not have been a major problem, but as maintenance protocol dictates, the unit must return to the manufacturer for repair. This would ground me for the week.
As this unfortunate development happened on the Monday, a decision was made to ship the unit on Tuesday via overnight courier to Portland Oregon, home of FLIR Systems. The idea was to have FLIR fast track the repair and ship it back via overnight on the Wednesday evening courier and we would receive and reinstall on Thursday. A plan that was although not perfect as I am pissed about being grounded, but given that there was no replacement unit that we could swap out, it was at least a working plan and could potentially have me back in the air before the end of the week.
I had offered to physically drive the unit to Portland myself and wait and then drive back, but that was quickly shot down by the higher ups.

I packed the unit for shipment and drove it over to the FedEx Terminal. It would make the flight out I was told and it would be in Portland the next morning. All good I thought.
Being grounded reassigned me to downtown ground operations for the next couple of days. I was to check on the progress of the courier and to touch base with our Engineering department as to it's status with FLIR.
We learned that the package didn't leave Vancouver on Tuesday. There had been some sort of issue with the plane. That delayed things for at least a day. Not a good development for me on a Wednesday. I reminded folks that if I had delivered it myself to FLIR, we would be getting the unit back that very afternoon.
I was assured that we would have the unit back on Friday and to be patient. Anyone who knows me knows patience in not exactly one of my strong points.
Thursday would bring more disappointing news. The package left Vancouver but had been held up in customs in Oakland Ca. and had missed the connection to Portland.

I couldn't believe it. It was like our FLIR controller had become "Wilson" in the movie "Castaway". Our simple little repair job was now lost on some uncharted island with Tom Hanks.

The "Wilson" Controller

Again I reminded folks if I had have driven it myself we would be flying.
At this rate we would be lucky to get the unit back by the middle of the next week. Then a master plan was hatched and you will all like this one,, We would DRIVE down and pick it up as soon as the repair was done. Geeze I wonder why nobody had thought of that.

The package had arrived on Friday AM to the folks at FLIR. Our people were supposed to be in contact with the FLIR folks to let them know I was on my way. The repair would take less than an hour. Going and picking it up would grantee that we would be flight operational upon my return.
I set off in the early hours of Friday. Crossed the border and headed south. My trusty GPS guiding me. After a minor delay at the US border I was agian on my way. I had recieved a phone call from Engineering telling me that the package had infact arrived and that FLIR did know that I was coming and that they would be expecting me around 2 PM.
Delays in Blaine WA (Snow storm) and in Seattle ( traffic) pushed that time back to more like 3, but undaunted I continued.
When I finally arrived at FLIR systems, who pulls up, you guessed it. A FedEx truck.
I expected to grab the controller, sign some papers and head north. Nope.
The folks at FLIR were surprised to see me at their door. I guess the FLIR contact and our Engineering dept had not relayed the message to those that actually do the work on the floor.
Here it was after 3 PM on a Friday and the repair work had not been done and they close at 4. God could this week get any worse I thought.
Now thankfully the maintenance gods were smiling on me and sent me this very helpful and friendly FLIR rep named Melinda. She told me the scoop. She would stickhandle the repair and suggested I go and get some lunch and return in 45 minutes. I did just that. Got gassed up had a bite and when I returned, she had the unit ready for me.
I thanked her for looking after me and then began my journey home, passing several FedEx trucks along the way.
One of the nice suprises along the way back was I saw the Seattle skyline for the first time on a clear night. My god, what a skyline.
I could not save my flight week, but the trip had saved Pete's so I took some solace in that and when I finally pulled the covers over my head that night, I was just glad that this freakin week was over.

World Wide Murman

Humming Birds- and My GoPro

Believe -Part 2- Sister Surprise

"And That's the Kinda Day it's Been"

Believe Part 1-

The Gift Marker

Return to Flight Status

The Road

The Countdown Is On.

The Cable Song-"Who's gonna tell our stories when the story tellers gone"

Summer of Fire

We're In!

Day 2 Kelowna Fires

The Wait

FIRE!

Death from Above

ENDANGERED- LOCAL CONVENTIONAL TELEVISION

Oh Hockey God, Why have you Foresaken me (Us)???

Hysteria!

Grant

Junopallooza

Step One

New Year's Eve 2008

Oh Canada

Covered Bridges and Cable Ferries

The Beat Down

Surprise! You're 70.

BIG FIRE

The Day I met Steve Fossit

Re-Charge!

Fare Thee Well

My Ears are Still Ringing

The Great Bread Caper

Deja Vous

The Stare

Olympic Ski Jumping

World Cup Ski Racing

My Spider Senses are Tingling

The Payoff

Weeks End

All In Good Fun

The Coaster Of DOOM

Busy and Intense

The End of January

Fly Me To The Moon

Flight Week Ahead

Kick Ass Day

Freestylin' Olympic Venue

Silver Lined Clouds?

Looking Back/Looking Forward

Pickton Trial Part 6: Verdict Day

Pickton Trial Part 5: The Concert

Pickton Trial Part 4 :The Long Wait

Pickton Trial Part 3: The Blessing

Pickton Trial Part 2: The Campfire

Pickton Trial Part 1: The Commitment

The Return of Murman

The Tale of Two "Specials"

Sad News from Home

"Poor in Pocket, but Rich In Spirit" the story of a Prize Flight

The Fountain

The Eyes of Chopper 9

The Model Maker

Phoenix

Kenny

Flame Out!

Nope I'm not Dead, Dead Tired Maybe.

Butterscotch

The Road Trip

Uplink Refresher

The Slump

The Off Season

That Hockey Illness

Silver Cross Mother

My Canon Sisters

More Slides / A New Record

"The Cat's in the Cradle"

The "Wilson" Controller