Blogs 12 Long Island

Say It 'Aint So, Joe

By Erin Colton

There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Joe Torre's new book, "The Yankee Years." And why not? The former Yankee skipper writes openly about things that happened behind closed doors at Yankee Stadium.

To many of us (including me, at first) this seems kinda cool. Who wouldn't want to know that Yankee players made fun of A-Rod calling him "A-Fraud?" But the only thing Joe Torre accomplished in co-writing this book -- was to publicly embarrass himself.

We all know Torre must have been bitter when the Yankees dismissed him as their manager. He had everyone on his side when the two parted ways. Heck, some Yankee fans even became Dodger fans because of Joe. Torre left with class and never conducted himself as a scorned former member of the most storied team in sports history.

Seems like he was just holding it in until he got a chance to make a buck on it all.

Torre not only slammed A-Rod in the book, but he rips Kevin Brown, Carl Pavano, Randy Johnson, Gary Sheffield and David Wells.

ON ALEX RODRIGUEZ: "Alex is all about the game. He needs the game. He needs all of those statistics. He needs every record imaginable. And he needs people to make a fuss over him."

ON RANDY JOHNSON: "It was sad more than frustrating when we got him, because I thought we finally had someone you could hook your wagon to, and that wasn't the case."

ON CARL PAVANO: "The players all hated him. It was no secret."

ON KEVIN BROWN AND DAVID WELLS: "The difference between Kevin Brown and David Wells is that both make your life miserable, but David Wells meant to."

Wells responded to Torre with, "What we do as athletes, that's our problem, our business, and a lot of guys have come out and destroyed that... that's what Joe did. When you break the code, you're a punk."

I'm not going to say Joe Torre is a punk, because he's not. I will say he broke the code though. You can't write about current players in the league -- while you're still a manager in the league. Do you really think anyone in that Dodger locker room will trust him ever again?

Joe Torre never did anything wrong during his 12 years as Yankee manager. He just waited until he left to.

Shark Attack

By Erin Colton

I walked into work this morning on my usual tear to look up and find the most interesting stories of the day. I'm sort of a news and sports junkie. Reading and writing stories are somewhat equal to breathing for me. So after scanning a few websites and papers I saw a story that hit me all too hard: "Sharks Come Too Close To Shore."

I know people may not believe this next statement, but try, because it's true. I came nose to nose with a 6-foot Bull Shark. (Bull Sharks account for the most attacks on humans. Check Wikipidia.)

I was on vacation in Key Largo when it was suggested I go snorkeling (something I'll never do again). I hadn't snorkeled in a while so I was a bit uneasy getting into the water. But soon enough, I was flipping around like a fish. We saw a 4-foot Sea Turtle, different schools of fish, interesting looking reef. But my trip at sea turned from cool to INSANE when I turned my head and there he was. Jaws. (Ok, not actually "Jaws" but you know what I mean.)

Does everyone know that when you go snorkeling, you do it with a partner? Check out the picture on the left where you can see all the sets of 2-person teams. (By the way, that is the only "real" picture on this blog. I thought I'd throw in the other ones for fun.) Well, my partner was swimming behind me and without even giving him a clue, a tiny inkling, a look, maybe a little point -- I was outta there. I was flipping my flippers so fast I wouldn't be surprised if you saw smoke. As soon as I could get my head out of the water, and the stupid snorkel out of my mouth I started screaming at the top of my lungs. "Get me outta here! There's a shark down there! Heeeeelp!" (That quickly ended our nice relaxing trip.) When I got back on the boat I noticed my partner still in the water! He got out and asked me why I hadn't alerted him of the teeth clenching, 6-foot monster down below. My response: "I'm sorry, but when you see a shark, it's every man for himself." (Right?!) I'm not that worried about my actions of abandonment because my partner actually thought seeing the shark was "cool." (Crazy person, I know.)

But seriously, are you kidding me? A shark? Who takes people on a snorkeling trip where there are sharks?! My guide, apparently. Who -- and I noticed this AFTER I was nearly attacked -- had only 4 fingers!

So after everyone got back on the boat and was accounted for, and my heart stopped pounding, it hit me. I survived a shark attack. (Ok, again, not actually an "attack" per say. But still, you go nose-to-nose with a shark and live to tell about it!)

The Challenge

By Erin Colton

As most of you probably know, our Evening Anchor Scott Feldman (otherwise known as "Anchor In Charge") is the host of our Network game show, "The Challenge." Ever seen it? I spend my week counting down the days until it airs.

So the other day, I posed a little challenge of my own to Scott.

I get to work really early. How early you ask? How 'bout 2am! So come about 9 o'clock, when normal people arrive at work, I'm a little stir crazy. I usually use this to fuel fights, errr, discussions around the newsroom. But this past Friday I challenged Mr. Feldman -- to a good 'ole fashioned arm wrestle.

What? Two anchors can't arm wrestle these days? What's the problem with that? It promotes competition around the station. (At least that's the excuse I used with management.)

Anyway, Scott totally embraced my challenge. In fact, the whole newsroom did. What was at stake? Rights to being named the best anchor at the station. (Scott was unaware of this.) But it was on, a head-to-head battle of strength, endurance and anchor agility. Is that sweat I see seeping from Scott's forehead? I think so.

But the problem is, Scott is almost as competitive as I am, so it got intense at times. (Especially when I was near nailing his arm to the table.) And to add to it, there may have been louder "Erin" chants than there was "Scott." But the head anchor kept his cool in the end and finished a good fight.

I'm not going to reveal who won and who lost, because I just don't want to hurt anybody's feelings. What matters is that we came out of the wrestle even better friends than before. And, I think even better anchors. (Another excuse I gave to management for staging an actual fight at my station.)

So if you're looking to get closer to someone, create some more chemistry, or just want to reenact a scene from the News 12 newsroom. Give an arm wrestle a try.

By the way, call me "Anchor In Charge." (But don't tell Scott.)

Tiger, Fired.

By Erin Colton

Finally! We can all stop being subjected to Tiger Woods pretending he likes Buicks.

As a result of the failing economy, and billion dollar companies like General Motors struggling, Tiger Woods has been let go from his $7 million dollar endorsement deal with GM.

If anyone didn't understand what I just wrote, let me make it a little clearer for you.

TIGER WOODS WAS FIRED!

Tiger Woods, the best golfer -- and some argue best athlete -- in the world. And not only is he the best, he's the hottest, the most popular, the most profitable. He's the type of client any company would salivate at the chance to have promote their product. And GM let him go. If there's anyone out there who still didn't realize know we're in a recession -- this will do it.

How messed up GM? They won't "jetpool" with the other car companies to save money, but they'll drop Tiger Woods? Pathetic.

In all honesty though, did anyone actually believe that the world's greatest golfer drove around in a Buick? Or for that matter, even liked one? The only reason Woods went near a Buick is because he was getting paid to do it. And I'm not knocking the guy for doing it, pay me $7 million dollars and I'll do just about anything. (You know what I mean.)

Tiger's people said Woods was OK with being dropped from the endorsement deal because he wanted to "spend more time with his family, especially with a second child on the way." But that's not true. The truth is, Woods couldn't care less about Buick. And a measly $7 mil. He probably already stripped the big "BUICK" off his golf bag and is waiting for Mercedes to call, or even better -- Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini!

And for anyone who thinks GM is saving a bunch in the dead deal -- you're wrong. $7 million dollars to a company like GM -- even in financial crisis mode -- is nothing.

So although Tiger's not crying about being ditched from GM, and GM isn't saving a whole lot in the deal, this all made for great conversation in the newsroom this morning. Because financial crisis hit a new low, Tiger Woods got laid off.

Hey Buick, I hear Scott Feldman needs a sponsor.

'Cmon, Really?

By Erin Colton

I get angry with professional athletes who don't appreciate what they have. Maybe that's because I would literally cut off my left foot to be one. (Well, I guess then I wouldn't be so good.) Anyway, when I hear or see pro athletes either take advantage of someone, not take a picture with a fan, sign an autograph, not give back, or do something either illegal or disrespectful, it bothers me. A lot.

I think it gets to me because I'm around younger athletes so much, who look up to the pros like they're heroes. And to be honest, most of them are. Kids grow up playing the sports they love, but more importantly, wanting to become the athletes they admire.

So when Adam "Pacman" Jones, a cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys, continues to do things to get himself arrested and kicked out of the NFL, it's a problem. A big one.

Back in October, Jones was suspended indefinitely from the league after he got into an "alcohol-related scuffle" with his bodyguard during a party at a Dallas hotel. (The bodyguard was given to him to make sure he stayed out of trouble.) This is after Jones missed the ENTIRE 2007 season -- suspended for repeated legal troubles while with the Tennessee Titans. He was traded to Dallas in the off-season, then given another chance by Commissioner Roger Goodell. Well, Goodell has now given him yet ANOTHER chance, letting Jones back into the league after being suspended for just 6 games this season.

'Cmon, really?

Roger Goodell should be ashamed of himself. Nearly as much as Jones should be. He let a criminal back into his football league to probably just cause more trouble. Jones should be kicked out of football for good and not even be allowed to coach Pee Wee kids. Especially not kids. Don't let the guy near any of them!

To wrap up Jones' career (as an alleged criminal) he's been arrested 6 times in a span of 3 years. With a record like that, a normal person would find it hard to get a job, or would probably even be in jail. But nope, "Pacman" got a free ride back into the NFL today.

Who else is tired of this? I actually can't even believe I'm wasting my time blogging about it. But it continues to infuriate me when athletes blatantly use their status to get away with anything. It's making me sick to my stomach thinking this guy is going to once again, collect a six figure paycheck. And he probably has not once thought once about spending more time on the football field, instead of inside a bar or nightclub.

So if you get a chance to sit with your little athlete tonight, let them know all pros aren't Gods. They don't all live in the real world. And they certainly -- do not all deserve the praise fans give them.

Fun At The Fair

By Erin Colton

Ok, I'm going to get a little nostalgic and maybe even borderline corny in this blog. So bear with me.

One of the best feelings I think I've ever had is giving back to my community. (No, I'm serious.) It just makes me feel good to show people how much of a good influence my town and the people in it had on me. I grew up in Wantagh, so stopping by the Bellmore Fair to meet and talk to people in my neighborhood was something I really wanted to do.

But when I was there, I think I experienced an even better feeling than giving back when someone said they were proud of me. (I know, I know, break out the tissues.)

I'm lucky that my first on-air job is in the area where I grew up. The stories and the people just mean all the more to you. So being able to sit at a booth at the Bellmore Fair (an event I started going to when I was probably around 2 years old) talking to people in the community -- was great.

But since I don't want to put you to sleep in this blog, going on and on about how great I feel, I figured I'd just let you know about some of the funny things that happened.

Let's start out with my gigantic face. On my way to the News 12 stand I ran into a former classmate of mine from Wantagh High School. He said, "Erin, there's a huge picture of your face over there!" Then, a Nassau County police officer passed me and screamed my name. No, I wasn't getting arrested, turns out he was a former classmate too. He also commented on the fact there was a life size picture of my face right in the middle of Bellmore Avenue. Turns out I didn't need directions to where our booth was, I just followed the face, and found it. (Note: The picture above does not even remotely come close to how big my face actually was.)

So after everyone got over how enormous my face was, we had time to focus on how cold and windy it was. Note to anyone planning a fair, high winds and rain -- no good. At times I felt like I was in a car wash and I was the car. It was a good thing I was surrounded by a group of awesome people. Madeline kept me company under the tent, while Ryan and I cracked jokes all day long. I especially liked Ryan because he was decked out in all News 12 gear, and I'm not sure if he even knew there was a News 12 Long Island. He was from Optimum and we share a tent because we also share companies. But that's ok because he was wearing a "LI Challenge" hat. (Scott Feldman's game show.) I liked it because I sometimes sport the hat myself around town. (But don't tell Scott that, it might go to his head.)

I'm going to be honest, sometimes the fair was a little bit boring. I was seated in one spot and because not a lot of people showed up because of the weather, nobody was around us at times. So I drew things on my face. One time a little boy walked up and I didn't see him and he goes, "what are you doing?" I responded by saying, "Oh, just drawing on my face. Do you want an autograph?" He goes, "Why?" That may have been the best line of the day, but he took one. He'll probably find it 5 years from now and ONLY remember the fact that some idiot anchor was drawing on her face.

Our competitor's booth, Verizon, was directly across from ours. (Like THAT was some sort of coincidence.) I thought I'd have a little fun with it. Unfortunately nobody at the Verizon booth was nice enough to hold up the nice sign I made to the left there. Oh well, there's always next year. (Cablevision's better anyway.)

All kidding aside, the day meant more to me than I thought it would. Getting out in the community and hearing people tell me they appreciate the work I do, really made me feel good. I don't think hearing "I watch you every morning" from someone with a huge smile on their face will ever get old to me. So when you do watch me, know that this hometown girl appreciates where she came from and the people who surround her.

(No, these people are not fighting for my autograph, we were giving away a free TV.)

Being Smart With Sports

By Erin Colton

People often retreat to the sports world to escape all the pressures and hassles of life. Especially during these tough economic times. But we forget that the financial struggles affect athletics as well. What does the family with 3 kids do (all whom play 2 or 3 sports) when each child needs new cleats, a new bat or new football pads? What about the team sign-up costs? If you think about it, it all adds up to a lot of money. You wouldn't even believe how many families I've spoken to, who have cut back on their kids playing sports because they need to save money. And it's not their fault, they don't want to do that, but during this challenging time, they don't have a choice.

That's why I'm writing to tell you about "Play It Again Sports." It's an athletic gear company, who for the past 20 years, has helped parents save money buying new and quality used sports equipment.

Here's how it works. Kids grow out of things faster than you would ever imagine, but most of their gear is still in great condition. So instead of throwing it out, you can either trade it in for something new or used at Play It Again, or get cash for it. It's the same thing for adult gear as well. Looking to get a new set of golf clubs? Don't just leave them for garbage pick up or put them out at your next yard sale, stop by Play It Again and see what you can get in return.

There are now 3 locations here on Long Island, Glen Cove, Oceanside and East Northport. Here's there website www.playitagainsports.com

So during a time when families are looking to cut back, don't eliminate sports all together. Just be smarter about what your spending for your gear. I hope this helps.

The Kid's First Jersey

By Erin Colton

So if you haven't heard by now, you're living on a different planet. Elizabeth Hashagen is pregnant and is one month away from popping out a boy or a girl. (The suspense is killing me!)

There was recently had a shower for Hassy and her soon-to-be new baby. So when I needed a present, my producer Annette directed me to the "baby's registry." Hold on, the BABY'S registry!? The BABY has a registry? It's not even born yet! (Give me a break, I'm new with this baby stuff.)

Ok, so after getting over the initial shock of Hassy's unborn child having it's own registry I headed over to Babies 'R Us to get the kid a gift. First of all, this store should not be named Babies 'R Us, it should be named Parents 'R Us because no baby could possibly understand or appreciate all of the millions of things for tiny people under the age of 5 in this store. I was inside for about 3 minutes and almost had a stroke.

Anyway, registry in hand, I set out to buy baby Hassy a nice little gift for entering the world.

0172653 "Hug Me BLKT" is one of the options on this list that makes no sense. What is the deal with registry's anyway? It's a bunch of numbers and make-shift words that not one person on this early could possibly understand without asking for help from a store employee. Because even if you know what the thing is, you don't know where it is in the store. Take the Hug Me BLKT, (which I'm assuming means blanket). Underneath the item it says I can find it in LOCATION #20. I think I was looking around for 15 minutes until I finally decided no, it wasn't me there really are NO numbered locations in this store. I went to ask someone about it and they said, "Oh, location 20, that's the bedding wall." OH REALLY? OF COURSE! THE BEDDING WALL! WHO WOULDN'T KNOW THAT?

Walking away instead of getting into a conversation that I knew I'd regret, I went looking for the bedding wall. But, not to my surprise, no "Hug Me" blankets. So I was left with no choice but to ask another employee where I can find this increasingly annoying item. They walked me right over to it, but (and I'm not joking when I say this) NOWHERE on this blanket did it say the words "hug me." Look to the left! I found the actual item online. Do YOU see the words "Hug Me?" Am I supposed to assume a bear walking next to a tree means "hug me." So let's backtrack here for a second, how the HECK am I supposed to know number #1 WHERE the thing is (oh right, location #20. The bedding wall) and WHAT the blanket looks like (it's the "hug me" blanket that has no trace of the words hug me, anywhere.)

In my second life I am developing a new system for registry's. (Of all kind, even ones for unborn babies.)

"Hug Me" BLKT in hand, although I'm despising it more and more by the second, I headed for the check-out aisle. (Because 5 more minutes in this store, and I guarantee you I would have collapsed.) But what's this I see? The SPORTS section. YES, there is a God. Mets hats, Yankee shirts, Giants sippy cups, even little Favre jerseys! I was in my glory. I immediately ditched the "hug me" blanket (sorry Erica, you were so nice in helping me find that darn thing) and I started picking up the unborn child's first official team gear. I couldn't stop myself! I LOVE Babies 'R Us!

I immediately swiped a miniature-sized Jeter jersey (because what Yankee fan isn't complete with your kid dressed up in a Jeter jersey?), and a "My First Jets Tee" off the rack and called it a day.

Remember parents, make sure the kid knows who bought them their first Jeter jersey. His/her favorite sports anchor.

And I thought shower shopping was supposed to be boring.

Uh Oh...

By Erin Colton

Uh oh... It's not (gulp) happenning again, is it?

If you ask any Met fan, they'll tell you the Mets ARE NOT collapsing to the Phillies yet again this September. They'll say, "Oh c'mon, it's a pennant race, it's always this stressful!" Or they'll tell you, "We're not collapsing, we were never ahead by that much anyway."

Well, collapsing or not collapsing, it is a fact that the Mets just lost (for the second year in a row) their September lead over the Phillies. They've gone from thriving to nearly surviving, lost 4 of their last 5 games, and just dropped two straight of those games against the worst team in the National League, the Nationals.

I'll never forget standing outside Shea Stadium nearly one year ago, reporting on how the Mets just got swept by the Phillies to lose the NL East Division, not make it into the playoffs and watch the Phillies take their place. I stood nearly in a line with about five other news crews and reporters getting ready for our 5 o'clock live shot as thousands of fans streamed by us in disbelief. How could the Mets go from being up 7 games with 17 to go, and NOT make it into the playoffs. It wasn't that big of a lead this year. But, just a week ago, the Mets were up 3 and a half games, and were playing like last September never even mattered.

Ok, take a deep breathe Mets fans. I know that was more talk about last September than you would have liked. But it needs to be talked about. Maybe if David Wright didn't avoid the subject like the plague every single time a reporter asked him about it, he'd be more up to making sure it doesn't happen again this year. At least Carlos Delgado acknowledged the fact that it actually happened. He publically said he wants the monkey off their backs, he wants him and his Amazin's to do what they could not do one year go, beat the Phillies into the playoffs.

The Mets have just got to play baseball. Win a lot and lose a little. It's simple. They don't need to work any miracles (yet) and they can't let last year get in their heads to the point of self destruction.

Because let's be honest, if they do self destruct and make it two straight September collapses -- New York is going to be one sad town come playoff time.

Do You REALLY Like Each Other?

By Erin Colton

I get a lot of different questions asked of me by viewers. "Do you really like sports?" (Nah… Um, are you kidding me?) "What time do you get into work?" (I sleep at the station, actually.) And, "Is Elizabeth Hashagen really pregnant?" (Yes, she is. And she still looks thinner than me on camera. I don't want to talk about it.)

But the question I get the most is, "Does everyone REALLY like each other?"

My first instinct is to say, well, do you get along with everyone in your family?

Here at News 12 Long Island, we are a family. Or as close as you can come to one. I like to think of Scott Feldman as the dad, Carol Silva as the mom (she is SUCH a soccer mom) and me as the kid. (Since most of the time I'm running around like a little kid.) But in all seriousness, we are a family here. And act like one as well.

For instance, if you were to sneak a peek into our morning meeting, everyone sits around a big table like it's Thanksgiving dinner. (Feldman, or "Anchor In Charge," of course sitting at the head.) That's where we discuss the stories of the day that we'll cover as a station. But it's like a big family conversation. Everyone gives their input and advice as to how the story should be told. (I mean sometimes there's a brawl or two, but Scott can pretty much break up any fight just by clearing his throat.)

Another example. We eat A LOT here. Sometimes I think the company spends more money on food my salary. Wait, I know they do that. Anyway, everyone gathers in the kitchen or conference room to eat together. Bagels are on Monday, Ice Cream is on Friday and we get breakfast lunch and dinner on every holiday. (Sweet deal, right?) And at first smell of any type of something we can put in our mouths, we go running. But we do it together, as a family. (Until someone steals my Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia, then it's on.)

Do you ever watch and wonder what we do during commercial breaks? We gossip. (Not about each other, of course.) But we talk, hang out, play music, make fun of other shows err, stations. Sometimes we'll even look at pictures of Rich Hoffman running in some kind of triathlon. (I mean, we gotta like one another to sit through THAT, right?)

But probably the biggest example as to why we're such a big happy family is the way he never make fun of each other. We wouldn't even think of it! Like when someone messes up on camera or says the wrong thing, we don't laugh. (We just immediately put it on to tape so we can play it in front of hundreds of people at the Christmas Party.) And we would never mock each other, EVER. (Why is Scott Feldman so tall? And his voice so freakishly deep? And what is with Doug Geed and his weird obsession with Disney World? Why does he go there so much?) And last but not least we DO NOT compete with each other. Especially not during basketball season in the back parking lot. We play like respectable co-workers. Nobody goes overboard. (Mark, am I allowed to play again?)

So to answer your question, "Does News 12 personalities REALLY like each other?" Sure we do. We treat each other like family. We ARE one big happy family.

But I'll ask you again, how well do you get along with YOUR family?

Disclaimer: The content of this blog may contain over-exaggerated information.

Olympic Spirit

By Erin Colton

I love to win. I love everything about it. The feeling I get, the accomplishment I've achieved and, of course, the bragging rights! Some people here at the station say I'm a little too competitive though. Because if someone asks a question, I'll be the first to answer. Is debate a sport? I'll go blue in the face before the other guy proves his point. And you don't even want me to go into the stories of the News 12 basketball court where grown men have been shocked by my actions. I just really love to compete.

And although that might seem annoying and immature, I think it's where my love for the Olympics comes from.

Have you been watching them? To be honest, I wasn't even excited for it all this year because they just seem so far away, and I felt being half way around the world, I'd be so out of touch. But this weekend is the closing ceremony, and I wish they weren't coming to an end.

Michael Phelps is coming home not only the winningest Olympic athlete ever, but the only athlete to win 8 gold medal in one Olympics. The phrase "I wanna be like Mike" could mean something other than being like Michael Jordan. Phelps is now the same league as guys like Tiger Woods and Roger Federer -- athletes who just completely dominate in their sport. I'm sure a lot of little kids are going to be asking for swimming lessons in the near future. And it's all because of one week in Beijing. And although it doesn't take a lot for me to get up off my chair at a bar and start screaming at the TV, watching Michael Phelps win his 8th gold medal was fantastic.

How bout the gymnastics? What these ladies do with bodies is just insane. I was glued to the TV during every event. And they're all so young! It's like watching a little girl accomplish everything she's ever wanted in her entire life before the age of 20. At 20, I was still falling asleep in class dreaming about my sorority dance that coming weekend. (I did study, and got straight A's, so don't think I'm a complete screw-up.) But watching Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson win all those medals was amazing. And what was more amazing, was hearing that Johnson's parents mortgaged their house twice just to pay the bills of the gym and coach. Then watching them break down after she finally won the gold on the beam. It's stories like that, that make sports more than just "sports."

Sometimes I want to be Misty May-Traenor. Her and Kerri Walsh dominated in Beach Volleyball for the second straight Olympics, taking home the gold medal in an assault of wins. They did not lose a set all Olympics! And for the second time, May-Traenor sprinkled her late mother's ashes on the court where she achieved the goal her mom always wanted her to.

The Olympic games give people a chance to connect with athletes. A chance to learn their stories and the road they took to get there. It's a chance to show the world how important the Olympics actually are to peoples' lives.

With all this said, I think the best thing about watching the Olympics is seeing the faces of every single American athlete, standing on the pedestal, watching their flag be raised to the rafters. They're not just happy they won a medal -- they're happy they won it for America. And that makes me proud.

So if you're not doing anything tonight, turn on the Olympics. You only have 3 days left.

Competitive Carnival

By Erin Colton.

Many people say I'm competitive. I say I'm spirited.

This past weekend a couple of us from work went to an Italian Festival in Deer Park and I think all of our competitive spirits came out. It's really just a tiny carnival that the Sons of Italy in Deer Park host every year. (What about the Daughters of Italy?) It turned out to be a ton of fun when we all got there. And, very competitive.

The first thing we did was have a dance party. How can you not compete in that? Check out our moves to left here. Our morning assignment editor Tara THINKS she's got all of them, but I might be showing her up here. Who may have showed both of us up is the lady in the back left of this other picture on the right. She was breaking out moves I've never even seen before. Definitely a Daughter of Italy.

Going on rides isn't really competitive, until I tried to con my way onto the ferris wheel. (Which was going about 15 times faster than a regular ferris wheel usually goes.) I told the man my ticket was a 2-for-1. Since there was nobody else on line, he gave me a break. But ultimately, I won in that battle.

Next was go fish. I won 3. Nobody else played. (Probably because they knew I would win.)

The last event was the water gun race. Look at everyone lined up here. Yes that actually is Morning Anchor Doug Geed in the blue shirt and plaid shorts. But he didn't win. Our Master Control Supervisor Mike took home the first place prize and gave it to our Morning Producer Annette. (Also his fiance.)

The night ended with an intense game of cards. Doug needed my help in the beginning, but then he got the hang of it. I, again, came in 1st place. (Not that it matters or anything.)

So the Italian Festival in Deer Park got top ratings from myself and the other News 12er's. We left with stuffed animals, fish, food and our hearts racing from the rides.

But I'm still trying to figure out why I was named the most competitive out of everyone.

Yankee Memories

By Erin Colton

Tonight the best players in baseball will take the field in the final All-Star game at Yankee Stadium. And it's got me thinking, a whole lot, about Yankee Stadium memories.

For the past week or so, I've been asking people what their favorite Yankee Stadium memory is. My Dad's is the game after Thurman Munson died in 1979. The Yankees were trailing the Orioles 4-0 in the 7th inning when Bobby Murcer hit a 3-run home run and then a 2-run single in the 9th to win the game 5-4. Bobby drove in every single run that game, almost like Munson was right there with him. (Murcer delivered Munson's eulogy just hours before the game that night.) My Mom told me that was the first time she ever saw my Dad cry, when he found out Munson had died in a plane crash. My Dad's also big Bobby Mercer fan and actually finished his new book "Yankee For Life" on Saturday -- the same day Bobby died. Kinda freaky if you ask me.

I happen to work with a real-life Yankee Stadium legend, Hall of Fame Broadcaster Bob Wolff. The first time I met Bob was 7 years ago when I interned in the News 12 Sports Department. I actually hold the title of the best intern still to this day. (It's a self proclaimed title, but I still say it with pride.) Tonight Bob is being honored at the All-Star game for his call of Don Larson's perfect game he pitched during the 1956 World Series. Bob told me that not once did he mention the words "no-hitter" during the game -- honoring the old superstition about not saying it until it was a done deal. On the final pitch, a called strike to pinch-hitter Dale Mitchell, Bob announced, "Strike three! A no-hitter, a perfect game for Don Larsen!" I'm getting chills just writing this.

My greatest memory about Yankee Stadium is not a specific game or great play, it's just a feeling. The feeling I had when I was 7-years-old, and walked up into the nose-bleed stands off the 3rd base line, and saw the field for the very first time. I don't remember what game it was, or even if the Yankees won or lost. I didn't even know about all the history the stadium had to it and the amazing players that once graced the diamond. I just remember that it was one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen in my entire life. It even tops me sitting in the booth with historic Yankee announcer Bob Shepard, and helping him announce the players. (OK, so maybe I didn't actually say Derek Jeter's name, but I told him he was next!) I sat and chatted with him about everything from politics to religion and oh yeah, the latest A-Rod gossip. (I was the one filling him in on it!) Another cool memory was interviewing Joe Torre in the dugout on his 62nd birthday. I was an intern for WNBC sports, but was sent to the stadium alone that day to do some pre-game interviews. At the end Joe asked me why I cared that it was his birthday. I simply responded, "You're Joe Torre, manager of the Yankees, people care." He smiled at me and responded, "Then hopefully we'll get a win tonight for it."

So when your watching the game tonight, Yankee fan or not, think about all the history that was made inside the Stadium walls. The famous calls, hits, and home runs. The legendary players, coaches and announcers. And last but not least, us, the fans. Sit with your wife, your husband, your children and tell them about your favorite Yankee Stadium memory, because soon that's all we'll have.

Don't worry Met fans, we'll get to the Shea memories a little later in the season.

An Epic Battle

By Erin Colton

It's 5 o'clock on a Sunday evening. The 2nd day of a 7-day get-a-way to sunny Captiva, Florida, part of a Colton family reunion. And yes, it's true, I'm blogging.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are battling it out in one of their epic fights for the Wimbledon Championship.

Nadal was the early leader. Federer started out slow but gained momentum and came back to take Nadal into a 5th set after a wild, unforgettable 4th set tiebreaker.

Between each point, I look outside and see the sun shining down on our cute little Spanish villa on the Island in southwest Florida. My sister is laying on the beach. My mother and father are playing tennis. My cousin is in the pool. And my Aunt and Uncle are taking a relaxing stroll into town. And I'm inside freezing (because the air is so high) watching TV. It's pathetic, right?

And it's not even like I'm just watching TV. I'm screaming at it, throwing things at it, jumping up and down, and biting my nails so much that my vacation manicure is completely ruined. (Yes, Vinny. Even girls who watch sports get manicures.)

Every so often family members call for me. "Erin, where are you? Erin, get out in the sun! Erin, stop watching TV. Erin, take deep breaths, please! Erin, YOU'RE ON VACATION!"

It doesn't matter. I'm in the zone. It's Federer-Nadal time. And these two never disappoint, especially not today. Between Nadal's serve and Federer's forehand, I can't take my eyes off the TV for a second. It's like watching two men so fluent in the game of tennis that just when you think one of them mastered the shot, the other comes back with an even better one. Even the boring points are more exciting than anything I'd be doing in, wait, where am I?

After five of the best sets of tennis I've ever seen played, two rain delays, 4 hours and 41 grueling minutes, (longest men's final Wimbledon match in history) Rafael Nadal ended up beating Roger Federer. He won his first Wimbledon Championship ever and stopped Federer from getting his 6th straight one. After the match, Nadal was asked to describe how it felt to finally win one at the All England Club. He simply said, "I can't. It's impossible." I too was finding it hard to put into words what I had just seen.

So I guess it's time to finally open the door and see if there's any sun left. But after a match like that, I'm exhausted. I think I need a vacation.

Comments (4)

Who's Tom?

By Erin Colton

Let's get something straight, knowing about sports does not make a woman -- well, a man.

In one of my previous blogs, I wrote about Mariah Carey throwing out a first pitch (which was absolutely embarrassing) in Japan. A viewer wrote in and then compared Mariah -- to me.

Vinny writes: "Hey Erin..put your claws back in girl..you seem bitter about the whole thing..she's just as you said..a girly girl..Your more of a mans girl..a tom woman."

Hmmm. Thanks for writing in Vinny. I think. Don't know how to take being called a "Tom Woman", though. (Who else thought it was "Tomboy?") Your comment struck me a little unfair though, because you're basically calling me "boy-ish" on the sole basis that I'm a sportscaster. So it begs the question, do all men think women who know about sports -- grow hair on their chest?

I actually don't have hair on my chest. (At least not the last time I checked.)

Let's start with this question, what REALLY makes a woman man-like.

Dressing like a man? (I don't, unless pink skirts are the new trouser this season.)
Looking like a man? (No beard growing in.)
Talking like a man? (Ask anyone in the newsroom, Scott Feldman has a MUCH deeper voice than mine.)
Eating like a man? (Do men count points for EVERY SINGLE piece of food that goes into their mouth? I don't think so.)

Playing sports like a man? Ahhh ok, got me there. I can actually beat many men at the station at numerous sports. Just ask one of our managers, Mark (no last name), who's got the scars on his ego to prove it. (No that isn't Mark and I in the picture to the right.)

Last but not least, I don't have hands like a man! (Sorry, had to stick the Seinfeld reference in there. You kill me Jerry!)

To try and ease the stress of thinking that I was, in fact, a "Tom Woman," I went and googled it. (Actually, I googled "tomboy" because we all know that's the real name). These are some of the pictures that came up.

OK, phew. I'm definitely none of those. Although, put a pair of roller skates on me and who knows what will happen.

The point is, don't hate the girls who know a thing or two about sports, because they can be just as girly as the rest of 'em. I get mani-pedi's weekly, I love a good sale, you can see me gossiping around the newsroom, (even though I know MANY men who gossip more than I do) I run to the mailbox every Thursday to start reading my US Weekly, and yes, it's true, I sometimes cry over boys. So those are 5 great examples of how I am just as "girly" as Mariah Carey.

So Vinny, no disrespect man, but some people may actually find it sexy that I can list Derek Jeter's average for every year he's played for the Yanks on the spot. (Take that Mariah.) And besides, what does the saying "Tom Woman" even mean? Who's Tom?

The Threesome

By Erin Colton

I've been waiting 364 days to write this blog. Because what could be more fun than writing about spending the day golfing with evening anchor Scott Feldman, or as we like to call him "Anchor-In-Charge" (AIC, for short).

For the past four years, every summer, myself, morning anchor Elizabeth Hashagen, evening anchor Lauren Sivan and "AIC" have been a foursome in a charity golf tournament. We play 18 holes of non-stop, high-energy, can't miss a second of down right fun golf.

Sadly, this year Lauren couldn't come and believe me, it wasn't the same. But the three of us had to re-group and pull it together, because there was fun to be had.

As you all may know, Ms. Hashagen (Hassy, for short) is pregnant. 6 months! And it's funny, she looks the same way I do after having a big dinner. Oh well. Anyway, we thought her little belly would hinder her swing this year, but I actually think the baby gave her power because she was knocking balls on like Tiger at the Open.

Scott, of course, was on his game all day. I personally think we bring him good luck. Because I swear, every single time I screamed "GET IN THE HOLEEEEEE" (18 times) he would knock it on. Ok, maybe not every time, but he loved when I screamed because it distracted every other golfer teeing off. (Golf etiquette rule #42 -- scream whenever possible to throw off your opponents.)

Is everyone aware of Mr. Feldman's golfing capabilities. I swear, if this whole anchoring gig doesn't work out he could have a spot on the tour. I, of course, would be his caddy. (Who else is going to distract the other golfers?)

I'm not going to lie, I was knocking the ball pretty hard as well. Take a look at the picture on the left here of my longest drive. I mean, it has to be like 300 yards! (Ok fine, maybe like 150) But still, look at how far it went PAST the hole! I had to take a picture. A couple guys from NBC were playing behind us. I don't think they liked that we stopped to take pictures on every hole. But 'cmon, golf is a leisurely game. (And who cares what Channel 4 thinks anyway.)

The best part of the outing this year had to be when Scott spotted a couple kids on the links that didn't belong there. Uh-oh. We all know his deep voice, right? So just imagine this deep, loud bellow down the fairway, "Guuuyyys! (Remember, really loud, low voice) "What do you think your dooooooing?" I've never seen 3 more scared teenagers in my entire life. Scott told them we were going to play through them, because they didn't belong there. (Note to self: don't mess with "AIC" on a golf course.) I gave them a little wave as we passed on the cart to smooth things over.

Whether people loved us or hated us that day, no one could argue that we (as always) had the most fun. In between taking pictures, doing a cartwheel or two, racing golf carts, screaming, laughing, falling and oh yeah, playing golf -- I realized how lucky I am to work with such good people.

And I swear, if we didn't forget our scorecards in the clubhouse -- we would have TOTALLY come in first place.