How was everybody’s weekends? Hopefully safe and restful. I had a pretty great one, spending time with friends and hanging out on Folly Beach. We couldn’t have asked for better weather with the sun and the slight breeze. The waves allowed for some respectable body surfing too. Unfortunately, I got burnt despite putting on tons of sunscreen. Clearly the sun doesn’t care when you’re as pale, freckly and Irish as myself.
Monday, I had to remember to call my father though. Back in February of 1967, he was drafted and shipped off to Vietnam for a year to fight the Viet Cong in the paddies on the Mekong delta. With an estimated 48,000 American casualties (the number varies where you look), my dad was blessed to come back in one piece and be here today. Memorial Day is the one real day set aside to honor his contributions and the contributions of others to maintain peace and freedom around the world, regardless of their political party or affiliation. It’s the one day that being Democrat or Republican, black or white doesn’t come in to play. It is the day to remember the lives that were sacrificed to erase those lines and remember what our country was built on, not to mention the roots to which we should return.
Did you thank your local veterans yesterday? Did you thank your local enlisted folks yesterday? If you didn’t, better late than never. Each and every one of them does what many of us are not courageous enough to do for many of the rights we often take for granted. Thank a vet or one of the enlisted today!
What is up, everybody? We have decided internally to take back the internets and get back on the blog wagon here at the CW. Lots of great new features will be coming to the Lowcountry CW and we look forward to launching them soon. In our time off, some great new shows started and CW has grown stronger than ever with your favorites such as Smallville. Even new versions of old favorites like 90210 and Melrose Place are back with hot new stars for the new generation.
As I mentioned, lots of big changes are coming to the website here and we hope to keep you updated with cool shows, fun events and CW news right here on the blog. Stay tuned here for all the excitement!
We would also love to hear what you’d like us to cover as well! Any show reviews? Local events? Drop us a line!
Not incredibly long ago, while working for radio station 95SX, I had the chance to interview a former WCBD TV 2 anchor about his experience of hurricane Hugo in a report I did “September Storm.“ The anchor was Dan Ashley, you remember, one of the only reporters that remained on the air during the terrible storm.
Dan Ashley is now working for KGO-TV 7 in California, and here is his experience.
Hurricane Hugo was an amazing, life-changing experience for me both personally and professionally. Having chased storms up and down the coast—it was something entirely different to have such a monster come to us. I spent the night reporting from underneath our two thousand foot transmitter in Awendaw (not a safe place to be) where we thought we were going to be killed when the tower collapsed from the wind. Thankfully, that didn’t happen- although the guide wires were pulled dangerously out of the ground.
I was the last broadcaster able to remain on the air during the storm and the first one able to get back on the next morning—it felt like a powerful responsibility. We all worked for days on very little sleep- it was exhilarating and exhausting. It was also terribly sad. To see a community that we loved so much in such a disaster was very emotional for all of us reporting the story. Personally, I didn’t get to my home to see what damage there was until the second day after the storm because we were just too busy running all over the place.
If you ever want to feel small and insignificant—ride out a hurricane—it is a powerless feeling to be sure. As a reporter, I felt that I literally gained two years of experience in two weeks covering Hugo- it was so intense, so important, so emotional that I’ve always believed it helped me mature on the air. To this day, I have a giant (3’ by 2’) satellite photograph of Hugo as the eye moved over Charleston hanging on my office wall here at KGO. It’s a reminder of one of the most moving reporting experiences of my life and a period of great personal growth.
As hard as it was to see the destruction Hugo caused across the Low Country—- the wonderful positive that I always take away from the experience was how proud, courageous, and determined the people there were to rebuild and to recover. It brings tears to my eyes quite literally as I write this to think of the grit our wonderful community showed during that time. And, fittingly, Charleston and the barrier islands are more beautiful now than they were before the storm.
It seems like yesterday to many in the Lowcountry, and on Monday, September 21st Charleston will be remembering 20 years since the tragic hurricane.
Join WCBD TV 2 at 7:00pm for an anniversary special on September 21st.
Also, on Thursday, September 17th - SCETV will be rboadcasting a very special show on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo. This is set to air at 7:00pm.
On night two of our Ghost hunting, we headed out to Edisto Island- There is a church there on Parkers Ferry Road and the story is:
If you pull into the church drive way, turn your lights off and honk 3 times.
After that, you are supposed to turn around and go sit on the road of the way you came back.
You’ll see three lights coming toward you.
This sounds more silly than true.
We put parkers ferry road into the GPS and began traveling down the road. Further and further we went but no church! We saw a lot of wild life and home but that’s about… We eventually crossed hwy 17 and continued on… finally we found a dirt road so bumpy about 10 miles down we just had to turn around.
Night two was a bust.
So we did a little research and found out that we had the wrong address. We check it out and we found a new address, this one in the opposite direction for a Presbyterian church. What we are thinking is the same church from night two, however the story was different.
There was an old mausoleum in the church graveyard. The story, which was attached to the original post, said a little girl got really sick and fell into a coma. She was pronounced dead and buried in a family mausoleum. Later when another family member died, they opened the tomb’s door to find the little girls skeleton on the floor near the door… and her coffin opened. Since then, she has not allowed the door to be closed, no matter how it’s been tried the doors will not closed. People have even tried with locks and chains but will some how open again.
So we found this church with no problem. We waited in the car, freaked out and debated whether or not to get out. We were all scared. I’ll admit. After about 30 minutes of debating we all finally got out of the car. We walked in the grave yard on the pathway to the mausoleum. There is was, just like its picture. Up against a forest, brown, rusted and vines growing up the tomb. I wouldn’t go near the thing. I was standing back with a friend, while one slightly braver friend walked up to the front of the tomb. Nothing bad happened so I pointed my flash light at the front of the crypt and moved closed. There was no door and with my light I could see inside. I was scared turned around and left “Sorry, I got to go!” and everyone went with me. We went back down the dirt road from night two, to see what we could find… this time we went a different direction on a road by a different name. This road was very creepy. We came upon a church with a historical marker. Was this a different church? We almost went through the gate, but became too scared and turned around. We headed home for the night.
Last night, night 4, we visited Strawberry Chapel in Monks Corner, SC… due to people being very disrespectful to the grave site; it has high security and cameras. We went in the day time. While roaming the ground we went into an area that was caged off by brick wall with graves inside…. There was a tiny baby deer inside! We left to give in peace and roamed the grounds more before leaving.
Today, while looking for the original church on Parkers Ferry Road, it wad discovered we had found it! But did not realize at the time. This is the church where you must honk 3 times and turn around.
Our plans are to revisit this church on Thursday night and see for ourselves.
I’ll be sure to post updates, and follow my twitter updates because, as long as I have cell service, I will update there too!
Recently, a few friends and I decided to go Ghost Hunting around the Lowcountry.
We wanted to try places away from the City, which we all knew so well. Something different… darker… quieter… We started looking around the interweb for places to check out, you know the kind “at this old church, you must park your car on the back road, turn your lights off and get out of the car. Then you must turn around three times and call the ghosts name…” yeah! That kind. It was all in good fun.
So we found our destination: Beaufort County. We’d first try this place, the Joseph Johnson House… er “The Castle” It is said that the explorer Jean Ribaut brought along a jester whom was a dwarf named Gauche. And it’s said that he’s been seen walking the shadowy grounds of the house. So we decided to go check the place out and look for the guy.
About an hour and a half later we arrive, thanks to GPS, and we come to find out the land is fenced off. We didn’t want to push our luck and sneak in… But thankfully we had a back up plan… Destination number 2: The Chapel of Ease. The name is scary enough, right? It’s about 3am at this point and I have to work (here at the Lowcountry CW) in the am, but we decided to still go… we couldn’t let our night be a disappointment. Another 30 minutes out to St. Helena and we come to this very dark road. In complete darkness we drive further and further down this road, spooked by cars that suddenly show up behind us with their bright headlights on. The further down we go, the more we begin the think we won’t find the church. Our GPS had stopped working and none of us had a cell phone signal. Okay, it’s getting late, we’ll go back home.
On our way home we found the place! We slammed on the breaks and flew back around and pulled up to the old church.
The only story we knew about this place was that it stands deserted. Workers once tried to seal up the crypt behind the church, but the next morning all of the bricks were neatly placed in a little pile. This happened more than once. And people reported feeling strange sensations when walking through the church’s graveyard… this is a church with no doors, windows as it was destroyed by fire during the revolutionary war.
So we started to prepare ourselves to get out of the car and explore. Getting our flashlights together and making sure our minds were clear from being totally scared.
The next few events all happened in less than 30 seconds.
I was in the passenger seat looking back towards a friend in the back seat… another friend in the driver’s seat, at exactly the same time we all heard the most ear piercing scream from outside. We all began screaming… I’ve never heard three people scream so loud in my LIFE! The driver stepped on the gas and flew out of the yard and onto the road to get us out of there, as we went passed the graveyard on the way I noticed a light above the chapel which was not there before. This caused me to scream out that I see a light and we all began screaming more. When we finally stopped the car to compose ourselves, we realized we had gone several miles away from the site, at about 80 mph. We decided to turn back around after a few deep breaths and go check this place out again. Our legs felt like jello, there was no way we could get out of the car. Once we had arrived we sat there looking intently at the chapel and its graveyard… No light above the chapel which I had seen earlier… and no more scream. What was it? After looking more art the site (from the safety of our car,) we decided we’d had enough scare for the night and headed home.
About 30 minutes into our drive home, when we finally had cell service, we did some mobile internet research. We had been to the Land’s End Lights at the Chapel of Ease, and story says:
“Located in an area of Beaufort an eerie light floats over Land`s End Rd. Some claim it is the ghost of a murdered Confederate soldier, searching for his head, others claim its the ghost of a slave, sold away from his family, who has come back to hunt for them. It is most usually reported between the Chapel of Ease and the “Hanging Tree”. The light has been the cause of at least one documented accident…”
This was officially the end of night one.
I will blog about night two & three in the next blog. Both of those were documented on my twitter (http://www.twitter.com/TimRyanCW) as it happened. Very interesting stuff!
So another stormy Charleston afternoon, and my favorite thing to do during such a time is eat a pizza and take a nap… but since I’m at work for awhile longer, i’ll go with next choice, looking at weird gadgets. Someone sent me this really neat gadget on twitter, and you know what? I think We need one of these back in the Lowcountry CW Studio to go along with our disco ball!
Man, I’d never get any work done… EVER!
Check this lighting system out. It come from a website called ThePopcornMakers.com .o(mmmpopcorn)
Here is what the website tells us about the system:
“Disturb Me” is an interactive installation between human and his environment. It is to make perceptible the reciprocal links and often forgotten contact, that we maintain with our environment.
The projection depends on the sound emitted by the spectators and creates consequently, a transitory and colored environment.
The projected forms are revealed when in contact with surfaces of the room.
The senses are awakened, the room becomes alive. (via: thepopcornmakers.com)
I never have been a fan of video games, (I know it, can you imagine a kid like me not loving videos games???) but once the wii came onto the market, my opinion of game systems shifted a bit.
With the innovative design of the game system, it allowed you to become more interactive while playing games for endless hours.
Plus there was a chance at interaction with other people playing games… sure, kind of like X-box live. but hey, that’s old news.
Now though!! Now we have something to talk about!
Presentinggggggggg: PROJECT NATAL! The new E3!
the new gaming system comes with a 3D motion sensing and voice/facial recognizing ...controller?....
But this is so cool because you have NO controller! and you can play your old 360 games with the system.
The Microsoft based gaming system demoed racing games, fighting games, and simple sports games using full body recognition which allows you to hold up virtual steering wheels, duck, weave and deliver punches, and kick goals and even RAWR like a monster!
Check out the video presentation, I’ll post it.
Not sure yet how much the gaming system will cost.
Also, I cannot decide on what level is this creepy cool yet.
probably 50/50.
Ohhh the future. loves it! http://www.Twitter.com/TimRyanCW
Check out this watch, not gonna lie… pretty cool.
I am so thinking about dropping the $$ to buy it; but like most watches it will probz be way 2 big for my wrist.
Timfail.
It only costs $219 bux and it come from Diesel…. oh, how I miss my diesel watch =[
It’s called “Freak of Nature: Frankenwatch”
The strap is half leather and half metal. So neat.
Check it outtttt!
After a long, and wonderful weekend, we are finally back at work here in the Lowcountry CW studios… and today is going so slow.
Go figure!
So last week the CW was buzzing on the social networking website, ‘Twitter,‘ after our wonderful green network released it’s prime time schedule for Fall 2009.
If you haven’t heard what we ahve waiting for you this fall season, take a look!
Monday Night- Gossip Girl returns with another stunning season, followed by One Tree Hill as normal….
Tuesday Night’s we bring back 90210 for a second season… and this year the show will be followed by the new updated version of the iconic drama, Melrose Place. You’ll find Katie Cassidy (daughter of David Cassidly) and singer/actress Ashlee Simpson-Wentz.
On Wednesdays, “America’s Next Top Model” leads into the new Fashion-Fueled drama “The Beautiful Life” from Producer Ashton Kutcher.
And then for you Vampire lovers the all new drama “The Vampire Diaries” teams with “Supernatural”
for a Spine-Tingling Thursday lineup. AND! I must say that I am VERY curious to see how the Vampire Diaries drama turns out. Remember: The WB brought us a few vampire shows before… Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel. Two very popular shows. So We shall see! I know, I know this is spinning from the Twilight and True Blood craze, but hey… it’s all fun, right?
Smallville and an encore of America’s Next Top Model join the Friday night line up this season, too.
And we’ll have a mid-season premiere for new drama Parental Discretion Advised. Not so sure what to think about this one yet. We’ll see!
Ahhhh… The CW… Home of Beautiful Faces.
So… what are you excited to see the most?
Tell us!
It’s official… Social Networking is taking over Charleston, finally!
From MySpace to Facebook, YouTube to Stickam, Xanga to Twitter- Charleston is waking up and joining the Social Networking world.
Now you can catch more than half of our news, sales and production staff on two of the most popular social networking sites, Twitter and Facebook.
Anchors, producers, photogs, sales staff and even our General Manager have begun tweeting with the rest of the world, and, usually it gives you fast immediate access the importaint information like Breaking News, traffic alerts, Hollywood Gossip, programming announcements… or even what someone had for lunch!
You can log on to http://www.Counton2.com for a complete list of twitter and facebook profiles from within our studios!
Okay JoBros fans, get stoked! They’re coming to the Lowcountry CW on February 10th, 2009!
(This is where I insert some earplugs… I can hear the squeals now!)
The Jonas Brothers are set to rock the CW Television Network on Tuesday, February 10th while they host a special CW Tuesday Night during “90210” and “Privileged,“ they’ll also give a sneak peek into their new film “Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Experience”
For more information, keep watching the Lowcountry CW!
Think you’ve got what it takes to be a paid Young and Free spokesperson for a year?
If the words blog, YouTube and Twitter are as familiar to you as toothpaste, you’re in the right place! As a member if the under 25-year-old South Carolina crowd, do you have what it takes to talk, type and tell good stories? If your answer is yes, then this could be the coolest job you’ll ever have! …Well, besides mine. Wink, wink.
The South Carolina Federal Credit Union is looking for a young and under 25 spokesperson. All you’ll need to do is talk, type and tell good stories!
The best part comes next… If you’re chosen, you’ll land a full time job blogging and plugging the South Carolina Federal Credit Union… but the tools you’ll get, even better!
A – Work fulltime for a year
B – Travel, attend and speak at events throughout the year
C – Produce and post video to the internet
D – Post daily blog entries and weekly video blogs.
You’ll get all of this stuff for a year, and then you’ll keep the equipment!
1 – An Apple MacBook notebook computer with paid internet access
2 – An HD Video Camera with mic and accessories
3 – A smart phone with a paid contract
4 – A fun job, for a year!
How does this sound so far? Want more information?
Stay tuned to The Lowcountry CW for more details and our radio partners 95SX.
The Low Country CW was selected by
The CW Television Network as “Great in ‘08”
January 26, 2009 (Burbank, CA) ─ Local television station WCBD-TV’s The Low Country CW, part of the Media General Broadcasting Group, has been selected as one of The CW’s “Great in ‘08” television stations, honoring outstanding performance in small market stations that are affiliates of The CW Television Network.
Russell Myerson, EVP of The CW said, “We’re very pleased to be recognizing the significant contributions that The Low Country CW has made over the past year. The staff, under the guidance of General Manager Rick Lipps, has done a great job and deserves this recognition.”
Mr. Lipps said, “It’s great to be included in this select group of stations that are acknowledged by The CW for last year’s efforts. We’re pleased to be recognized as an outstanding affiliate of The CW, and appreciate this honor.”
Stations were selected on the basis of revenue, participation in sales promotions, and overall performance.
I am feeling a little hurt by Mother Nature today.
She’s being a bit of a debbie downer with this disgusting, non-christmassy weather that she’s so happy to spit at us.
Honestly though, how can someone get into the holiday spirit, or even remain in the spirit when the temps rise to almost 80 degrees, tornados are spinning and rain, rain, rain comes to wash us all away?
It’s just not working for me, folks!
For example. My family went to the Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island last night…
Thankfully the rain held-off the entire time… but I could see the snowmen melting before my eyes.
It was disgusting! Everyone was in shorts for the most part. That’s not right!
It crushes the soul a bit, you know what I mean?
I have not done any christmas shopping. at all. and if this weather does not turn cold and dry up, there is no way I’ll feel the need.
I’ll be a scrooge and that’s no fun. I can see it now: “Thanks for your amazing gift, but because of the weather… I’ve been sleeping all season. No gifts for you. Maybe next year!“
See that’s just not fun!
Let’s not even talk about the state of my hair in this weather… it’s a horror story! Scary stuff!
I think it’s time we sat down with mother nature for a good long talk.
An intervention.
Let’s help her get the Wx back on track!
In compliance of The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, effective April 21, 2000, The Lowcountry CW upholds the FTC's standards in compliance with the online collection of personal information from children under 13.
If you would like to contact The Lowcountry CW in reference to the Children's Online privacy statement, you may do so by contacting our Children's Liaison at the following address:
Daron Matayabas
c/o The Lowcountry CW
210 W. Coleman Blvd.
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
