Saturday, March 14, 2009:
This morning was sunny and frosty, and I was eager to share some good news with people – it was going to stay sunny, get milder and I set up a great segment on the show.
In addition to doing weather, I pitch many story ideas to my Local4 brethren. This week I had the inside track on Detroit’s 2009 FIRST Robotics competitions at Cass Technical High School. FIRST Robotics in Michigan is an excellent program designed to get kids excited about math, science, engineering and technology by designing, building and having contests with robots. If you have not been to a FIRST Robotics competition, you must experience it. FIRST Robotics’ tournaments have all of the energy and enthusiasm of a football or basketball game.
FIRST Robotics’ mission is right up my alley. When I learned they were coming to the Motor City I told my producers they would be great guests. The volunteers and students know what to say, and they will bring their robots to the studio and move them around and shoot basketballs by remote control. My colleagues loved the idea so I helped book them.
The FIRST teams and volunteers arrived at 6am and were on the air by 6:40am. My friend and co-anchor Lauren Sanders interviewed FIRST Robotics Michigan leader Gail Alpert, volunteer & educator Dave Verbrugge, and student robotics engineers from Milford High and Cass Tech. The interview went great and the kids fired up their robots and tossed game-balls all over the studio. It was the perfect way to spread the word about the Detroit-Areas best and brightest.
Speaking of Southeast Michigan’s bright future, I showed my school visit picture from Pinckney’s Light of the World Academy. As I mentioned in my March 10th blog, I had a wonderful time and the students and teachers were perfect participants.
Finally, Detroit will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this weekend with it’s annual St. Patrick’s Parade down Michigan Avenue in the community of Corktown. Thank goodness, I am forecasting sunshine and mild weather for everyone preparing the parade route. Sunday’s weather looks even more spectacular.
Andrew Humphrey, CBM
Meteorologist, Science & Technology Reporter and Weather Producer
WDIV-TV
Thursday, February 26, 2009:
While delivering the weather on Local4 News at 4, my friend & colleague Ruth Spencer and I joked about weather mascots. On the air, Ruth said other stations in the country have dogs as weather mascots. I responded by saying I have two cats and they would perform just fine. Ruth laughed and identified with me, cheerfully stating she has a cat.
Rain was in my forecast, so naturally Ruth mentioned the prospect of it raining cats and dogs. I proceeded with my forecast and alerted everyone about the chance or rain-slick roads for the afternoon commute.
I love cats, dogs and all animals. However, my cats are named “Raindrop” and “Snowflake”. I think they have a leg up on the competition as Local4Casters’ mascots. They may need a job title like Local4Casters. How about the Local4 WeatherCats, Local4 FelineForecasters or Local4Cats?
Leave your comments and let us know what you think or suggest your own moniker for future animal weathercasters.
Andrew Humphrey, CBM
Meteorologist, Science & Technology Reporter and Weather Producer
WDIV-TV, Detroit
