tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288 2008-09-17T01:27:25Z You know the names, you know the places… Movable Type 3.36 tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.128327 2008-09-17T01:22:48Z 2008-09-17T01:27:25Z

So-- You think you know Britney Spears? A local author says: think again. Lorilee Craker lives in Grand Rapids, and has written a book with Lynne Spears. I sat down with her last week to talk about the book,...

Michele DeSelms So-- You think you know Britney Spears? A local author says: think again. Lorilee Craker lives in Grand Rapids, and has written a book with Lynne Spears. I sat down with her last week to talk about the book, and what the family is REALLY like. Lorilee says the tabloid media is OBSESSED with this family, and she has actually received more than a dozen phone calls from tabloids around the world, trying to get information about the book, and about the family. Crazy! Make sure you check out Wednesday's Back Story-- it's a good one! See you at 10- Michele tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.122763 2008-08-24T22:43:10Z 2008-08-25T00:44:29Z

It's been a long time, so we have a lot to catch up on! First-- Mitchell's 5K Run was just great-- huge turnout, perfect weather, and 73-thousand dollars raised for research for a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy! Last...

Michele DeSelms It's been a long time, so we have a lot to catch up on! First-- Mitchell's 5K Run was just great-- huge turnout, perfect weather, and 73-thousand dollars raised for research for a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy! Last week's Back Story was actor Rainn Wilson, who is HILARIOUS! My photographer that day, Matt Duwe, is a huge fan of his, so it was a fun interview. Check out Rainn's new movie "The Rocker"! I don't know what to watch on TV, now that the Olympics are over! Did you see Rockford native Dathan Ritzenhein run the marathon last night? He finished in 9th place, right in front of Ryan Hall, and gave the United States a pair of top-10 finishers for the first time since 1976! Yeah, Dathan! He's going to be hanging out with family in Michigan for awhile, so maybe I can catch up with him before he goes back to Oregon. The biggest reason I've fallen behind on my blog is that I'm in what my friend Marilyn calls 'a mourning period"-- I knew taking Brandon to Michigan State was going to be tough, but WOW this has been really hard. I'm not worried about him at all-- he loves it so much already! And I'm happy for him, and so proud-- I just miss him. So there. 'Nuff said, as Producer Pantaleo would tell me. Shopping seems to help-- I may single-handedly be putting West Michigan's economy back on track! On the opposite end of the spectrum, my 5 year old goes to Kindergarten next week! More tears, more whining (yes, from me-- she's all ready to go!) I'll be back on my game soon- I promise!! See you at ten!! -Michele tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.120267 2008-08-13T01:20:43Z 2008-08-14T01:11:29Z

There are lots of reasons to run: for fitness, for sanity, for 45 minutes of peace and quiet, for fun. This weekend, there's another reason: run for Mitchell. He's 12 years old, and has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Mitchell's Run...

Michele DeSelms There are lots of reasons to run: for fitness, for sanity, for 45 minutes of peace and quiet, for fun. This weekend, there's another reason: run for Mitchell. He's 12 years old, and has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Mitchell's Run is a 5K event through downtown Rockford. Steve and Sandra Peterson started it after their then-3 year old son was diagnosed. This Saturday, the race is celebrating 10 years! In that time, they've raised 500-thousand dollars. All of that money has gone to Parent Project, a global organization that funds research to find a cure for Duchenne MD. Here's a link to the website to sign up: www.mitchellsrun.org. What better reason could there be? Hope to see you there-- and at 10! p.s. It's Wednesday: did you have your ice cream today??? tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.118435 2008-08-05T14:22:59Z 2008-08-05T14:56:39Z

So last night on the air, we were talking about hot dogs. (I know-- nothing but the most hard-hitting stories on Fox-17). Kevin Craig said something about 'only mustard and onions' on his dog. And I said 'what about...

Michele DeSelms So last night on the air, we were talking about hot dogs. (I know-- nothing but the most hard-hitting stories on Fox-17). Kevin Craig said something about 'only mustard and onions' on his dog. And I said 'what about cucumbers'? 2 seconds later, Producer Pantaleo is in my ear, completely making fun of me: "cucumbers! cucumbers!". Okay-- I'm not a huge hot dog eater. Even at the Corner Bar in Rockford, I order a salad. But my college friends all live in Chicago, and for years we'd go to the baseball game, hit the bars, then grab a late night dog. So this morning I sent a bunch of emails to my peeps, trying to get confirmation that I have not completely lost my mind: that's the way we ate them. One friend sent this article, so I'll pass it along to you. Chicago Hot Dogs By Doug Criner A Chicago-style hot dog is typically served with the following accoutrements: yellow mustard, green pickle relish, chopped onion, sport peppers (small, smooth, dark-green pickled peppers), kosher dill pickle, cucumber spear, a couple of thin tomato slices or wedges, a steamed poppy-seed bun, and celery salt. Everything is put on top of the hot dog—including the kosher dill and cucumber spear, which are laid parallel with and on top of the dog. Don't worry about remembering all these toppings--if you order a Chicago dog with everything, that's what you'll get. Ketchup is never served on a real Chicago-style hot dog. Even if you like ketchup, don't apply it to your dog in public. Hot-dog stands have ketchup on the counter if you insist on using it, but it isn't considered proper to order a hot dog with ketchup. So there you go. Check out tomorrow night's Back Story, and you'll get a behind the scenes look at the newest member of the Fox-17 News Team!! See you at 10- Michele tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.115892 2008-07-24T01:13:37Z 2008-07-24T16:35:59Z

Lots of action in Michigan! If you saw last night's Back Story, you saw the interview I did with actress Piper Perabo. She's shooting a TV pilot for a new TV show called "The Prince of Motor City". And because...

Michele DeSelms Lots of action in Michigan! If you saw last night's Back Story, you saw the interview I did with actress Piper Perabo. She's shooting a TV pilot for a new TV show called "The Prince of Motor City". And because of the recently passed film incentives, they're actually shooting it here in Michigan! (Check out the full interview in our video player on the homepage). Piper is actually a family friend, and I've known her for years-- she is so great! This has been a star-studded couple of weeks for me: I also had the chance to interview Rainn Wilson-- you know him from "The Office". He's promoting his new movie "The Rocker" which comes out next month-- he is HILARIOUS! Look for that Back Story coming soon! And for me personally-- I had a really fun opportunity Sunday night: I got to work as an extra on the set of the movie "Tug"! (check out the Back Story from last week for all the info on filming that movie).. I was in a party scene with about 25 other people. The lead male actor in the film, Sam Huntington is in a fight with his neighbor played by "Reno 911" actress Wendy McLendon-Covy. It was such a great experience!! Sooo much fun! People-- let me know what you've been up to!! See you at 10- Michele tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.113942 2008-07-15T01:21:36Z 2008-07-15T01:31:26Z

So this was a fun day: I had the chance to hang out on the set of the movie "Tug" being filmed right now in West Michigan! It's the first production by TicTock Studios in Holland. Today, we watched...

Michele DeSelms So this was a fun day: I had the chance to hang out on the set of the movie "Tug" being filmed right now in West Michigan! It's the first production by TicTock Studios in Holland. Today, we watched a scene with the two main characters, played by Haylie Duff and Sam Huntington. And I got to talk with Yeardley Smith-- she plays the main character's mom. (If you don't know the name, you'll definitely recognize the voice: she's Lisa Simpson from The Simpsons)! Check out Wednesday's Back Story for more on our exclusive behind-the-scenes look at filming! See you at 10- Michele tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.113678 2008-07-14T00:49:57Z 2008-07-14T01:04:23Z

I've implemented a new thing here in the Fox-17 News Department this summer: Ice Cream Wednesdays! It's pretty self-explanatory, but each Wed. afternoon we stop what we're doing for an ice cream party. Sounds like no big deal, but...

Michele DeSelms I've implemented a new thing here in the Fox-17 News Department this summer: Ice Cream Wednesdays! It's pretty self-explanatory, but each Wed. afternoon we stop what we're doing for an ice cream party. Sounds like no big deal, but I'm telling you- there's nothing better. And we go all out: cans of whipped cream, chocolate and caramel topping, nuts, mix-in candy bars-- you name it. It puts a smile on everyone's face, and makes the newsroom a happier place! Plus, I get to yell out, "Lieutenant Dan, ice cream!" I know-- it's the little things. See you at 10! p.s Happy Birthday to my sister Dee (July 1964-October 1983) tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.110245 2008-06-25T13:55:05Z 2008-06-25T14:10:42Z

If you're like me, you spent the spring months looking forward to a nice relaxing summer. What was I thinking?? There is no such thing, not for our family! I thought after graduation was over, things would slow down, but...

Michele DeSelms If you're like me, you spent the spring months looking forward to a nice relaxing summer. What was I thinking?? There is no such thing, not for our family! I thought after graduation was over, things would slow down, but we're busier than ever! Right now, I'm in between 'camps': one girl is cheerleading, the other is golfing. Squeeze in 3 days of tennis each week, and we're all set. Theatre camp hasn't started yet, but at least the softball season is over! Do you do this, too? Run around like crazy, trying to make sure your kids don't miss out on anything, then realize we're too tired to enjoy it? (well, I'M too tired-- they're still going strong!) This weekend we're headed to Cedar Point-- nothing like zooming 90-miles an hour down a 310 foot hill to relax! (Millennium Force). My goal for July: more time at the pool or the beach, or planting flowers, or just hanging out and enjoying the West Michigan summer! See you at 10! Michele tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.108750 2008-06-17T21:57:13Z 2008-06-17T22:19:04Z

There's a lot going on in West Michigan this summer! I spent this past weekend in Saugatuck, at the Waterfront Film Festival. This was the 10th year, and it was the best one yet! (My friend Dana said "you...

Michele DeSelms There's a lot going on in West Michigan this summer! I spent this past weekend in Saugatuck, at the Waterfront Film Festival. This was the 10th year, and it was the best one yet! (My friend Dana said "you say that EVERY year!") But it's true! Great movies, fun people, and hanging out with the filmmakers-- just amazing. If you're more into country music than movies, you're probably gearing up for this weekend's B93 Birthday Bash. It's the 15th year for this event, and there are 14 acts scheduled to perform, including Gretchen Wilson. Look for more about the history of the event, Wednesday night in my Back Story report! The next weekend is the start of the Muskegon Summer Celebration-- REO, Kansas, and the Steve Miller Band! and I interviewed Montgomery Gentry a few years ago-- they are a riot. Here in the FOX-17 newsroom, producer Pantaleo and our nightside assignment editor Garrett are planning out their weekend for the Rothbury Festival. (I love the Dave Matthews Band, but since I'm not much of a camper, I will probably miss it!) It will be interesting to see if it has as much success as these other festivals-- I'm guessing YES! West Michigan is the place to be this summer for fantastic shows, and this summer could be the BEST ONE EVER! Let me know what you're up to-- See you at 10! -Michele tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.105789 2008-06-04T14:30:08Z 2008-06-04T14:44:25Z

A couple of quick updates for everyone: First off, some great news about John Arnold, from Second Harvest Food Gleaners! John has an aggressive form of prostate cancer, and has been on an experimental drug the past few months....

Michele DeSelms A couple of quick updates for everyone: First off, some great news about John Arnold, from Second Harvest Food Gleaners! John has an aggressive form of prostate cancer, and has been on an experimental drug the past few months. He found out that it's working-- and working really well! I'm so happy for John-- he is an amazing person, and has given so much to the community. Go John! On a much lighter note: my coffee habit. Drinko de Mayo was my experiment to find out how much money I spend at Starbucks. Producer Pantaleo: $93.00 for the month. My total: $130 ! Isn't that ridiculous? It wasn't just coffee, though. By keeping track, I realized that I buy a lot of bottled water there, instead of grabbing a few extra bottles from home. (If I did a bottled water count... now THAT would be expensive-- I drink a TON of water) I thought it would be about $50 a month-- what a shocker! I blame the high gas prices. (No connection, but don't we blame everything on high gas prices these days??) Finally-- make sure you check out the movie schedule for Waterfront Film Festival! There are some great films, as always, starting with the opening night show under the stars. Here's the link to the website: www.waterfrontfilm.org. As soon as the actors who are coming this year are confirmed... I'll let you know! Gotta make a Starbucks run... See you at 10! tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.104871 2008-05-30T17:15:14Z 2008-05-30T18:24:30Z

Thursday's helicopter crash on the roof of Spectrum Hospital was one of the biggest breaking news stories we've had in Grand Rapids in quite some time. When something like this happens, the Fox-17 newsroom kicks into high gear-- it's...

Michele DeSelms Thursday's helicopter crash on the roof of Spectrum Hospital was one of the biggest breaking news stories we've had in Grand Rapids in quite some time. When something like this happens, the Fox-17 newsroom kicks into high gear-- it's a true team effort to cover a story as big as this. 11:00am is typically a pretty slow time in our newsroom. The morning show crew is wrapped up, the dayside reporters and photographers are out on their assignments, and the afternoon group hasn't come to work yet. I usually get there in the afternoon, but just happened to be there early Thursday, to shoot next week's Back Story. I was sitting at my desk when I heard the female voice on the police scanner say "helicopter down at Spectrum". I looked up at Chris Koops, our Assignment Desk Manager, who stood up, turned up the volume on the scanner, just as she repeated what we had both just heard. Koops yelled "Tim!" (our News Director Tim Dye) who ran out of his office,and told him to start getting people in to the station, then looked at me and said, "let's get on TV". I headed to the studio, while our engineers punched up our tower camera that showed the heavy black smoke pouring from the wreckage on top of the hospital. Within minutes, we were on the air, showing the scene as I talked over it, describing what had happened-- but very few details were available. Koops was scrambling: he had to monitor the scanners, send crews to the scene, and call people at home to get them to the station ASAP. (he's amazing- most of us would lose our minds if we had to do what he does). Meteorologist Jon Shaner was running hand-written notes into the studio with any information he could get to me. (at one point he said "I'm so glad you're here, otherwise they'd stick me on the anchor desk!") Exec. producer Chris Pantaleo was the first one at the station (along with his parents, who happen to be visiting from Detroit!). As soon as I heard his voice in my ear, I thought, "okay, Pants is here, things are under control". We were getting more information by the minute, but in these situations, it's tricky to sort out what's been confirmed by officials, and what witnesses are saying. I did a live phone interview with a father who was on the 8th floor when the chopper crashed-- his daughter was being treated there.And that's when I realized that the top floors of the building where the heli-pad is located is DeVos Children's Hospital's Pediatric critical care unit! Can you imagine being a parent of a sick child, and have this added to it? Theresa Rashid was our first reporter on the scene, and called-in a live report over the phone. That's when we learned that the pilot and the FAA official had survived the crash-- a miracle. During this time (all in about an hour) the rest of the news crew had been called in: Carl Apple (who was in Ottawa County on a different story and saw the black smoke) was now on the scene... Lisa LaPlante and Dan Krauth were sent downtown as soon as they got in. It was truly 'all hands on deck', and the newsroom was buzzing. Christian came in (on his day off) -- he and I did another hour of live cut-ins, then everyone re-grouped with a meeting to decide 'who' was doing 'what report' for the 10 o'clock news. That's when we had a breather, and each person had their own story to tell about that morning: Mike Avery was at the gym, saw the live pictures on a TV monitor, called the station, and all Koops said was "get in here!!" and hung up. The voicemail messages from Koops were pretty funny... and one producer's story about how he broke all kinds of records (and laws!) driving to the station was hilarious. ( as for me-- I'm not exactly known for being on time for work, so the fact that I was already in the station was a huge bonus!) In all-- the situation that at first looked so devastating, and could have been so tragic, turned out better than anyone could have hoped. Our police and fire crews were so quick to respond, and everything was under control so quickly-- what a test for the city of Grand Rapids! And a test for us, too, as we were able to cover this from all angles, letting people know what happened, and what they needed to know about getting around downtown. The story isn't over yet-- and of course we'll bring you all the information at 10:00 and on our morning show. Just thought you'd want to know what goes on behind the scenes when something like this happens. -Michele tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.103924 2008-05-26T15:27:31Z 2008-05-26T16:27:09Z

My son Brandon was in third grade when we moved here in November of 1998. This past Thursday, he graduated from Rockford High School.. one of 522 students in the Class of 2008. I know I'm not alone in...

Michele DeSelms Brandon, Chas, Tommy, Collin, Chris, Pat ]]> tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.103055 2008-05-21T14:46:24Z 2008-05-21T15:13:02Z

As most of you know, I love American Idol. Loved it since day one. There's just something about watching the contestants evolve from that first audition and watching them through the season that really appeals to me. And I...

Michele DeSelms As most of you know, I love American Idol. Loved it since day one. There's just something about watching the contestants evolve from that first audition and watching them through the season that really appeals to me. And I appreciate the vocal talents of so many of the singers. But once the show is over for the season, there are very few individual artists that I remember. And buy their records? Not very many. Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Bo Bice, and Clay Aiken's Christmas CD. That's it. (I've even seen Daughtry twice this year, because he opened for Bon Jovi in Chicago and Las Vegas) So this season, I have a great respect for Little David Archuleta's beautiful voice, but I can't see myself ever buying anything he puts out. David Cook? A different story- I can't wait for his CD. I don't know who will win tonight-- and even though I think Cook deserves it, I sort of hope he DOESN'T win, just so he'll have more control over what material he puts on his record. And Archie seems so desperate to win, it will be sad if he doesn't get it! And speaking of records: In my Back Story tonight, I'm focusing on how many American Idols have 'Gone Country'. There are more than you think, and they're all doing really well in their careers! Make sure you tune in after the season finale of Idol! See you at 10- Michele tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.102357 2008-05-18T22:01:59Z 2008-05-18T22:37:53Z

I got a sneak peak at the new Indiana Jones movie this morning: Sports Director Brent Ashcroft, Producer Chris Pantaleo and I LOVED IT. No spoilers here-- but if you are a fan of the other films, you'll love...

Michele DeSelms I got a sneak peak at the new Indiana Jones movie this morning: Sports Director Brent Ashcroft, Producer Chris Pantaleo and I LOVED IT. No spoilers here-- but if you are a fan of the other films, you'll love it too. (but the bugs, Steven Spielberg. Why the bugs?) Here's something fun: There was actually a quote in this movie from another movie. And since Chris and I are big movie-quoters, we laughed out loud because it's one of our favorites. Chris and I can turn almost any conversation into a movie quote. Example: If someone's talking about a baby, we'll say "Always watching. Smiling. Judging. Look at the baby- look at the baby'. (OLD SCHOOL) Or: "baby fish-mouth. baby fish-mouth'. (WHEN HARRY MET SALLY). And yes-- we know it's annoying to other people. We don't care-- it makes us laugh. We actually went to Chicago and auditioned for VH1's 'World Series of Pop Culture" because we love movies and television and music. (we didn't make it-- he blames me). Here are a few more of our favorites: "You stole fizzy lifting drinks!" (WILLY WONKA) "Spread me up one of them baloney sandwiches" (COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER) "I'm sorry I had to fight in the middle of your Blank Panther party" (FORREST GUMP). " I said grave danger?, you said 'is there any other kind?" (A FEW GOOD MEN) We have way too many to list here-- Now I want to know YOUR favorites! Drop me a note and let me know :) See you at 10! -Michele tag:weblogs.wxmi.com,2008:/community/guide/back-story//288.102059 2008-05-16T14:41:43Z 2008-05-16T15:05:13Z

Michigan's Film Incentives are working! Since the state passed the film incentives package, 15 producers have signed up to shoot their movies here! Filmmakers get a tax rebate up to 40-percent, plus an extra 2-percent if they shoot their...

Michele DeSelms Michigan's Film Incentives are working! Since the state passed the film incentives package, 15 producers have signed up to shoot their movies here! Filmmakers get a tax rebate up to 40-percent, plus an extra 2-percent if they shoot their film in a 'core' city. (Like Grand Rapids). Here's the thing: right now, only two of those movies are being shot in West Michigan. This side of the state has a lot to offer in terms of scenery. The production scouts who come to town have loved the streets and buildings of downtown, the character of the smaller neighborhoods, and Lake Michigan. But in terms of workers-- Detroit has hundreds of people who are already trained to work as crew members and they're ready to go. We don't. YET. But one production studio is trying to change that! TicTock studios in Holland has teamed up with GRCC to train people in crew work. Here's a link to the website: www.tictockstudios.com If you're interested, check it out! And be sure to check back in a few weeks for more information about the Waterfront Film Festival! I've got some great inside scoop that you won't find anywhere else... Have a great weekend, and let me know what you're up to! -Michele