FNCU Holiday Blog

By: Nina Terrero

I consider myself extremely blessed in multiple ways during the holiday season for many reasons, but particularly because I get to celebrate the Christmas holiday in multiple ways!

I’ve grown up traveling to Puerto Rico for Christmas, but since I come from a family who doesn’t need an excuse to celebrate anything (Mom, I’m talking about you!), we always do a big American-style Christmas complete with cookie decorating and an ornate tree before jetting off to enjoy the warm, sunny beaches and fun Caribbean Christmas traditions in Puerto Rico! In Puerto Rico, Christmas is celebrated slightly differently from in the mainland with its own distinct traditions. While Santa Claus, the colors red & green, and brightly-colored tinsel are certainly present, the holiday are made a bit more picante (hot and spicy) with lots of carols sung with salsa rhythms and tales of the little jibarito (a Christmas story of Puerto Rican farmer who shares his tiny coffee crop with Jesus) being told. Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) is also when the bulk of Christmas festivities are held, while Christmas Day is traditionally spent resting from the late night before – a perfect time to lay out on the beach! Spending the holiday season in Puerto Rico also means that my family members and I can celebrate Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day) on January 6^th, during which the Three Kings of Bethlehem are commemorated through the exchange of gifts in return for grass clippings and dishes of water left for the Three King’s camels. Many delicious traditional Christmas foods are served throughout the season such as roasted pernil (suckling pig) served with arroz con gandules (rice with peas), coquito (a spiked coconut eggnog), flan (a delicious caramel custard), pastels (mashed plantain stuffed and wrapped in banana leaves), and many, many boxes of turrón, which is a Christmas candy imported from Spain and made from almonds and flavorful honey. I’m getting hungry just writing this!

I also feel fortunate to have friends and family members who are from various faiths and ethnic backgrounds, and one of the holidays I have most enjoyed celebrating throughout the years is Channukah! I always look forward to the crispy latkes, dreidel games, and recitation of holiday blessings. I think that understanding and celebrating the holiday season outside of your own immediate traditions is an amazing experience and further enriches understanding of a communal holiday spirit!

 Another way I enjoy nurturing this notion of a communal holiday spirit is through increasing my efforts to pass on what I’ve been fortunate to receive. For example, this year my boyfriend and I made and packed Christmas gift boxes for underprivileged children through Operation Christmas Child! It’s a great organization (check it out: www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/), whose goal is to bring the Christmas spirit to children all around the world – in countries throughout Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa – through shoeboxes packed with toys, toiletries, and more! I can’t describe how much fun it was to shop for Barbie dolls again now that I’m (a bit) old for these types of toys! Whether it is volunteering at a soup kitchen, making a monetary donation, or packing a simple shoebox, there are lots of ways to volunteer and share the essence of the holiday spirit!

So whether it be in New York City, in the suburbs, on an island, or anywhere in between, I’d like to wish you and yours an amazing holiday season! ¡Feliz Navidad!

Blog: Intern’s Insight

Intern's Insight

Blog: Fantasy Football

By: Brian Donnelly

Fantasy Football Update: Week 11 Start ‘Em and Sit ‘Ems

Weeks 7 - 10 in the NFL were exciting, but lacked one crucial element: a sports-crazy intern giving fantasy football advice in a page-long blog. Well, I'm back to fill that gaping void and give some predictions for Week 11, which will surely shake up rosters and maybe even standings following a handful of crucial injuries to star running backs in Week 10. Some adjustments are in order as we struggle for positioning in the fast-approaching playoffs.

ADD/DROP: RB

Jason Snelling may start for the now injured Michael Turner. Snelling ran for 61 yards and a TD, with 93 total yards after Turner sprained his ankle Sunday. You can expect 15-plus touches if Snelling, owned in less than 10 percent of leagues, starts in Week 11 against the Giants, who have given up 491 yards and 7 TDs on the ground during their last four-games. Snelling is a solid long-term pickup.

Justin Forsett similarly capitalized on extra carries. Seattle's starting RB Julius Jones left Sunday’s game with a broken rib, allowing Forsett to take 17 carries for 123 yards. Don’t expect much from him against Minnesota, whose defense has only allowed two rushing TDs. But Snelling will fill a No.2 RB slot nicely against St. Louis’ less formidable defense in Week 12.

Willis McGahee put up negative yardage in Week 9. In Week 10, he only managed 35 yards on 13 carries. If you weren’t able to unload him on some unsuspecting sap last month, cut him now.

ADD/DROP: WR

Laveranues Coles just hasn’t fit into Cincinnati’s offense, resulting in his ownership nose-diving from 96 to 50 percent from Week 1 to now. In the last 2 games, however, 5 and 6 receptions for 67 and 72 yards respectively tell me that Carson Palmer is now looking for Coles, making him a smart pickup if available, or a solid start if on your roster, heading into Oakland for Week 11.

Bernard Berrian hasn’t had more than 3 receptions in the last 5 games. Because of that, he has only produced double-digit fantasy points once. Although Bret Favre is putting up huge numbers, Berrian has little to show for it. Don’t hold out for favorable matchups; drop him.

While some of the RBs that didn’t make it out of Week 10, including Cedric Benson, Turner and Jones, shouldn’t be in your lineup, their injuries aren’t severe enough to cut them loose. However, Ronnie Brown’s ankle injury will sideline him for the remainder of the season. Another note – The Eagles’ Brian Westbrook suffered a concussion, his second in one month, and may end his season, giving reason to drop him in favor of another pick up, pending any updates.

That’s it for this week fantasy fans. Remember to check in with FoxNews.com/sports for more fantasy updates.

Fantasy Football Update: Week 11 Beasts and Busts

Who will break out and who will break down in Week 11 in the NFL. I’ll dig into team reports to dig out players that can propel you to fantasy success and warn you about those that are better left on your bench. Let’s get to work on the Week 11 BEASTS AND BUSTS.

Ricky Williams is officially a fantasy starter. After Ronnie Brown suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Sunday’s game, Williams rushed for 102 yards on 20 carries. Williams has had more than 10 carries only four times this season, while managing to create 117 fantasy points on the fuel of six TDs. Against Carolina in Week 11, Williams will become the focal point of Miami's wildcat offense, creating good potential for a performance worth your No.1 RB slot.

Thomas Jones has had 20-plus carries in 5 of the Jets 9 games this season, making his fantasy owners very happy with 781 yards and 8 big TDs for more than 130 fantasy points. Although I think the touches will be there, I don’t see Jones producing the same kind of numbers he has been against New England this week. As much as it pains me to say this as a Jets fanatic, Jones is a BUST.

Mark Sanchez is inconsistent, and saying that about the Jets’ newest prodigy doesn’t pain me at all. The fewer passes he throws, the higher his rating is, and vice versa. You can’t read how the “Sanchize” will do week to week. However, the rookie will look as green as the grass his many incompletions will fall on when facing a resurgent New England Team looking to bounce back from a tough loss. The “Sanchize” is a major Bust.

Carson Palmer isn’t the fantasy player of years past. Although he hasn’t been consistent all year, he’s riding a streak of momentum, beginning with the 5-TD performance in Week 7, and I expect something similar this week against the Raiders. For those with better options at QB who may have been using Palmer as a backup, it’s time to dust that old gunslinger off and let ‘em take you to victory.

Sidney Rice has soaked up a lot of yardage this season, working in tandem with Favre at the helm of the Viking’s explosive offense. That includes 201 yards just last week. Although Rice only has 2 TDs to show for it so far this season, expect another big game against Seattle.

Brandon Marshall also had a breakout performance last week on 5 receptions for 134 yards and 2 TDs. However, this week the Broncos WR’s fantasy numbers may be in jeopardy due to Kyle Orton’s injury. Reports are that Orton’s ankle won’t sideline him against San Diego, but if it does, back up Chris Simms will hold Marshall’s fate, and those of you who own him, in his unreliable hands. If that’s the case, Marshall, who missed practice Wednesday due to a minor neck injury, is a Bust for Week 11.

That’s it for this week fantasy fans. Remember to check in with FoxNews.com/sports for more fantasy updates.

Blog: USS New York

By: Mitchell Goulding

One of the most rewarding things about an internship at a place like Fox is that they really encourage you to learn about the business from a hands-on perspective. While just about every aspect of the job provides an incredible opportunity to learn new things, nothing quite compares to the chance of working the “greenroom” for Fox & Friends Live from the USS New York.

This morning shift obviously began differently than any other. Although I have been getting used to waking up this year at far earlier hours in the morning than I would prefer, this particular show required that I arrive at the ship by 3am (and that’s with the Dunkin’ Donuts order).

Upon arrival, I was greeted by military personnel, who ushered me through security and down to the ship, which was constructed using seven tons of steel from Ground Zero. Security wasn’t just tight because we were about to step foot onto one of the Navy’s newest members of the fleet, but the guest list for the day included some of New York’s top political figures.

Again, one can meet big shots on any given day when working in the greenroom at Fox. But this event had symbolic meaning: honoring the military for their bravery and remembering 9/11. The day included former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former New York Governor George Pataki, current New York Governor David Paterson, and New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

Plus, what is possibly more exciting than taking a national show live from the deck of a US Navy Vessel? You literally are standing next to some of the most impressive vehicles that the military has (helicopters and tanks among others) while getting a nice chilly breeze off the Hudson River.

I am so grateful to the Fox & Friends staff as well as the internship program for the opportunity to participate in such amazing productions like this one, even if it means losing one night of sleep.

Blog: Somethin’ For Nothin’

By: Elle Tansey

Free Ticket

One of the biggest joys of interning in the booking department is having the opportunity to meet so many of the amazing guests that appear on Fox News. One such guest a few weeks ago was Benj Gershman from the band O.A.R. Benj appeared on “America’s Newsroom” to spread the word about www.openupyourarms.org and what the band is doing to support our troops. After an encouraging interview with Bill Hemmer, Benj and I proceeded to head toward the lobby. He had a funny feeling that he was missing something right before he walked out the door and noticed he had misplaced his wallet.

We retraced his steps and searched and searched but nothing appeared. After our rather thorough investigation I insisted that I recheck the greenroom upstairs, so while he patiently waited in the lobby I ran upstairs to give a clean sweep. Much to my surprise I spotted his wallet in the corner underneath a small table, how it got there–we’ll never know. Long story short, to thank me he gave me two free tickets to an upcoming show in the area which was this past weekend. The show was fantastic and I have so much gratitude for Benj’s kindness. Although looking for a handout should never be your motivating factor, don’t hesitate to lend a helping hand or practice a little persistence!

Another free event I happened to come across this week was a book signing by Ali Vincent, the first female winner on "The Biggest Loser." She was signing copies of her book, Believe It, Be It. While this encounter was completely random it inspired me to look up some more upcoming book signings, and trust me there are plenty coming up in NYC. Just check out www.celebritybooksigningsandevents.com.

Blog: The News Hangover

By: Michael McBain

The News Hangover: Health Insurance Martini Anyone?

The results are in; the House passed health care legislation by a narrow margin of 220-215 with one Republican supporter, Rep. Joseph Cao, and 39 Democrats voting against it.  The bill plans to cover 36 million uninsured with a price tag of $1.2 trillion - higher than hoped for by Obama.  Republicans mainly fear the price, but also several details such as mandatory purchasing of health insurance.  Failure to do so may lead to harsh consequences (e.g. $25,000 fine and imprisonment).  Republicans put forth a readable 230 page proposal but were rejected on party lines.  Despite the agonizing drama the American public has been through, the Senate plan is said to be DOA so we may not have to deal with this for another few months.  Let’s do something about that 10.2% unemployment, eh.

The GOP is back.  Big gubernatorial victories for Chris Christie of New Jersey and Bob McDonnell of Virginia lead some to think the party is ascending as Obama’s approval rating is dropping.  The other side sees the loss of Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman in the New York 23^rd district as a ‘chink in Glenn Beck’s armor’.  Just to reiterate, GOP wins show public opposition to President Obama; Conservative loss shows Glenn Beck opposition (is he running for office?).

Michelle Obama took the tweens to a Miley Cyrus concert at the Verizon Center.  Interestingly enough, this comes after Cyrus was rated the worst celebrity influence.  I think I know what’s going on here – Cyrus and the White House are working together to get her approval rating up as the White House uses Cyrus to take over the world.  Maybe?  Note that I didn’t link to anything - realizing I know way too much about Miley Cyrus off the top of my head.

Remember those three automakers struggling?  One is recovering as the other two continue to falter; two received government aid, one did not.  Ford saw its Q3 earnings reach $1 billion with 2011 projections looking profitable.  GM and Chrysler however, eh, not so much.  It goes to show that ailing businesses do not burn to the ground; they reformat, replace failing people and ideas, and eventually turn around if the product is in demand, and I am pretty sure people still use cars.

Internet news

The Onion, known for satiric news and fake stories, is getting a TV deal with Comedy Central.  Huh, I thought that was the Daily Show.

Guess what people who illegally download music also do?  They legally purchase the most music.  The study comes out of the U.K. proving a crackdown on music pirating may lead to adverse effects; just another economic argument over righteousness.

Michael Phelps challenges you to speed… putting.  The International Olympic Committee is holding a YouTube competition called “The Best of US Challenge” where users can upload videos competing in specific feats with Olympic athletes like Phelps, Shawn Johnson, and Rafael Nadal.  Winners receive a trip for two to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. P.S. Michael Phelps has a really sweet mustache.

Tweeter @brumplum called out British writer, actor, and personality, Stephen Fry last week.  The dastardly tweet you ask: “Much as I admire and ador the chap, they [Fry’s tweets] are a bit… boring.”  Oh snap! I can’t believe he said that!  In reaction, Fry’s Twitter following sent incredible amounts of vitriolic statements ‘brumplums’ way situating him in the spotlight.  The story was picked up by the BBC and The Sunday Times… ah the power of Twitter.

My prayers go out to those affected by the Fort Hood and Orlando shootings… truly devastating tragedies.

Blog: Intern’s Insight

As featured on the Happening Now page of Foxnews.com

http://happeningnow.blogs.foxnews.com/2009/10/30/interns-insight-5/

By: Nina Terrero

We’ve all heard about the consequences of the recession – a struggling economy, lost jobs, and a depression which has had wide-spread effects in nearly every sector of professional and familial life. However, have you looked beyond your immediate household  to consider what the consequences may have been beyond the grim statistics, past the video of men in suits that continually plays when a story on finance is run, and thought about the “unknowns” who play a large part in the American narrative?

I am, of course, referring to the children of our nation. It has come to my attention recently that there have been other victims of the recession beyond those commonly portrayed in mainstream media. Through a series of introspective articles and papers on the subject of children who have been subject to the negative consequences of the recession, I’ve learned that this situation is due to the pressure which has increasingly mounted within the familial unit – leading to a contemporary version of Dickensian “hard times”. In a recent NY Times article, historian Steven Mintz said the following of the situation impacting our nation’s most vulnerable victims:

“Economic hardship has a very destructive impact on parenting. Parents become depressed, withdrawn and quick to anger. Physical punishment often increases. Then, and now, the young are the unheralded victims of economic hard times." (Courtesy NY Times, October 29 - "Perils of the Recession Generation")

By all accounts, the effect of the recession on children and youth has extended beyond the immediate consequences of job loss within the household as federal financing for childcare, education, and even state assistance has dwindled. As we approach the weekend, I would urge you all to spend just a few minutes thinking about these unintended victims of adult exploitation, especially given that the larger debate here is entrenched in the tension between federal assistance versus private charitable effort in bridging the gap of need. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and what’s to be done next? Well that’s up to you…

-N

Blog: Intern’s Insight

As featured on the Happening Now page of Fox News.com

http://happeningnow.blogs.foxnews.com/2009/10/23/interns-insight-3/

By: Nina Terrero

Yesterday on “Happening Now” we reported the story of 48-year old Faleh Hassan Almaleki of Glendale, AZ who, according to police reports, fled the scene immediately after he ran over his daughter, 20 year-old Noor Faleh Almalek, in his 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. His motive is reported to have been his wrath over his daughter’s assimilation into American culture, and the consequence is that Noor is currently hospitalized and suffering from life-threatening injuries. A father who would calculatingly harm his offspring alerts us to a situation in which their relationship had clearly deteriorated, and given the nature of the circumstances, it’s difficult not to become immediately outraged at the deliberate and pre-meditative nature of the crime.

However, it seems to me that an incident such as this is laden with both meaning and contention as the father’s motive for the crime was reportedly outrage at his daughter’s withdrawing from an arranged marriage. Does this signal the extent to which he considered his daughter’s assimilation to be excessive? As of this morning, there are many unknown details, but an interesting aspect of consideration is whether or not Faleh and his daughter had become American citizens. If they had been, Faleh would have sworn to abide by American law, and do we consider that by natural extension law includes American norms and values? Do we strictly define norms and values as applied to the general population or do we include those of other cultures as a nod to America’s heritage as a “melting pot”? To what extent was Faleh un-American himself? And as an immigrant, to what extent do we approach foreign cultures – with or without unwarranted suspicion? How do we define “Westernization” or “assimilation”? In turn, do we view the father’s actions as being excessively “Iraqi” or “Middle-eastern”? We are taught not to judge others on the basis of cultural norms, and yet can we given that the enactment of a cultural norm in this case resulted in a clear violation of American law (attempted manslaughter)?

How would we react if the situation was reversed and Almaleki had hurt his daughter under the pretext that she hadn’t become “American” enough? How does one interpret being “American,” especially given Noor’s youth? Was it solely her desire to refrain from entering a presumably loveless, arranged marriage? What type of events lead to this incident -- did Noor wear provokingly low cut pants & belly-baring tops, or did she thoughtfully attempt to assert her independence through more conscientious means? Did her father attempt an honor killing, or was this a drastic means of teaching Noor a lesson? We don’t know the details & so the questions I am asking are part of a larger debate regarding the definition of casually used terms such as “Westernization,” “American“ and “assimilation.” This incident clearly illustrates the consequences that can be derived from their interpretation. As further details in this matter emerge, I know I will be evaluating the story in terms of a father defending a culture left behind and a daughter living life according to her own interpretation of mores, with the knowledge that the reality we face addresses a far deeper concern which underscores the existing tensions between cultures -- which we can only hope will be gradually eroded and yet without cost to the distinctive nuances of the respective traditions to which we belong.

-N

Blog: Lovely Words of an Intern

 By: Jennifer Regan

As many of the interns here at the Fox News Channel know, being an intern can be frightening yet the most exhilarating experience they could ever have. If you really want to sit and think about it being an intern is probably the best time of your career. Well the beginning of a good start at least. This is my second internship here at Fox News. It is the best part of my semester. I came into my first internship not really knowing what exactly I wanted to do. I knew that my interest was (and still is) in Entertainment and Sports. Don’t get me wrong I like news too, but those really hold a big interest in my life. So I was placed on the morning show, Fox and Friends. I have already been here for 2 months and I absolutely love it. I hate that I am only here two days a week but, in those two days I do so much! I arrive at the building at 4:15; I have a set schedule of my tasks, in a particular order. Once the show starts I basically run around like a lunatic, but I love it! I have to print the headlines for the anchors, rundowns for the control room and studio, and greet the guests. It’s great. When the show is slow is doesn’t feel right. I like the fast past atmosphere, not because it goes by quick but I feel helpful that way. After the show is over, like everyday, everyone must attend a pitch meeting for the show. Here executive producers, senior producers, writers, PA’s, and interns for the show come together to pitch ideas. At first when I heard about this my heart stopped. I probably wouldn’t be voted the number one most outgoing person; I do tend to be a little shy. However since working at Fox and Friends I have really opened up more. The pitch meetings are really interesting to be apart of. I believe that I have gotten fairly better since I first started. I say that because I now learned what type of stories are right and what are wrong, what is good for that time of the morning and etc and of course how to pitch them. My point of this blog isn’t to bore your eyes off with my life story, it’s to show that being an intern on Fox and Friends really helped me improve on myself. I’ve been given a lot of opportunities to network with everyone that works in this building. I am getting a deeper side of what producing is all about. I’ve learned to really put yourself out there and do anything you get a chance to do. I believe that even if you do something you have never done before, push yourself to do something that seems of a challenge. Do it because you will most likely end up surprising yourself if you just try.

Blog: Somethin’ For Nothin’

Somethin’ for Nothin’

Running Free

By: Elle Tansey

In my opinion nothing tops the excitement of watching athletes cross the finish line of the NYC Marathon. The pure dedication and months of training all came together for the 43,000 racers this Sunday. Their adrenaline and endorphins were surely passed along to the thousands cheering fans in Central Park as they proudly received their medals.  It is a tradition for me to watch the annual marathon and it is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Usually a few celebrities participate, but in the sea of motion it was quite hard to point out Ed Norton and Alanis Morrisette this year. 

                I spoke with some runners after the race and learned of a great program surrounding this event called Medals 4 Mettle.  This organization allows marathon finishers from all over the world to donate their hard earned medals to recipients who are dealing with disease, handicaps or any similar challenge.  These recipients may not be able to physically run a marathon but they are certainly in their own marathon to continue to courageously live their lives. So many great causes and people surround the NYC Marathon every year and if you aren’t planning on running perhaps you could share the experience from the sidewalk next year.