Angie Larsen's Blog

Cruisin' Disney's Main Street in a Mini-van

angiel — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:44:00 GMT

What an adventure! I just returned from Disneyland, assigned to cover the Grand Opening of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. I never knew the Happiest Place on Earth was also the busiest. We worked 14 hour days, shooting and writing a different story for every newscast. I didn't even have time to buy a churro or my favorite thing at Disneyland - the Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream bar. Yum! But I'm not complaining... it was an incredible assignement.

Sunday I covered the Blue Carpet Event. Dozens of stars showed up to be among the first to ride the new attrtaction. I really enjoyed talking with actor Sean Astin. He loves Utah. Recently he shot a movie here, based on Highland Rugby called Forever Strong, set to be released next year. He said Salt Lake is one of the most beautiful places he's ever been. While he was here he witnessed the most amzing lightning show over the mountains.

Geena Davis was an absolute delight, so gracious and genuine. I asked her if "Commander in Chief" (my favorite cancelled show) would ever make a comeback? With a sly smile she said, "I sure hope so." So let's all write ABC and beg them to bring it back, it's a fantastic series.

Here's a scoop for all you "Suite Life of Zack and Cody" fans. I talked to the twins about some upcoming episodes. They say they will get part-time jobs as grocery baggers. I asked them if they would be putting in the eggs on the bottom to which Dylan and Cole Sprouse replied with huge smiles, "Hey, you're good. How did you know?" (Well, it's an old gag that always works.)

After the Blue Carpet Event, I got to preview the Finding Nemo Submarine Voayge. It is delightful. The sets are brilliant and the 3-D animation is mind-boggling. You'll be asking yourself, how did they do that? And here's little secret about the ride, on it are 8 hidden Mickey Mouses. Good luck finding them, I sure didn't.

That night we attended a huge media party. The park blocked off half of Tomorrowland to other guests as we ate and danced the night away. What a blast.

After getting to sleep about midnight, Monday we got up at 3:00 a.m. for a live shot for Good Morning Utah. We took a mini-van shuttle to the park. It was a little surreal driving down Disney's Main Street at 4:00 in the morning. We certainly didn't have to worry about plowing over crowds of people. The only signs of life were a few sweepers and other employees stocking up the restaurants and stores for the day. The park had such a organized calm to it. It was really cool to be a part of it.

After the ride officially opened at noon to the public, we found a Utah couple waiting in line. They were close to the front, having arrived at 7:00 a.m. Kim and Brian of Syracuse were on their honeymoon and couldn't think of a better way to kick off their union than Finding Nemo. Brian was such a good sport, but when Kim said she was ready to get back in line and do it all again, Brian joked the Honeymoon would be over if she did. They are a great couple and it was such a pleasure for me to meet them.

It was a wonderful trip even though I only had time to ride Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Oh well... at least I got to meet the big mouse on Campus.

Proof Positive I'm a Mom

angiel — Mon, 21 May 2007 23:37:00 GMT

It's not often that a journalist has the opportunity to work a Dora the Explorer song into her news story... but Monday, that's exactly what I did. Researchers in Pennsylvania are creating an ergonomic backpack rigged with a bungee cord on a pulley system that reduces the load force and helps ease strain on the back. Very cool invention, although it won't be out on the market for another 15 months. But given this subject matter, I thought Dora's talking backpack was quite appropriate for my story. So I'm sorry if you all have the "Backpack Backpack" jingle stuck in your head now. Welcome to my world. A world where Dora is queen and my son is king of the remote.

Funny antidote to this, I was getting ready one morning when I heard shouts from the kitchen. "Ayudame! Ayudame!" Of course I had no idea what my son was screaming... but I quickly figured out he was shouting "help me" in Spanish as he dangled from the kitchen cabinet. Good old Dora is helping my son become bi-lingual. Now I'd better get with the program.

Good Things Come in Small Packages

angiel — Tue, 15 May 2007 19:54:00 GMT

Hello everyone. Since I'm not a technological genius, I'm feeling quite good about the fact that this is my first blog - and that I even know what one is - truth be told, I did have to ask someone. I'd like to start off by giving you all a huge thank you. We appreciate you watching and supporting all of us here at ABC 4. I choose to work here because I appreciate everything ABC 4 stands for. We have the community's best interests in mind and we sincerely care about the things you care about. My colleagues are among the best and the brightest. I admire and respect each of them and am honored to call them my friends.

As some of you know, along with my reporting duties, I am one of the hosts of the Emmy Award winning Good Things Utah. Don't tell my boss that I really shouldn't get paid for doing something that is so much fun. It is the best job I've ever had or could dream of having. I am very grateful for this opportunity.

Tuesday on the show we welcome little Kaleb Tracy. He is two-years-old and has been playing with his dad's band, Interstate I, since he was 3-months old. He plays the drums and sort of mimics the guitar. He also sings all the songs - well at least the last few words of each line. On top of that he's absolutely adorable. He is a You-Tube phenomenon, receiving thousands of hits on that web site.

I have to admit, it was hard to control my laughter because during the segment, little Kaleb threw one of those famous two-year-old tantrums. His dad, Jim and I tried everything to calm him down, but to no avail. We ended up trying to yell over him. And that's what makes live television so wonderful. Jim was fantastic and kept his cool and composure the whole time. I just wanted to throw my arms around that little boy and thank him for reminding me that I am not the only parent who has to deal with little boy tantrums. So thanks Kaleb and Jim and all the band members of Interstate I for the great time today. You can watch our GTU segment and the news story that Erika Edberg did later.

If you'd like more information about Interstate I go to www.interstatei.com.