"Bed-intruder song"

A viral video that's gotten a lot of attention lately has caught the eyes of our newsroom and I'll share it with you.

It's called "Bed-intruder song" and while the story began from a very serious topic, it has been transformed into a YouTube sensation and iTunes hit. Some critics argue it perpetuates stereotypes yet others say it shows people standing up for something.

It originated from a news story (actually aired by one of our sister stations) about an attempted rapist. The older brother of a woman who was attacked was interviewed and his on-air interview turned into a pop song by two brothers who "Auto-tune the News." They digitally convert the voices of newsmakers into songs and post them on YouTube.

Read this AP article about what Antoine Dodson, the man at the center of this viral video, is doing with his 15 minutes of fame.

You've got to watch the original news story first.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzNhaLUT520

Then watch the auto-tuned song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMtZfW2z9dw

Training at UMC

Whew! It's been a long time since my last blog post. Sorry about that. I just want to give a little update as to what I've been up to.

I've had the incredible opportunity to receive some extra training in reporting at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

I have to say that learning from the best of the best in the business is both awe-inspiring and intimidating. I've heard from multiple award winning journalists, including a Pultizer prize winner. I've been shown many new tools to help me gather research and data on a number of subjects.

Now that I've learned how and where to look for important stories affecting the Heartland, I just hope I can deliver the caliber of reporting required for such a feat. Check back for an update.

Thank you Polar Plunge donors!

I just want to write a little note thanking anyone who donated to the Special Olympics during the Polar Plunge a little more than a week ago. The Live, Local, Ice Breaking team won the Silver Plunger (2nd place) award for Best Dressed in our reporting outfits. However, the most important thing is that the fundraiser raised $39,565 for the Special Olympics. There were 224 plungers who submersed themselves in 34 degree water with an air temperature of 28 on February 6. Check out the pictures below courtesy Duncan Phenix and Tyler Profilet.

Plunge with me!

In less than a week I plan to do something most people would probably think is completely stupid, but I think it's pretty cool. In fact it's so cool it's freezing! The Polar Plunge at Lake Boutin in Trail of Tears will be full of plungers to raise money for the Special Olympics Saturday, February 6.

I'm hoping to not catch cold, but willing to take the risk. I'm asking you to join me and the rest of the KFVS Polar Plunge team. All money goes to the Special Olympics. This is especially important because the state Special Olympics for Missouri will be in Cape Girardeau in August. The event will bring in 800 athletes and their families.

Just click here to donate. Just select the team member you wish to support from the list and select the “Support Me” link on their individual page. Thank you for your support.

From Biloxi to the Heartland

Since it's the eve of what could turn out to be a major snow event in the Heartland, I'll share some not so snowy pictures.

I just returned from a Digital Media Conference in Biloxi, Mississippi. I met with other Web Managers about the best ways we can deliver news content to you.

The weather was sunny and breezy. It was a big contrast to this cold, snowy weather in the Heartland.

Do you have suggestions for our website that could make it better? I want to know. What information would you like to see? Email me at chendricks@kfvs12.com or leave your comments below.

I was able to dip my fingers in the bay and pick up a few seashells before heading back to the Heartland.

Getting rid of free antenna TV?

I've noticed a public service announcement on the airwaves recently from the National Association of Broadcasters. It's a 30 second spot "informing viewers of discussions in Washington that could limit free, over-the-air broadcast television." This comes after several third-party groups submitted requests to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) calling for the reallocation of broadcast spectrum for new wireless broadband devices.

I've had a couple of people ask me if their free antenna TV is going away. I can say no, right now.

According to an article in Television Broadcasting Magazine, the FCC is backing off on reallocating broadcast spectrum for broadband for now. According to an article by Broadcasting & Cable, a former cable executive working on the broadband team says "the plan currently being prepared for vetting by the FCC commissioners would be voluntary and would not require any broadcaster to sell its spectrum."

Just after the finish of the digital transition over the summer, the FCC started floating around the idea of reallocating spectrum. "FCC staffer Blair Levin first mentioned the idea of taking broadcast spectrum for the national broadband plan, which would likely place it in the hands of wireless telephone service providers. The commission issued a Public Notice Dec. 2 seeking feedback on a reallocation. A coalition representing 226 TV stations responded that the FCC needed to collect more hard data on demand for spectrum."

A national broadband wireless plan is due to Congress by February 17, but FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has requested a one month extension.

When that report does come out, we'll see what it in it. In the meantime, what do you think about reallocating the spectrum for antenna TV? Would you be affected if free antenna TV goes away or are you content with cable or satellite?

Cyber Monday deals and safe shopping tips

After stuffing our faces with turkey and dressing and working off that extra piece of pumpkin pie getting up early for the deals on Black Friday, you may still be searching for that perfect Christmas gift.

Cyber Monday has arrived and retailers are counting on that extra web traffic raise their bottom line, especially after early numbers from Black Friday find shoppers spent less on their purchases this year for Black Friday than last year.

The term was first coined in 2005 after Shop.org, a website by the National Retail Federation, noticed a large spike in online shopping the Monday after Thanksgiving. It's seen by many retailers, shoppers and the media as the official kick-off to the online holiday shopping season. That's when workers would typically use their work's online connection to surf the web for deals. Shop.org offers a nice guide to Cyber Monday shopping.

CyberMonday.com seems to be the "official" Cyber Monday site.

CyberMonday.net also boast some good deals.

Supercybermonday.com is another site with online deals.

Gottadeal.com tracks the Cyber Monday deals.

Mr. Dealfinder.com offers coupon codes for Cyber Monday discounts.

Facebookers and Tweeple--you can become a fan of Mr. Dealfinder on Facebook or follow Mr. Dealfinder on Twitter.

Become a fan of Cyber Monday on Facebook or follow it on Twitter.

Many retailers are tweeting and Facebooking. For example you can follow MySears, toysRUS, Bestbuy, kmartDealsnNews, WalmartSpecials and TargeT on Twitter.

Some retailers are carrying the Cyber Monday deals throughout the week, so keep your eye out for those.

Of course, you'll want to make sure your online purchases are safe. On Guard Online.gov, a website put together by the federal government to help users guard against Internet fraud, offers these tips for online consumers.

• Know who you're dealing with. Confirm the online seller's physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems.
• Know exactly what you're buying. Read the seller's description of the product closely, especially the fine print.
• Know what it will cost. Factor shipping and handling - along with your needs and budget - into the total cost of the order.
• Pay by credit or charge card, for maximum consumer protections.
• Check out the terms of the deal, like refund policies and delivery dates.
• Print and save records of your online transactions.

Also, look for sites with https in the web address. The 's' in the address means it's a secure site. Look for the little padlock or unbroken key at the bottom of the screen.

Happy shopping, just don't let the boss see you! ;)